As the hunting season wraps up and memories of your time in the field start to settle, now is the perfect time to turn your attention to your gear. The off-season offers a unique opportunity to evaluate your equipment, assess its performance, and prepare it for next year. A thorough post-season gear audit ensures your gear kit remains reliable and efficient, preventing costly surprises or, even worse, failures that send you home or to town for a fix.
The following guide walks you through a comprehensive gear audit, from evaluating what you already own to planning strategic upgrades. With these steps, you can keep your hunting gear in peak condition and ready for whatever challenges next season throws your way.
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Start with a Comprehensive Gear Inventory
The first step in any gear audit is creating a detailed equipment inventory. Begin by gathering everything you use during the season and organizing it into categories, such as clothing, weapons, optics, and tools. Taking inventory allows you to assess what you already have, what might be missing, and what needs attention.
Using a checklist can streamline this process. You can create your own or use a pre-made hunting gear list to ensure everything is noticed. Digital tools, such as inventory apps, can also help you keep track of your gear over time. As you sort through your equipment, set aside items that need cleaning, repair, or replacement.
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Evaluate Gear Performance
Now that you’ve gathered your gear, it’s time to evaluate how each item performed in the field. This step is crucial for identifying weaknesses in your kit and ensuring you’re not caught off guard next season. It can be easy to notice something that needs to be addressed in season and forget about it. Whether it’s something that needs to be fixed or something I may be missing, I like to put a note on my phone that I can reference later during my gear audit.
Clothing
Inspect every piece for rips, tears, or worn areas. Pay close attention to seams, zippers, and reinforced sections that may have taken extra stress. I'm not fond of a zipper that doesn’t work well, so this is always an emphasis point. Think back on your hunt. Did your base layers, jackets, and pants still provide the warmth, moisture-wicking, and durability you need for the terrain and weather conditions you hunt in?
Weapons
Examine your weapons. Look for signs of wear and tear, whether it’s a bow, rifle, or muzzleloader. For rifles, check the condition of the barrel, stock, and scope. Ensure the action is smooth and the trigger pull is consistent. Inspect bowstrings, cables, and cams for archery equipment for fraying or damage. Inspect and inventory your arrows. Ensure you have enough arrows for practice and hunting for the next season. Flex-test your arrows and make sure they are structurally sound. If they are not, throw that one away. Ensure your fletching is in good shape and does not need new vanes.
Backpacks and Packs
Our hunting backpacks endure significant abuse during a season. It’s easy to ignore, but a pack failure or something as simple as a buckle malfunction can be catastrophic on a hunt.
Check for broken zippers, torn straps, or worn fabric in load-bearing areas. Test all buckles and adjustability features to ensure they still function correctly. It’s always a good idea to inspect the internal frame of your pack and confirm it hasn’t bent or warped under heavy loads.
Footwear
Like packs, our boots are one of the most critical pieces of gear on any hunt. Inspect the soles for wear and traction. Look for cracks or holes in the uppers that could lead to leaks. Check the condition of internal cushioning and insoles to ensure they still provide support. Leather boots may need conditioning to prevent cracking, while synthetic boots require thorough cleaning to remove debris.
Optics and Electronics
Inspect your binoculars, scopes, and rangefinders for scratches, fogging, or other issues. Make sure your rangefinder is properly functioning throughout its different modes. Clean lenses carefully and ensure all adjustments work smoothly. For electronic devices like GPS units and radios, check battery compartments for corrosion and test their functionality.
I check batteries and ensure they aren’t showing any signs of corrosion when exposed. I also like to set a reminder for myself to replace the batteries, especially in my rangefinder, before the season starts, regardless of whether it needs it or not. It’s a small price to pay to ensure my rangefinder will work in the moment of truth.
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Identify Gear Gaps
Once you’ve assessed your gear, take some time to reflect on your experiences from the past season. Were there moments when you wished you had a specific piece of equipment? Did any of your gear fail to meet expectations? Identifying these gaps is a key part of the audit process.
For example, investing in better base layers or insulated outerwear might be a good idea if you struggle to stay warm during late-season hunts. If your pack wasn’t as comfortable as you think it should be, it might be time to upgrade. Again, keeping a running list of items on your phone is a good idea to research, test, and potentially purchase before next season.
