The old trusty yellow quad, nothing fancy but with proper maintenance and care, this thing has done lots of scouting missions in its time!
It’s a great time of year to head into your storage and sort through your hunting gear making some mental notes of what needs to be tuned, repaired or replaced before you get too busy with summer activities. Because before you know it opening day will be here this fall. Some of the things to consider:
- Apparel– Have you washed and inspected all pants/jackets for rips and tears that might need repairs? Does it still fit properly or did it ever? If not maybe put it in the donate pile. I usually take time to waterproof all boots and wash all applicable jackets and pants with gortex wash so they’re ready to go for another season.
- Tree Stand Harness– If you have one, please inspect it for wear and tear and fix or replace anything that needs repairs. If you still need to get one, make sure to put it on the list! It’s too important to go without one!
- Backpacks- Nows the time to wash any of those backpacks that are mud covered and blood stained from last season.
- Equipment- Need to clean your guns, replace strings on your bow? Take the time to make repairs. You don’t want to make the mistake of leaving it all to the last minute and are not able to get parts before you head out. This goes for quads, trailers and vehicles. Take the time to make sure they’re tuned up for those summer scouting trips. The last thing you want is mechanical failure, forcing you to spend precious time waiting around for a tow-truck.
- Need New Boots? Planning on an epic mountain hunt that requires a great deal of hiking? One of the biggest mistakes people make is that they buy new boots only a couple of weeks before they head out on their trip. Then they end up with crippling blisters only days into it. Purchase your boots now and start breaking them in. Wear them at home doing the laundry, to the park or to get groceries.
- Check your bear spray and make sure it’s still legit. Have you used it before, is it 15 years old and expired or is the canister crushed or deformed in any way? Trust me the last thing you want to do is find that out when you want to use it.
- Stand Maintenance and Placement– Nows a great time to check out and do some maintenance on old stands, like clearing overgrown shooting lanes and repairing blinds. It’s also an opportune time to get out and enjoy the beautiful spring weather and look for some new spots.
Once your hunting closet’s organized and ready to go, it will give you the following months to focus on your fitness and skills before opening day. The better prepared you are the greater the chances of success!
