prepare your hunting gear

Many of us are at home, waiting for quarantine to officially end. While this extended wait has been awful, it does mean that you have plenty of time to sort through and prepare your hunting gear to get ready for the spring hunting season.

In Texas, wild turkeys are coming into season. Fortunately, on private land, like ours here on Nine Bar Ranch, we are also able to invite you to hunt large game year-round!

Whether you are hoping to hunt feral hogs, turkey, sika deer, oryx, or antelope, we are happy to accommodate. Get your gear ready, and come on down.

  1. Create an Inventory

Comb through your gear, creating an itemized list of everything you own. Game calls, clothing, weapons, scenting concoctions, and your hunting pack should all be included in your list.

Not only will this list help you when it’s time to pack for a hunt, but it will also allow you to see where you have gaps in your gear, or too many of any one item.

Make note of any items that are worn, damaged, or not quite ready for spring hunts.

  1. Clean and Prepare Your Weapons

With your inventory completed, it’s time to clean and fully prepare your weapons. The last thing you want to do the week before your first hunt is stay up late after work cleaning your guns and restringing your bows.

  1. Schedule Gear Replacement—the Smart Way

At this stage, you’ll have a clear idea of which of your gear needs to be replaced. Anything that will take time to break in, like new hunting boots, should be replaced as soon as possible. It’s crucial that you have your boots at a comfortable stage before you head out on a hunt.

If you can put some items off until closer to the hunting season, that’s fine! Stagger your purchases so that you can more easily afford replacements.

  1. Work On Your Calls

Whether you practice in the shower, in your truck, or out on a hike, it’s a good idea to practice your turkey calls if you’re going to hunt wild birds in the spring. By the time you pack for your hunt, you should feel confident in your gobble skills.

  1. Practice Your Marksmanship

We probably don’t have to tell you this, but marksmanship is something you ought to prioritize if you’re getting set to hunt this year. As a hunter, shooting is no doubt something you enjoy, so chase that fun! Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that marksmanship is a skill that stays sharp without you putting in the work.

  1. Prioritize Your Own Wellness

A hunter is only as prepared as his or her body, so take good care of yourself leading up to a hunt. Get plenty of rest, focus on your fitness, and eat plenty of healthy meals. Keeping yourself in shape will make every stage of your hunts that much more enjoyable.

  1. Schedule Your Hunting Dates

Give us a call or schedule a hunt here on our website! We look forward to hearing from you and hearing how we can make your hunting dreams this year’s reality.