Apologies for the inconsistent posts of late.  I wish I made enough off of this writing thing to spend more time working through stories and ideas, but as it is, it’s all I can do to get out for a hunt lately, much less testing gear.  I’ve a couple of projects in the wings, though, and while it’s taking forever to finish them, I think I’ve got ‘er if she just don’t jump.  In the meantime…

With the draw behind us and the first CA deer season rolling around in less than three weeks, it’s time to double-check the gear.  If your off-season has been like mine this year, that presents a bit of a challenge.  The first challenge is just finding everything.

I walked out into the garage this afternoon to try to sort out some of my archery tackle.  I’ve been shooting the Mathews a couple of times a week, but I didn’t realize that I’m down to my last five intact arrows.  I guess that’s technically enough to hunt with, but I sure don’t like the odds.

One dozen new Victory arrows, with fletchings, nocks, and inserts…  $120

I’ve got three broadheads already set up on arrows.  Somewhere out there, I’m sure I have two more packs of Slick-Trick broadheads, but after tossing camo, ammo, calls, slings, and odds and ends all over the garage, I can’t seem to locate them.  I need to have at least three spares.

Better pick up some one more pack.  $30.

I need to pick up a few more judo points too, so I don’t lose my arrows practicing in the field.  I usually only carry one at a time in my quiver, but it wouldn’t hurt to get a couple of spares.

Three judo points – $30.

I dug out my hunting boots a couple of weeks ago, only to find out the soles are worn to nothing, and the uppers have separated from the sole.  I replaced them then, but for the sake of accounting, we’ll toss that into the mix.

A new pair of Danner Pronghorns – $183.

Happily, I still have my optics.  The Leica Geovids are in the truck, along with my “spares”, the Nikon Monarchs and my Nikon Rifle Hunter rangefinder.  I’ll probably bring along the Nikon Field Scope as well, in case I get a chance to do some long-range glassing across the canyons.

Somewhere under the pile of stuff I just moved, I’m sure I saw my Thermacell.  I’ll be wanting that for this early season hunting, especially with all the rain we had this year.  The mosquitos promise to be hellacious.  I’ve also got that new holster for it, to make it easier to carry between setups.  Now where did I leave that thing?  Are the refills still in that box?  If not, I’ll need to pick up some more.

Two packages of butane refills and two packages of wicks – $32.

What about the truck and camper?  Oh brother, that’s a mess!  Every little short trip I’ve made since last fall has left its mark.  Empty bottles, gear, dirty clothes…  better get that all cleaned up.  How’s the propane?  Damn, I really need to remember to shut the valve when it’s not in use for a long time.

Propane refill – $25

Speaking of fuel, what about the truck?

30 gallons of diesel – $125

I haven’t even bought groceries for the first trip of the season, and I’m out $545 already!

Man, maybe I should just take up golf.

How’s your pre-season prep going?

 

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