As the deer hunting season approaches, ensuring your gear is in top condition can significantly impact your success and safety in the field. Pre-season maintenance is not just about improving performance; it also helps prevent mishaps and ensures you’re prepared for any conditions you might encounter.
Last season, during a late October evening hunt, I learned firsthand just how crucial a routine gear check can be and how costly it is when overlooked. After sitting in my tree stand for over an hour, I heard the unmistakable sound of a deer walking through the leaves. I slowly turned my head, hoping to catch some movement from a steep ravine. To my amazement, it was the monster buck I had spotted on my game cameras two months earlier. Since I hadn’t received any pictures of this buck since late summer, I never expected him to be anywhere near this stand. But there he was, just a few yards away. I clipped my thumb release to the bowstring and drew back. The buck was now only twelve yards away, and I just needed him to take another step to clear an overhanging limb blocking my shot. But before I knew it, my release went off unexpectedly, sending my arrow several feet in front of the best buck I had on camera in the past five years. Even though I felt like throwing my release across the ridge, I discovered that a screw had come loose, causing the release to malfunction and not hold the string properly. If I had only thoroughly checked my gear before the hunt, I might have taken my largest buck with a bow to date.
To avoid similar mishaps and ensure you have everything you need for this hunting season, now is the time to create a list and check it twice!
1. Bow and Arrows
- Bow String and Cables: Check for fraying or wear on your bowstring and cables. Replace them if necessary. A well-tuned bowstring ensures accurate shooting and prevents potential string breakage in the field.
- Cam and Limb Inspection: Examine the cams, limbs, and riser for any cracks or signs of damage. Tighten any loose bolts and ensure that all parts move smoothly.
- Arrow Fletching and Shafts: Inspect arrows for cracks or bends and replace any damaged ones. Make sure fletching’s are secure and that nocks are correctly seated.
- Archery Accessories: Releases, quivers, and other accessories also need to be checked before hunting. Like my hunt, screws can loosen, causing equipment not to work correctly.
2. Rifle or Shotgun
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean your firearm. Remove all residue from the barrel and chamber, and ensure the action is free of dirt and grime.
- Lubrication: Apply a light coat of lubricant to moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
- Scope and Sights: Check and adjust your scope or iron sights for proper alignment and zero. Perform several test rounds of firing your gun to verify accuracy.
3. Clothing and Gear
- Camo Clothing: Inspect your camo clothing for tears or wear. Repair or replace any damaged items to maintain effective concealment.
- Boots: Clean and treat your hunting boots. Ensure they are waterproof and inspect the soles for wear. Good boots are crucial for comfort and safety during long hunts.
- Gloves and Hats: Check for any needed repairs or replacements. Ensure your gloves provide good dexterity and warmth, and make sure you have a good facemask. Plus, pack extras in case you lose one on the way to hunt.
4. Tree Stand and Safety Harness
- Tree Stand Inspection: Thoroughly check your tree stand for stability and safety. Tighten any loose bolts and ensure all straps are secure. Replace any damaged components. Straps that have been in a tree for over a year can often develop weathering that can be dangerous when hunting.
- Safety Harness: Inspect your safety harness for frayed straps or buckles. Ensure that all components are functioning properly and replace any worn-out parts.
5. Backpack and Accessories
- Inventory Check: Take stock of all items in your hunting pack. Replace expired or damaged supplies, such as first aid kits and fire-starting materials.
- Organize Gear: Several weeks before hunting, I get my backpack ready to go and ensure all my hunting accessories are in place and ready to hunt. These items could include grunt calls, scents, binoculars, knives, flashlights, and rangefinders. Make sure they are in working order and easily accessible for when you get in a tree stand or a saddle and need to reach for a specific item without having to dig around, making unwanted noise and movement.
6. Miscellaneous
- Game Cameras: Test and adjust game cameras. Ensure batteries are fresh and memory cards are functioning. Once the cameras are ready, please position them to monitor deer movement effectively.
- Field Dressing Tools: Sharpen knives and ensure any other field dressing tools are clean and ready for use.
Preparing for the upcoming season, I’m reminded of another close call that could have been avoided with a simple pre-hunt inspection. In my early twenties, I decided to hunt from one of my father’s old ladder stands that had been in place for a few years. Being young and careless, I climbed up without checking it first. After a few hours without action, I decided to call it a day and climb back down. But as I stepped onto the top rung to descend, the main strap holding the stand to the tree snapped. I rode the stand halfway down before jumping from six to eight feet up. Fortunately, I landed on my hands and knees without any serious injury. I could have avoided the whole situation if I had just taken a few seconds to inspect the straps before climbing.
By performing these crucial maintenance tasks, you ensure your gear will function correctly and reliably when needed. Proper preparation not only enhances your chances of a successful hunt but also contributes to a safer and more enjoyable hunting experience.