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Clean and Repair What You Can
After a long season, this can be easy to ignore. The truth is, though, that extending the life of your gear starts with proper cleaning and maintenance. Many items can be restored to like-new condition with a little effort, saving you money in the long run.
Cleaning Clothing
Hunting clothes should be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pay special attention to removing dirt, sweat, and bloodstains. Dry them thoroughly before storing them to prevent mildew.
Weapon Maintenance
For rifles, clean the barrel and action to remove fouling and debris. I know some folks say cleaning your rifle obsessively isn’t necessary. Although this may be true, cleaning and light oiling before storing is a good idea. You remove build-up and can help them from rusting while not in use.
Over waxing your bowstring isn’t a good idea, but a light wax to address fraying is advised before storage. You should also wipe your bow down of dirt, grit, or moisture.
Many of the powders used in muzzleloaders are very corrosive. Thoroughly cleaning a muzzleloader before storage is critical and can significantly increase its accuracy and longevity. Lastly, always replace worn parts to ensure your weapon is safe and accurate.
Backpack Repairs
You can often fix minor issues with a backpack, but it’s best to consult your pack's manufacturer for anything significant. After consulting, you can decide whether to send the pack in or have them send you what you need to do for simple repairs on your own.
Boot Care
Maintaining your boots throughout the year is essential, but no time is more critical than before storage for an extended time. Boots should be thoroughly cleaned, paying attention to removing mud and debris from seams and treads. Leather boots should be conditioned to maintain flexibility, while synthetic materials can benefit from waterproofing sprays.
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Upgrade Strategically
While cleaning and repairing can restore much of your gear, some items may be beyond saving or no longer meet your needs. When upgrading, prioritize gear significantly impacting your safety, comfort, and success.
Boots, optics, and backpacks are high-priority upgrades. These critical pieces of equipment endure heavy use and directly affect your performance in the field. Research thoroughly before buying, paying attention to reviews and recommendations for products suited to your hunting style and environment.
The off-season is a great time to look for sales on high-ticket items. Many retailers offer discounts during this period, allowing you to invest in quality gear without breaking the bank.
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Store Your Gear Properly
Proper storage is essential to keeping your gear in top condition during the off-season. Poor storage practices can lead to mold, rust, and other damage that shorten the lifespan of your equipment.
Clothing
It’s best to store your clothing in a cool, dry area. Merino wool items are best stored in bags that keep out the elements and potential pests.
If you use a scent-free regime, it’s best to wash your hunting clothes with detergent and then store them in airtight containers or bags.
Weapons
Rifles and bows should be stored in climate-controlled environments to prevent warping or rust. If you don’t have a padded vault, use padded cases for additional protection. Check them periodically to ensure they remain in good condition and no rust materializes.
Optics and Electronics
Keep optics in their cases and store them in a dry location. Remove batteries from electronic devices to prevent corrosion; some even use silica gel packs to absorb moisture.
Packs and Boots
Store backpacks and boots in a cool, dry place. Make sure your boots are completely dry. I like to pull the insoles out and store them with the boots to ensure no moisture gets trapped.
I’m speaking from experience: Ensure you don’t leave any leftover lunch or remnants in your pack. A mouse in your bag is never good, and it can happen!
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Plan for Next Season
Your gear audit isn’t just about maintaining what you have; it’s also about preparing for the future. Use the insights gained from this process to create a pre-season checklist for next year. This list can include any new items you plan to purchase, maintenance tasks to complete, and gear to test before heading into the field.
These steps will save you time and stress when hunting season rolls around. You’ll be confident that your gear is ready for action and equipped to handle whatever challenges the hunt throws your way.
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Conclusion
A thorough post-season gear audit is easy to space but is one of the most critical tasks a hunter can undertake. By evaluating your equipment, addressing gaps, and preparing your kit for storage, you set yourself up for success next season. Hunting gear is an
investment, and with proper care and strategic upgrades, it can serve you reliably for years. Start your gear audit today and take the first step toward a successful and stress-free hunting season next year.
Zach Bowhay is known as a hunter and writer who has successfully hunted many species all across the western states and beyond. Specifically he is highly regarded in the western hunting community as an expert in DIY elk hunting on public lands. For 15 years he has been a well-published writer, sharing his love of the outdoors and expertise in both gear and tactics through his writing as well as video and photos. When not spending time with his wife and three kids he can be found roaming the mountains of the west in the pursuit of adventure.
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