All year long, we wait for hunting season to arrive, only for it to seemingly end as soon as it's getting started. Our offseasons were full of scouting and preparation. In season, we're constantly learning and adjusting to chase our quarry, looking for fresh signs and recent patterns that will help us be successful in the pursuit of game.
After the season ends, we spend time reminiscing on the months we just spent in the outdoors with friends and family. We close the book on the hunting year that was and focus on how to store hunting gear for the following season.
As I unpack my gear and prepare it for storage, I follow a quick checklist to keep everything organized, clean, and safe for the next time I'll need it. Here are some insights into storing your gear so it's ready for you next season.
Post-Season Tips For How to Store Hunting Gear
First, I like to check all my gear to make sure it's safe. If any items in my saddle setup show signs of rust or wear, it's time to replace them. My sticks might have some rust on the steps or the bolts, but that's an easy fix that I can address before putting them in storage for the year.
Next, I make sure all my gear is clean. The hunting season invites all kinds of dirt and grime. Post season gear care means getting rid of the mess before storing items for the long offseason. Get the blood out of your hunting pants, the dirt out of your backpack, and scrub out the coffee you spilled on your jacket. Clean gear will last you longer and be easier to use.
Once I know my gear is safe and clean, I organize it by type. When determining how to store hunting gear, I like to sort it by clothing, stands, weapons, hunting decoys, and accessories.
I also think about when I'll be using certain pieces of my gear next. For example, I always keep my binoculars and my backpack somewhere easy to reach, because I know that post-season scouting and shed hunting are right around the corner. If I have gear that I only use for a specific time of hunting, I sort that separately as well, keeping my turkey vest and turkey calls together in a separate spot.
Finally, I like to put my gear all in labeled bins, keeping things species- or activity-specific to stay organized. If you're looking for hunting gear storage ideas, consider storing things together when their purposes overlap.
How Do You Store Hunting Clothes?
Regardless of species, my clothing all goes into a bin together; it's not hard to pull out exactly what I need. However, when deciding how to store hunting boots, jackets, and other clothing, I don't store things haphazardly. I follow a system to ensure my hunting clothes will last me a long time.
As you pack your clothes, keep in mind when you will need each item again. For instance, don't put your turkey-hunting coat at the bottom; you're going to need that before you know it.
After I've packed my hunting clothes into a tote for the offseason, I like to put that tote in a cool, dry place, away from other household items that might carry a pungent smell (i.e., don't ruin your well-thought-out hunting clothing storage plans by putting totes in your kids' room or next to your dog's bed).
Should You Wash Your Hunting Clothes After the Season?
I always wash and dry my clothes thoroughly to remove odors, mold, and mildew. Once my clothes are washed and dried, I fold them carefully and put them in airtight storage containers with a little bit of baking soda to help keep them smelling fresh (cedar boughs and scent wafers also help).
How Do I Store My Tree Stand or Saddle?
My primary focus is safety when determining how to store a tree stand or anything related to climbing.
When storing my stands and saddle or cleaning my straps and ropes, I thoroughly inspect every part of each item. I check my ropes and straps to ensure there's no ripping or fraying and that the stitching is perfectly intact, and I inspect metal to confirm it's free of rust and not broken.
If I need to replace anything, I make a note of it and start ordering new items before the season gets close. It's easy to forget what's bent or broken if you wait too long after storing.
Once I've inspected everything, I like to hang my ropes, saddle, and stands in a dry place off the ground (typically, in my basement or garage). I hang my stands on hooks on the wall, and I hang my saddles and ropes from coat hangers. Before I hang any metal parts, I apply a light coat of oil to them to prevent rust and corrosion during the long offseason.
Start Planning for Next Season
While you're storing your gear, think about which items will help you succeed next season, whether it's an upgrade to your backpack or a backband for more comfortable saddle hunting. Whatever your needs are, you've got all offseason to address them.
Several years ago, I realized that my cold-weather camo wouldn't cut it for saddle hunting; I'd gotten cheap clothing to get by. However, once the offseason hit, I started setting aside some money and ordered top-of-the-line camo late that summer.
Prepare for Next Season with HuntWise
After you've stored your hunting gear after the last hunt of the year, it's time to look ahead to the upcoming hunting season!
Use HuntWise to scout new areas, check out the Elite membership for deals on incredible gear, and capitalize on the time you've got right now. Thankfully, next season will be here before we know it.
We have answers to your questions about how to stor hunting gear after the season!
Q: How do you store hunting clothes?
A: To store hunting clothes, wash them first, let them fully dry, then store them in an airtight bin or garment bag. Keep them in a cool, dry place and consider adding scent-control wafers or cedar.
Q: How do I store my tree stand?
A: To store your tree stand, clean off dirt and moisture, inspect straps and cables, then store it indoors if possible. Hang it or keep it off the ground to prevent rust and rodent damage.
Q: Should you wash your hunting clothes after the season?
A: Yes, you should wash your hunting clothes after the season. Washing removes sweat, dirt, and odors that can set in over time and damage fabric. Use scent-free detergent and skip fabric softeners.
Q: How do I store my decoys?
A: To store decoys, rinse off mud and debris, let them dry completely, then store in decoy bags or bins. Keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and cracking.
Q: What do you do with hunting gear after the season?
A: After-season gear care includes cleaning everything, checking for damage, making needed repairs, and storing gear in a dry, organized space. Off-season maintenance saves time and headaches next season.
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Hunters have been using decoys since early tribes roamed the plains and forests of North America centuries ago. Reports from the first settlers describe Powhatan Indians wearing buckskins with their heads attached for stalking whitetail bucks during ...Read More
What if you could have live footage and images of animal movements in your intended hunting zone all year round? For many hunting and outdoor enthusiasts, trail cams provide a window into the natural environment, providing otherwise unseen insights i...Read More
