With hunting season over, it’s time to put away your gear. You want to ensure it’s ready to go next season, which is why storing guns and hunting apparel correctly is so important. The following tips will help you as you take inventory and pack up.

How to Safely Store Hunting Gear

1. Keep Firearms Dry & Off-Limits

Your hunting rifle is a significant investment and demands careful handling. First, make sure it’s completely dry to prevent rusting. Remove the clip and ammo and consider cleaning it to remove the season's buildup. Store your rifle upright so the barrel doesn’t warp, and lock it in a gun safe or another inaccessible area. Lock the clip in a different location and the ammo in a small safe so that it’s nearly impossible for children to access the equipment and cause an accident.

2. Wash & Bag-Seal Clothing

Hunting apparel will last years with proper care, so wash all garments thoroughly once the season is over. Remember to use a scentless detergent since fragrances that settle into the clothing will warn game that you’re nearby next hunting season. Dry everything thoroughly, fold it, and store it in waterproof plastic bags. Label each for a specific season—“duck hunting clothes, “ “deer hunting clothes,” and “all-purpose.” This way, you won’t waste time sorting through everything when you're ready to head out.

3. Clean Footwear

Your hunting boots and waders are likely caked with mud and other debris. Clear everything and scrub the soles with a scent-eliminating soap. Dry the interiors and store them in a plastic tote. Mice and insects may want to make a home in your boots and will destroy the interiors. Plastic totes are pest- and waterproof, and you can easily stack them in a closet or garage.

If you want to upgrade your hunting apparel before next season, check out the selection at Glauber’s Sports. This Carrollton, KY, hunting and gun shop has served enthusiasts for nearly 150 years. They stock over 1,000 gun models, and as a family-owned and -operated business, they're committed to superior customer service. They’ll work closely with you to find the gun scopes, crossbows, and other products you need. Visit them online to learn more about their hunting gear, or call (502) 732-4005 to speak with an associate.