Best Hunting Gear Storage Guide: Tips for Longevity and Readiness

1. Clean and Inspect:

Before storing any hunting gear, thoroughly clean and inspect each item for wear and damage.  If you’ve ever worn a fall protection system at work, you know the legalities of having to inspect the harness, lanyard, and other accessories fully before and after every use are crucial, so you should treat your safety harness, treestand, or saddle hunting gear the same way.  Other items that you need to clean and inspect after each use include:

• Firearms: Disassemble, clean, and lubricate each component.  (more on storage later)
• Hunting Clothes: Launder clothing with scent-free detergent to eliminate odors.
• Optics: Wipe down scopes, binoculars, rangefinders, and spotting scopes after use to remove dirt and moisture.
• Hunting Boots: Remove dirt and moisture to prevent mold and odors.  Using Boot Trees to maintain the shape of the boots and facilitate airflow.  Use boot heaters to dry boots after washing.

2. Use Climate-Controlled Storage:

Investing in a climate-controlled storage space helps protect your gear from extreme temperatures and humidity. This may be difficult for some people as you might not have a designated storage area in your home to properly store your hunting gear, however, items like tree stands and ground blinds don’t need to be stored this way, as long as they’re protected from the elements (rain, snow, wind, UV radiation, etc.) I remember some of my hunting buddies that lived in the dorms on campus, would rent a storage unit to store their hunting gear in.  You’ll want to avoid storing hunting gear in a regular duffle bag that can’t keep unwanted scents out.  Some hunting gear that requires climate-controlled storage includes but is not limited to:

• Firearms: Prevents rust and corrosion, just make sure they’re locked in the safe to prevent theft and potential damage from fires.  Safe storage of a firearm is essential for responsible gun owners.
• Clothing: Preserves fabric integrity and prevents mold growth.  Mice and bugs can damage fabrics, so be sure to include storage in a scent-free tote.
• Optics: Maintains optical clarity by preventing fogging from condensation as well as damage to the item.

3. Utilize Scent-Control Measures:

Keep hunting clothing scent-free by following our 11 Step Scent Control process, learn more in the blog linked here.  Clean your hunting clothing before storage and be sure to store it in a scent-free tote that’s airtight.  Treat ozone-safe hunting products with ozone before and after storage.  Scent control might not seem important to all hunting pursuits, but deer hunters aren’t the only ones who should be concerned about scent control.

Just because you’re pursuing one species doesn’t mean a species that can smell you won’t spook them.  For example, you’ve got turkey decoys in place before the morning sun rises while tucked in the brush 20 yards away.  Turkeys gobble in the distance and just before fly down, a deer starts blowing because it hits your downwind scent, runs directly towards the approaching longbeard, spooking him and ruining your hunt because you thought scent control wasn’t important when turkey hunting.

For storage, I don’t recommend storing your hunting gear with cover scent, instead keep them as scent-free as possible.  If your scent control isn’t on par, you can use natural scents such as pine needles, cedar chips, walnuts, etc, instead of scent wafers, This includes long-term storage, as well as short-term storage to and from the field.  Do not hang your hunting clothing in your closet, exposing it to unwanted odors.  Don’t forget to label each plastic tote so you know what’s in it.

4. Invest in Quality Gun, Bow, and Crossbow Cases:

Ensure the safety and longevity of your firearms and archery equipment but properly storing them.  We’ve had the chance to test a lot of gun and bow cases through the years and they’re not all created equal.  A good gun and bow case is especially important when traveling.

• Using Hard Cases: Protects firearms, bows, and crossbows from physical damage during storage and transportation.
  • Pelican 1745 Air Bow Case
  • Pelican Vault V800 Double Rifle Case
• Adding Moisture Absorbers: Helps prevent rust.  There are a few cases on the market that have built-in rust inhibitors in them and they work great!
  • Plano Rustrictor AW2 42″ Rifle Case
  • Bone Dri Rust Prevention Dual Rifle Case

5. Organize Accessories:

To increase your efficiency during prep time before the hunt, keep your hunting gear neat and organized.  This is something that I struggle with during the season as I’m constantly switching between hunting methods, as well as clothing options for different weather conditions.  In fact, my garage is a total wreck right now and it’ll take me a few days to get things organized again.  However, I do have good organizational skills between seasons and here are some tips:

• Storage Containers:  The black and yellow 27-gallon totes that you can find virtually anywhere are perfect for long-term storage of hunting gear. (Sam’s Club always seems to have the best prices on these totes).
• Labeling Plastic Containers: Clearly label storage bins for easy identification.  Labeling the totes is easy, just add a piece of Duct tape and write on it with a Sharpie.
• Using Tackle Boxes or Organizers for Small Items: Separate small items like broadheads, field points, inserts, fletchings, and more.
• Treestands and Climbing Sticks:  Zip ties are your friend when transporting and storing treestands.  You’ll want to secure the platform and seat.  If you need to store your climbing sticks with the treestand, you may need to zip-tie each stick together as you stack them.  There are ways to secure them with the straps, but they can loosen if the sticks and stand shift.  The best way that I’ve found to store treestands is by hanging them up, so if you have the room or wall space, try storing them out of the weather.  Don’t forget the straps!  Roll each strap up tightly and tape them so they can’t unravel.
• Trail Cameras:  Remove all batteries from the cameras for storage.  Wrap the straps around each camera, as this will keep them from getting tangled, as well as provide some padding between the cameras.  Battery storage can be tricky, so follow the manufacturer recommendations.

