Gear care in the off-season
by: Cody Fongemie
At the end of a long season, I usually toss my gear into my garage, where it sits for a bit. It used to sit there until the next season, but a few years ago, life got busy, and I found myself scrambling the night before the opener. After that experience, I realized that this time of year is the perfect time to do a deep gear breakdown and maintenance.
Evaluate and Update Your Gear List
The first step of this yearly ritual for me is to do a deep dive into what gear I have. I have built an elementary Google sheet listing all my gear. Like me, you can go further and add columns detailing the year purchased and gear condition. It is essential to understand what you have on hand. After laying everything out, I started to evaluate that gear. You may realize that specific gear didn’t perform as expected or that additional equipment is needed. Whether it’s new technology like trail cameras or upgraded optics, the off-season allows you to evaluate and refine your gear list. Making a comprehensive list of what you need will enable you to research and purchase items without the pressure of a fast-approaching hunting season.
Organize and Clean Your Equipment
Once that inventory is complete, it’s time to clean and organize. Hunting gear can accumulate dirt, moisture, and other residues over time. Cleaning your equipment during the off-season ensures it’s in top condition for the next hunt. For instance, cleaning firearms or crossbows, treating boots for durability, and washing hunting clothing will prevent mold, mildew, and corrosion. Proper maintenance also extends your gear’s lifespan, saving you money in the long run. After cleaning, I organize everything in bins for specific things, such as tents, cooking gear, western, whitetail, etc.
Prevent Gear Failure
During the off-season, inspecting your gear for any signs of wear and tear is crucial. Items like hunting rifles, binoculars, and clothing often suffer damage through the seasons, whether from rough handling or environmental exposure. This is your opportunity to repair or replace anything that might fail in the field. By doing this, you’ll feel more secure and confident in your gear’s performance during the next hunting season.
Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts
The off-season is often the best time to buy new gear. With hunting season over, retailers tend to offer sales and discounts on products. By reviewing your gear now, you’ll have a better idea of what needs replacing or upgrading, allowing you to capitalize on seasonal discounts and avoid paying full price when the season kicks off.
Avoid Last-Minute Stress
How much detail you go into with this is entirely up to you. Doing this is like pre-season scouting; you can’t have a successful hunt without it. So take the time to determine what gear you have, clean it up, and decide whether it needs replacing. You will not regret it when it only takes a few minutes to load up the night before opening day!
Good Luck!
Good luck this Spring and remember to send any success pictures or stories from the field to [email protected]. You could be featured on our website or in our magazine. If this article or any of our articles have helped you become a better hunter or conservation steward, become a member of the Mule Deer Foundation or Blacktail Deer Foundation for only $35 dollars a year. Click here to join: https://muledeer.org/product-category/membership/
Cody Fongemie @Fongeinthefield
Born and raised in New England, Cody developed a deep appreciation for American history and adventure from a young age. His love for the outdoors led him to become both an avid outdoorsman and a dedicated writer on related topics. After studying in South Carolina, he enlisted in the Air Force, where he is currently serving. Outside of his military duties, Cody enjoys hunting, fly fishing, and sharing his experiences through his writing. He also works to connect the military community with the outdoors through non-profit initiatives.
