Late summer is that sweet spot between the heat of July and the opening day of hunting season—a perfect time to get your gear in order. It’s not just about polishing up equipment; it’s about catching problems before they ruin your hunt. Because let’s be honest—nothing stings more than a failed release, a busted zipper, or a squeaky stand when you’re at full draw on the buck of a lifetime.
A proper late-summer shakedown can save you money, frustration, and even the shot you’ve been dreaming of all year.
1. Bows and Crossbows: Strings, Cables, and Timing
Your bow or crossbow should be priority number one. By August, strings have endured a year of temperature swings, humidity, and sometimes neglect.
- Inspect for Fraying: Look closely where strings contact cams, idler wheels, or cable slides. Frayed spots can snap under tension.
- Check Serving Tightness: Loose servings can shift, throwing off peep sight alignment or nocking point height.
- Test Cam Timing: Draw slowly to ensure cams roll over in sync. Any discrepancy should be addressed with a twist or untwist of the cables.
Pro Tip: If your bow is more than two seasons into its strings, replace them now. Stretch and wear don’t care about your opening day.
2. Arrows and Broadheads: Consistency is Key
A perfectly tuned bow is worthless if your arrows are damaged or inconsistent.
- Spin Test Every Shaft: Roll them on a flat surface to detect warps or bends.
- Inspect Inserts and Fletchings: Loose inserts or worn vanes can destroy accuracy.
- Broadhead Check: Test sharpness and replace any ferrules showing cracks or dings. Confirm field points and broadheads hit the same POI.
3. Treestands and Ground Blinds: Safety First
Tree stand accidents remain the leading cause of hunting injuries—most are preventable.
- Bolts and Straps: Check all hardware for rust, fatigue, or looseness. Replace straps showing any fraying or UV damage.
- Cables and Welds: On hang-ons and climbers, inspect for frayed cables or cracks in welds.
- Ground Blind Condition: Look for ripped panels, broken hubs, or sun-faded camo that could silhouette you.
4. Packs and Harnesses: Quiet and Functional
Your pack should carry gear comfortably and silently.
- Zippers and Buckles: Lube sticky zippers with paraffin wax and replace cracked buckles.
- Noise Audit: Shake your pack loaded with gear—listen for rattles or squeaks.
- Safety Harness: Inspect webbing for wear, test buckles, and replace expired models. This isn’t optional gear—it’s lifesaving.
5. Optics and Rangefinders: Clarity Under Pressure
August humidity can wreak havoc on optics if stored improperly.
- Lens Cleaning: Use proper lens pens and microfiber cloths—no shirt tails.
- Battery Check: Replace now, not when you’re in the stand and your rangefinder won’t power up.
- Seal Integrity: Check for moisture inside. Fogging means seals have failed—time for repair or replacement.
6. Footwear: Comfort and Traction
Boots that feel fine in the garage can chew your feet to ribbons after a mile.
- Inspect Soles and Seams: Look for separation or worn tread.
- Waterproofing: Reapply spray or wax coatings to keep your feet dry.
- Pre-Season Break-In: Wear them now to find hot spots before they cause blisters in the field.
7. Clothing and Layers: Quiet, Warm, and Scent-Free
Late summer is prime time for laundering, repairing, and scent-proofing.
- Seam Checks: Repair tears now so they don’t worsen in the field.
- Scent Control: Wash in scent-free detergent and store in airtight bins with fresh carbon or ozone packs.
- Noise Test: Rub fabric together. If it’s too loud, relegate it to non-hunting chores.
8. Weapon Accessories: Rests, Releases, and Quivers
The smallest components can cause the biggest headaches.
- Arrow Rest: Ensure the launcher arm operates smoothly and silently.
- Release Aid: Check jaw alignment, trigger tension, and strap stitching.
- Quiver Fit: Make sure it holds arrows securely without rattling.
The Bottom Line
A late-summer gear shakedown isn’t busywork—it’s insurance. By investing a few hours now, you avoid costly failures in the field and walk into opening day with confidence. Every squeak silenced, every bolt tightened, every edge sharpened is one less thing to worry about when you’re at full draw. And in bowhunting, peace of mind is as valuable as a broadhead in the ten-ring.
