It’s hard to believe, but hunting season starts in just a couple of weeks.

Goose season starts Sept. 1, but hunters have to use last year’s licenses to participate because new ones aren’t valid until Oct. 1. Goose hunters will need a 2005 federal duck stamp and a new Harvest Information Program number as well.

Last year’s licenses are still in effect for early bear season in the Adirondacks, which opens Sept. 17, and for the early Northern Zone archery season, which starts Sept. 27.

Even if you don’t get out and hunt during these early seasons, you should get into the woods and prepare for fall.

Permanent treestands need to be checked and repaired, if necessary. Climbing into your favorite stand in the dark on opening morning is not the time to discover a loose step or a weak support. Nails in trees loosen over the years and can get rusty and we[an error occurred while processing this directive]ak. A fall from 12 or 15 feet up can ruin your day, even if you get lucky.

Take the time during these nice days to check your stand, cut shooting lanes and prepare for the upcoming season.

A walk up the hill and into the woods might not hurt, either. I’m physically ready for the steep mountains of the Adirondacks, but I know that many of you aren’t. A brisk walk every day will help by using those muscles that have been idle all season. Scouting several mornings a week is a good idea, too. Wander the woods, learn new places and check out the wildlife in your area.

If you’re a bow hunter, start shooting targets in your backyard. Find out if the string and cable on your bow is in good condition.

Gun hunters should head to the range and make sure that their rifles are sighted in properly. A little practice never hurt anyone.

If you hunt on someone else’s property, it’s always good to pay them a visit and ask permission once again. A friendly chat goes a long way. Don’t take for granted that you’ll always have a place to hunt. Things change, so do your homework and plan ahead.

This is true, but a few of the historical references I used to support my stance were incorrect.

It’s been a long time since seventh-grade social studies with Mrs. Potter. I’m sure she was rolling over in her grave when I told you that the Battle of Saratoga was in 1775. According to the website www.saratogaaoh.com, it was actually 1777.

The second glaring error was telling you that Tim Murphy shot General Burgoyne off his horse at more than 200 yards. Again, according to the same website, Murphy really killed General Simon Frasier at roughly 300 yards with his Swiss made double rifle from a treetop. Murphy is also credited with killing Burgoyne’s aide, Sir Francis Clarke, when he galloped out onto the field of battle to order a retreat.

Thanks to an alert reader, these mistakes were brought to my attention earlier this week.

As we get older, we tend to forget some of the things that were once drilled into our heads. I’ll try to be more careful of the facts in the future.

Rick Brockway writes a weekly outdoors column for The Daily Star. E-mail him at brockway@dmcom.net.