6. Post Season Inspections:

Regularly check your hunting gear for signs of wear or damage, both during the season and after the season before storage for use next season.  This is a good time to check for damages that could qualify for warranty/repair, such as manufacturer defects, or products from brands that have a no BS warranty, such as optics.  This year, I’ve already found two clothing items and a riflescope that need to be sent in for warranty repairs.  As for first-aid kits, don’t store them. Instead, keep it on standby around the house in case you need it and replenish the kit as you need it.  MyMedic makes great first-aid kits for all of your outdoor adventures.

• Firearms: Inspect for rust, corrosion, or worn components.  If issues are found, consult your local gunsmith during the off season as you’ll probably get your gun back quicker than you would if you were to wait to hunting season.
• Clothing: Look for tears, loose stitching, or damage from pests.  Many high-end clothing brands offer warranties on their clothing, so don’t throw it out unless it’s blatantly obvious that you are at fault.
• Optics: Check for scratches, fogging, or misalignment.  If issues are found, contact the manufacturer and they might replace them with new ones!
• Trail Cameras:  Got a few broken game cameras lying around?  If so, save them as some box store retailers offer trail camera trade-in events and you can get a significant discount on a new camera.

7. Consider Off-Season Maintenance:

At the end of the season, its a good idea to perform all proper maintenance on your hunting gear before storage for next year.  Whether it oiling and greasing moving parts, replacing treestand straps or cables, or new strings/cables on your bow and/or crossbow.  If you’re not comfortable performing these tasks, consult a professional.  For proper care instructions, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

• Bows and Crossbows:  Replace strings and cables every year.  Treat string and cables with string was according to manufacturer recommendations
• Treestands and Climbing Sticks:  Replace cables, bolts, and straps as necessary.  Do not leave them out after hunting season to increase their life, as well as for your own personal safety.
• Guns:  Clean and oil guns after use.
• Optics:  Clean before storage and safely secure each item.

8. Secure Storage for Guns and Ammunition:

Properly storing guns and ammunition is your job as a responsible gun owner.  Not only will you protect the guns and ammo from theft and the hands of people who shouldn’t touch them, like kids, you’ll also protect the guns from fire if you store them in a fire-rated safe.

• Gun Safe:  Check the fire rating of the gun safe to ensure you’re actually protecting your guns when storing them.  Avoid wooden gun cabinets.
• Use Ammunition Boxes:  An alternative to storing ammo in a gun safe is to store it in ammunition boxes.  This keeps rounds organized and protects them from moisture.  Throw in a couple of silica packs for added protection from moisture.
• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Prevents degradation and maintains optimal performance.  Not too hot or too cold.

9. Make a List and Check it Twice:

Organized hunters know the importance of having a game plan and a routine, so make a list and check it twice.  Whether you’re packing for an elk hunt in the mountains or prepping for an opening day archery hunt, make a list of the items you need for each hunt.  When it comes time to pack and unpack, refer to the list to make sure you have everything you need for the hunt, as well as everything you left with.  Check out our Early Season Checklist to prepare you for opening day.

Conclusion

By incorporating these tips into your hunting gear storage routine, you not only ensure the longevity of your equipment but also set yourself up for a seamless and successful hunting season. Remember, proper storage is not only about protection but also about being ready for that next hunting adventure.  An unorganized hunter will not be as successful as one who is organized.  It’s a good idea to make a checklist of hunting gear you need for each hunting scenario to help you stay organized before the hunt and keep items stored properly between hunts to ensure you’re prepared for the next one!  At the end of the hunting season, take inventory of the items you need to replace, repair, and add to your hunting gear arsenal for next season.  Also, HuntingGearDeals.com can help you determine where the best place to buy hunting gear is.

When you finish reading this blog, check out our Opening Day Deer Hunting Tips for Bowhunters.

AUTHOR BIO

Hi, I’m Camron the owner of Hunting Gear Deals. I’m an avid bowhunter with a knack for finding good deals on hunting gear and love to help you save money on hunting gear.  I’m also the owner of the popular Bucks, Bulls, & Bears email newsletter that’s built to educate and entertain hunters.  If you haven’t subscribed, you’re missing out!  Last but not least, I’m proud to say that I work for Whitetail Properties as a Land Specialist in Ohio.  If you’re in the market for hunting property, shoot me an email and I’d love to help you find your dream property.  

Instagram- @huntinggeardeals