As I write this, it's 100 degrees Fahrenheit on the East Coast, and very few people are voluntarily going outside. But with hunting season just a few short months away and state agencies already releasing updated hunting season regulations, now is a good time to do that summer preparation for hunting season ... indoors.
Summer cleaning
When it is hot and I prefer to be inside, I often start pulling out my firearms and giving them another cleaning and inspection. If you live where there is any humidity, this is a good idea anyway as rust is no friend to firearms. First, ensure the firearm is unloaded and on safe. Then check it again. Then give the gun a visual inspection of the metal exterior and the muzzle (with a good light), and then field-strip it to peer into the breech end of the barrel to ensure there are no obstructions or rust or corrosion build up in the barrel.
Lube any parts that appear dry and wipe down the barrel and other metal parts with a rust preventative or light coat of oil. I like to use SHEATH by Birchwood Casey, but keep in mind that some products have an odor and if you apply this right before you go hunt, it may ruin your hunt! If you have a wood stock, make sure the interior of the stock is sealed so it does not warp and press against the barrel. Most modern wood stocks do not have this issue, but you might want to check.
I also go through my gear, such as my hunting clothing and make sure there has not been any dampness that has led to mold or funky smells. Now is a good time to give them another wash with “scent killer” detergent if you are in doubt and possibly hang them outside while it is hot and they can dry with “outside smells” and heat from the sun. Just don’t do this while you are barbequing! Put them in a no-scent bag until opening day.
Other gear checks
Check your packs to be sure all your first aid stuff is in there. Paracord and other emergency supplies should be checked for inventory. Did you leave that apple in there you never ate from your last outing? Uggg, it may be time to clean that up! Seriously, I often have peanut butter crackers or trail mix in my pack, and it does expire, so you might want to make a note to refresh those pack snacks just before your next outing.
Check batteries for corrosion, and see if you have game bags still in the pack if you use them. I also carry a few big sealable plastic bags and often forget to put them back or replace them, so summer is a good time to double check this.
Don’t forget your knives. I often wash mine once more and I take the time to give them a careful sharpening. Having a sharp knife when daylight is fading and you are in a hurry to get your animal field-dressed and back to the truck or camp is crucial. A dull knife is dangerous and a hindrance to getting the job done too. I use the Warthog sharpening system. It is simple to use and gets a good edge in a few minutes of time.
Boots
I learned a very important lesson about my boots a few different times. First of all, boots should not smell bad. I sweat a lot and many readers may share this trait as well. It is important to air out our boots, so they are not walking deterrents to our quest for taking home game.
The other tough lesson I learned is that the soles on some boots deteriorate over time. I had a nice pair of well-known brand hunting boots new in the box for a few years. I did not need them and wanted to wring out all the use I could out of the boots I was wearing at the time. After several years in the box and on a shelf, I pulled them down and pulled them on for a local whitetail hunt. They fit fine and felt great until they did not, which was about halfway through my hunt and about a mile from the truck on the other side of a swamp. I noticed they felt “lumpy” when I slowly stalked along. I looked behind me expecting to see a gum ball from a tree that I possibly stepped on or a stone. I saw a black blob on the trail. I soon realized the soles were literally falling apart.
I have had several pairs of boots crack or the soles crack and chunk apart. I now bend them in my hands to check for cracks and damage before I start my hunting season to give myself time to replace them before it becomes an emergency.
Each summer, on these hot days, I get my family together and we take an hour or two and go through our hunting gear checking to make sure we are ready for the season. There is more than enough to do the night before a hunt without having to do the above chores too! Put these hot days to good use and enjoy a stress-free start to your hunting season in a few months.
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