Gear maintenance mistakes hunters make

Gear maintenance mistakes do more than shorten equipment life; they directly affect safety, accuracy, and success in the field. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Montana FWP) has highlighted several recurring errors that put hunters at risk and waste money on premature replacements. I use those warnings as a checklist to show how small, routine habits can prevent breakdowns when conditions are cold, wet, and unforgiving.

1. Neglecting Firearm Cleaning

Neglecting firearm cleaning is one of the 10 most common mistakes Montana FWP sees, with failing to properly clean and maintain firearms after hunts singled out as a major cause of rust and malfunction. I start by unloading every rifle or shotgun, then follow the “Unload and Disassemble” rule described as “Always make sure firearms are unloaded before handling” and “Break it down into its main components for thorough cleaning.” That basic sequence keeps solvents, brushes, and patches working where they should instead of around live ammunition.

Consistent cleaning matters because moisture, unburned powder, and dust accumulate in actions and barrels after each trip. If I skip that work, corrosion can seize moving parts or change point of impact, turning a reliable firearm into a liability. A clean bore and lightly oiled metal surface also make it easier to spot cracks, loose screws, or stock damage before they fail under recoil. In practical terms, disciplined post-hunt maintenance protects accuracy, preserves expensive optics and stocks, and reduces the odds of a misfire when an animal finally steps into range.

2. Poor Storage Practices

Poor storage practices are another Montana FWP red flag, with storing hunting gear in damp or humid environments without protection listed among the 10 most common mistakes hunters make. When rifles, packs, and clothing sit in a wet basement or truck bed, metal rusts, leather hardens, and fabrics mildew. I avoid that by using dry cabinets or hard cases with desiccant packs, and by letting gear air out fully before it goes into long-term storage so trapped sweat and rain do not keep eating away at seams and coatings.

Moisture damage is not just cosmetic. Rusted sling swivels can snap under load, moldy insulation loses warmth, and compromised zippers or buckles fail when I am miles from the trailhead. By treating storage as part of maintenance, I extend the life of boots, optics, and firearms while reducing surprise failures in the field. Careful off-season storage also means I spend less time scrambling for last-minute replacements and more time focusing on scouting, safety plans, and ethical shot decisions.

3. Ignoring Boot Inspections

Ignoring boot inspections, especially worn-out treads, is another mistake Montana FWP includes in its top 10 list of hunter errors. The agency specifically notes that before each hunting season begins, thoroughly check all your gear and “Make any necessary repairs or replacements before heading out.” I apply that guidance directly to footwear by examining lugs, midsoles, and stitching, then flexing each boot to see if the sole is separating or the shank has softened.

Grip failures on steep, icy, or muddy slopes can lead to twisted knees, broken gear, or accidental discharges if a hunter falls while carrying a loaded firearm. Replacing boots or resoling them before the season costs far less than a medical evacuation or ruined hunt. I also check waterproof membranes and laces, since wet, blistered feet shorten effective hunting days and make it harder to move quietly. Treating boots as critical safety equipment, not just clothing, keeps me mobile and stable when terrain and weather are at their worst.

4. Skipping Electronics Checks

Skipping electronics checks is another gear maintenance mistake Montana FWP flags, particularly overlooking battery checks and replacements in GPS units and other navigation tools. The agency points out that best practices for cleaning and maintaining hunting gear extend to electronics, which should be inspected and tested before every trip. I interpret that to mean powering up GPS devices, rangefinders, and headlamps at home, confirming satellite lock, and replacing weak batteries rather than gambling on “good enough.”

Navigation failures in remote country can quickly escalate into search-and-rescue incidents, especially when weather closes in or visibility drops. By checking charge levels, updating maps, and packing labeled spare batteries in waterproof bags, I reduce the chance of getting stranded after dark or losing track of camp. Reliable electronics also support ethical hunting, since accurate range readings and clear illumination help ensure clean shots and safe recovery routes instead of rushed decisions in failing light.

5. Inadequate Knife Maintenance

Inadequate knife maintenance rounds out the Montana FWP list of gear mistakes, with improper sharpening and care of knives and cutting tools identified as a common problem. The agency notes that not sharpening knives properly dulls edges and increases injury risk, because users push harder, twist blades, or resort to unsafe leverage. I keep edges tuned with a consistent angle on stones or guided systems, then finish with a strop so the knife slices cleanly instead of tearing.

A sharp, well-maintained knife speeds field dressing, reduces meat contamination, and lowers the chance of slips that cut fingers, wrists, or legs. I also inspect handles, sheaths, and folding mechanisms for cracks or grit that could cause a blade to close unexpectedly. By treating knives and saws as precision tools rather than disposable accessories, I protect both the quality of harvested meat and the safety of everyone helping with processing, from the kill site to the home butchering table.