As the hunting season starts to come to an end, many hunters will find themselves getting ready to store their gear during their off time. Proper off-season storage is vital to maintaining the longevity and functionality of your hunting gear.
If you are planning to store your hunting bows, firearms, hunting tools, camping gear, optics, and any other hunting equipment during the off season, it is important that you learn to store them properly to ensure they remain in the best condition and ready to use come the next hunting season.
Below, you will find a comprehensive guide on how to properly prepare and store your hunting equipment for off-season storage.
Clean Your Hunting Equipment
Before you even think about placing any of your hunting equipment in storage, you will need to thoroughly clean it. Moisture, dirt, and oils accumulate over time and allowing these things to remain on your equipment can lead to equipment failure over time.
Cleaning your hunting equipment is especially important and below, we will delve deeper into how to clean your hunting equipment based on the type of equipment.
Bows
Bows need to be regularly cleaned to ensure they are precise and accurate when you use them. With proper maintenance, you can rest assured that your bow will operate properly throughout each hunting season.
Here’s how to properly clean your bow:
- Clean the bowstring: You should take a damp, clean, lint-free cloth and wipe down the entire bowstring. You should inspect the bowstring for any damage and replace it, if necessary. If the bowstring is in good condition, once it is cleaned, you should apply a bowstring wax to help keep the fibers lubricated while not in use
- Inspect the bow’s cables: Just as you will inspect the bowstring, you want to spend some time inspecting the bow’s cables as well. Look for any signs of damage and replace any worn or damaged cables
- Don’t forget the riser and limbs: Before placing the bow in storage, take a peek at the riser and limbs and make note of any cracks, signs of stress, damage, or dings. If you notice any of these issues, make sure to have the bow repaired before storing it so that it is ready to go for the next hunting season
- Place the bow in a protective case: Once the bow has been cleaned and cleared of any damage, put it into a protective case with padding to protect it while it is in storage
Firearms
Just as bows need to be cleaned and inspected regularly, so do firearms. Since firearms are one of the most important pieces of equipment when it comes to hunting, you need to make sure you spend time properly preparing them for storage.
Here’s how to properly clean your firearms:
- Take the firearm apart: Before you clean and store your firearm, you want to spend some time taking it apart. You do not need to disassemble the entire thing, but you should separate the firearm into its main components. By doing this, you will be able to clean the firearm more thoroughly
- Remove debris and dirt: Once the firearm is disassembled, use a clean soft bristled brush or a soft cloth to remove any debris, dirt, or dust that has accumulated. Make sure to spend extra time cleaning the chamber, barrel, and receiver. Do also make sure to use a bore cleaning kit to clean the bore of the firearm thoroughly
- Lubricate the firearm: Once you have finished cleaning the firearm, you want to lubricate the firearm. Make sure to lubricate areas such as the bolt, action, and trigger. You do want to avoid over lubrication as this can cause an accumulation of dirt to gather
- Check for rust: Before you place your firearm in storage, inspect it for any signs of rust, especially in areas that are more prone to moisture exposure. If you see any rust on your firearm, handle it immediately with a rust remover made for guns and then apply an oil to protect the surface from further damage
- Place the firearm in a case: When ready to store your firearm, place it in a padded case to protect it while it is being stored
Camping Gear
If you utilize camping gear when you go hunting, you will want to spend time preparing this equipment for storage as well. Improper preparation can lead to mildew and premature malfunction of your items.
Prior to packing up and storing your camping gear such as sleeping bags, tents, and cooking equipment, make sure you clean everything properly and spend time inspecting each item for any signs of damage. Damaged items should be repaired or replaced before they are stored so that they are ready to go for the next season.
When it comes to your sleeping bags and tents, you want to make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions to clean these. You may find that many are spot clean only.
Once you have verified there is no damage and you have cleaned your camping gear, you should ensure it is completely dry and then store it in a cool and dry location such as in a breathable storage container or bag.
