Hello hunters! We're back to give you another quick hunting lesson! But this time it's more about the post hunt rather than a tip while you're in the hunt!
Cleaning your equipment is very important. Not just for sanitary reasons, although that is a major factor, but making sure your equipment is in good order before you toss it down is a good way to preserve your equipment for as long as you can!
Clean your weapons.
Follow the owner’s manual for step-by-step instructions on how to clean your bows, blades or firearms. In general, you will want to make sure they are clean and dry before storage. You can also take the opportunity to apply wax or a thin layer of lubricant to the ones that need it. Before you put them away, check that all mounts and screws are tight.
Clean your hunting boots.
Remove any laces and use water mixed with a little bit of scent-free soap to wipe off all the dirt and mud. Once the boots are clean, you can spray them with a scent-eliminating spray and leave them to dry overnight. Once they’re completely dry, apply a waterproofing wax or spray if needed, then replace any laces and they’re ready to put in storage.
Clean and dry your hunting clothes.
If using a washing machine to clean your hunting clothes, run it once or twice on an empty cycle with unscented detergent or baking soda to remove any residual scents that could transfer to your clothes. Otherwise, wash your hunting clothes by hand in a large sink or tub.
Wash all your hunting clothes according to the directions outlined on the labels. Use an unscented detergent, baking soda, scent-free sportsman’s wash or a special product formulated specifically for outdoor wear like merino wool or waterproof fabrics. Keep your loads light to ensure a thorough cleaning. Once washed, air dry your gear, preferably outside, and store everything in a dry bag that will stay sealed so there’s no possibility of absorbing any scents.
Clean optics.
Clean optics like binoculars, rangefinders, and scopes by using a lens brush to remove any debris. Then, use a lens cleaner and a microfiber cloth to softly clean the lenses in a circular motion, being careful not to apply too much pressure which can cause scratches on the lens surface. Safely store your clean optics in their original packaging or a padded case to protect them from dust and potential impact damage.
That's all for today, have a great next hunt with your clean tools!
