How to Improve Your Hunting Gear Storage and Organization

It's an often overlooked practice, but good hunting gear storage practices are crucial for avid hunters.

Whether your space needs a spring clean, reorganization, or a total overhaul, we've got some expert tips to help you store and organize your hunting gear efficiently so you can turn your attention to your next hunt (not where you've left your turkey calls). 

Why Gear Organization Matters 

When you consider all the components that go into a big game hunt — extensive mapping, research, compliance, licensing, and tagging, dialing in your firearms before the hunt, and so much more — it's apparent that time is critical, and being able to locate your gear quickly can make all the difference.

Additionally, hunting gear is an investment, and proper storage helps extend its lifespan. Any unnecessary rust, wear, and damage will add to your overall costs and potential issues when using the firearm or gear out in the field, which is a safety issue. 

Finally, let's say you receive a call from a buddy who tells you they've just marked some fresh rubs and a considerable track pattern. In this instance, you want to be ready to go as soon as possible or risk missing out on some elite hunting opportunities. 

Setting Up Your Hunting Storage Space 

Before you move anything, designate a space in your garage, basement, or shed that will be used exclusively for hunting gear.

Grab your tape measure and note some rough measurements to determine how much area you're working with — especially if you plan to put in cabinets, shelving, or a gun safe.  Consider any natural light coming through the windows that may fade fabric over time, where the electrical power points are, and how easy it is to access in your car or truck. 

You must store your gear in a cool, dry place to protect it from moisture, extreme temperatures, and rust. Dehumidifiers or silica gel packs (you can grab them online) will add protection and add to the longevity of your gear. 

Decent lighting is non-negotiable, so you can quickly locate critical items if you're using the space for additional tasks, such as reading maps or tying dry flies. Shelves, bins, pegboards, gun racks, small cabinets, and boxes, such as fishing tackle or footlockers, are all great ways to help organize your gear. 

Hunting Gear Storage Ideas For Different Types of Gear

Being a responsible gun owner means handling and storing your firearm safely.

Storing your firearm in a gun safe or cabinet is not only a great idea for security but may be a legal requirement in your state. You may risk criminal liability charges if a minor can access your firearms within your domicile.

To help with the storage of ammunition, use labeled ammo boxes to separate calibers and consider keeping these separate from your firearms to enhance safety. Ammunition should be stored in a cool and dry location, ideally in waterproof and sealed containers such as ammunition cans. 

How to Store Your Hunting Clothes

Storing clothing is essential to maintain the quality and durability of the fabrics and limit or eliminate exposure to scents that can ruin a hunt. Use vacuum-sealed bags for seasonal storage to save space and keep items scent-free.

If you're an all-year hunter, it can help to label by season, such as early-season, mid-season, and late-season, and add some scent-eliminating products, such as activated carbon, before sealing them up. For boots, invest in a boot rack with drip trays for drying and organizing, and to avoid mud and liquids from spilling into your organizational area. 

Keep Track of and Protect Accessories

Always keep high-use accessories such as binoculars or rangefinders in their original packaging, such as padded cases or drawers with foam inserts if possible.

Additionally, calls, scents, and lures should be stored in airtight containers. Scent-based products should be kept away from other gear to avoid transferring unwanted scents. 

Finally, hang backpacks on shoulder-high pegs for easy access and to maintain their shape. Consider using a pegboard for tools, such as knives, multi-tools, and other essentials–this also ensures you don't forget anything. 

Labeling and Inventory Tips 

When labeling, opt for clear, waterproof labels to categorize bins, drawers, or shelves and any additional compartments within these storage devices to keep track of your gear, usage, essential maintenance dates, storage, and anything that's running low. Consider establishing a digital inventory checklist in a hunting app (like HuntWise) or spreadsheet to track these critical markers. 

A color-coded system can help with different gear categories, such as season type, hunting type, or more. See-through, airtight plastic tubs are a great way to find what you need quickly. 

Seasonal Swaps and Maintenance 

Hunting gear organization and storage is not a set-and-forget process.

To meet the changing hunting landscape, seasonal adjustments must be made to rotate your gear. All gear should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected before storage, ensuring everything is ready for next season.

To help with this, note the last cleaning date of any gear when labeling. 

During the off-season, take the time to replace any worn or broken items in your inventory list and complete any ongoing maintenance tasks, such as cleaning your firearms or treating rubber-based boots. 

On-The-Go Organization 

Deep in the season, you'll be using your gear at a much higher frequency, so durable, waterproof gear totes or heavy-duty duffel bags with compartments help keep hunting essentials organized and easy to transport.

This means you can grab and go when the hunting is good. Group similar items together based on the season you're hunting. 

When organizing your truck, consider a slide-out drawer system to protect firearms, ammo, and gear while allowing quick access.

DIY and Budget-Friendly Solutions 

You don't need to spend a small fortune to reorganize your hunting gear storage.

Repurposing items such as fishing tackle boxes to store small items such as calls, tools, batteries, and other essential items is an easy way to keep all your bits and pieces in one place. PVC pipes are invaluable as bow or gun racks and are equally excellent for storing fishing rods that are rigged up and ready to go. 

You can also look online at secondhand marketplaces for old shelves or crates for quick, cost-effective storage.

Staying Organized Long Term 

Break out the calendar and mark quarter-yearly check-ins to declutter and reorganize your gear for the upcoming open seasons.

• Inspect firearms, optics, and clothing for wear and tear, making necessary repairs or replacements.
• Check the expiration dates on any gear, such as scents, and replace them if necessary.
• Make sure you have the right licenses, certifications, and permits for your state before the season begins.

If you have a shared space or are storing gear for friends or family, consider opening up a shared checklist, such as in a Google document or shared chat, to coordinate gear and ensure everyone knows where everything goes. 

Prepare For Your Next Hunt With HuntWise (and Organized Gear)

Preparation is one of the critical components of a successful hunt. Anything you can do before you hop in your truck and head out in the field to make your life easier will give you that edge and hopefully lead to some big game. 

Once you've organized your space and have a clear vision, you can start planning your next hunt. It's easy to keep track of notes from previous hunts, markers, scouting insights, and more when using the HuntWise app — arguably the most important piece of "gear" you should use for every hunt!

The HuntWise app offers state-of-the-art mapping overlays, such as LiDAR capabilities, weather insights, rutting information, and much more, to help you stay organized and prepared for whatever is next. 

As you get ready for your next hunt, make sure you have HuntWise! 
Download the app and start your free Pro or Elite trial for access to more features and bigger gear discounts.