Optics
Optics such as scopes, binoculars, and other like items need to be stored properly to ensure they last for many hunting season.
Before you put any of your optic gear away, make sure to clean the lenses and remove any debris that may have accumulated on them. Do use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the lenses.
Prior to placing the items in storage, inspect them for damage and then place them into a padded bag or hard case to protect them.
Maintaining Your Hunting Tools and Accessories
Hunting involves the use of various tools and accessories to help assist you such as game calls, tree stands, and knives. Ensuring that these items are properly prepared for storage can prevent damage to them.
Game Calls
Game calls need to be properly cleaned to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria from a build up of moisture. Moisture can lead to problems with the sound quality of the device as well, so it is important to always make sure your game calls are completely dry.
Do make sure you use a gentle cleaner that will remove any dirt and residue from the game calls. You can even use an antimicrobial or antibacterial cleaner to ensure all bacteria is removed as well.
As you clean your game calls, do be careful not to be too abrasive with the internal components as you do not want to break them.
Lastly, store all of your game calls in a moisture-free environment, preferably in a case.
Tree Stands and Blinds
Tree stands and blinds can help you effectively hunt for game but when they are not properly cared for, they can rust, deteriorate, or become damaged. A damaged or rusted blind or stand is a dangerous one and one that you do not want to use. To ensure that your tree stand, and ground blinds are in good condition for the next hunting season, make sure you follow these tips:
- Thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of the tree stands and ground blinds to remove dirt and sap
- Check for any loose bolts, wear, or damage and then tighten, replace, or repair any issues
- Store in a cool, dry place
Knives
A rusted or dull knife is not only ineffective, but it can also be quite dangerous, especially when hunting. To keep your knives sharp and in good condition during the off season, follow these tips:
- Clean your knives thoroughly and then dry them off completely (moisture=rust)
- Sharpen the blades using a sharpening tool or stone
- Apply a thin layer of oil to the blade to prevent corrosion and rust
- Store the knives safely in a cool, dry place (utilize a protective case or sheath)
Clothing and Footwear
When it comes to your clothing and footwear, if you leave it wet, you can expect it to mold or mildew. Additionally, you want to make sure that before you store your clothing and footwear, that you take care not to add too much human scent to the items.
When it comes to your clothing, do wash the clothing following the directions from the manufacturer. You should remove any stains and use a scent-free detergent on the items. To help minimize any scent added to the clothing, if you plan to use your dryer, avoid using dryer sheets. Alternatively, you can choose to air dry your clothing.
When you are ready to store your clothing, place them in airtight bags or containers that are free from any scents.
For your footwear, make sure to clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt that may be on them. You should use a soft-bristled brush to clean the crevices on them. Once done cleaning, allow the boots to dry fully.
If you have leather boots, apply a leather conditioner to them to help keep them from cracking while in storage. Before placing the boots in storage, do use either a boot shaper or newspaper to help maintain the shape of the boot.
Store the boots in an area that is not prone to high humidity or extreme heat.
Choose the Right Storage Location
As you have likely noticed, most, if not all, of your items should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent issues with functionality and material.
Ideally, all of your hunting equipment, gear, and clothing should be stored in a climate-controlled area. This means you can store it somewhere in your home or even a storage unit that is regulated when it comes to heat, cold, and humidity.
Extreme weather temperatures and humidity can ruin electronics, clothing, and even your firearms, so it is important to ensure that you choose the proper storage location.
No matter where you plan to store your bows and firearms, it is recommended that you place them in a secure and locked safe. This way, no unauthorized access to them will occur.
Keep Your Hunting Equipment and Gear in Tip Top Shape During the Off Season
Proper preparation and storage conditions during the off season will ensure that all of your gear and equipment is ready for you when it is time to hunt again. By spending some additional time cleaning, inspecting, and repairing your gear and equipment, you will not only extend the life of your items, but you will ensure they are in the best condition. Remember, properly stored and cared for hunting gear and equipment is safe and can lead you to a successful hunting season.
