Wingshooting Pre-Season Checklist by Matt Baker
It’s hard to imagine that we’re on the verge of cooler weather and shorter days. As we approach the start of another historic season, it’s time to take a look and make sure that you, your dogs, and your guns are fully prepared for the season. Here is a list of items that are necessary for success in the desert hunting environment…
For Hunters:
- A good pair of lightweight Filson brush pants
- Full coverage leather boots along with synthetic socks and liners
- Lightweight early season shirts and hats with SPF technology
- Gore-Tex Paclite rain jacket
- Gore Windstopper insulating layers
- Lightweight leather gloves to repel cactus spines and catclaw thorns
- Lightweight game bag with room for a hydration system
- A kit bag with essential items such as extra ammo, game shears, radios, etc.
- Polycarbonate lens shooting glasses and cleaning kit
- Whistle lanyards, bird counters, quail calls, etc…
For Dogs:
- Pre-season vet check-up
- Fully stocked dog first aid kit including skin staple gun
- Contact list of vet clinics and emergency vet hospitals for the regions you plan to hunt
- Lewis Dog Boots and appropriate supplies to secure boots to the dog
- Center-ring style safety collars with up to date nameplates
- Electronic collars and/or tracking equipment
- Check cords and tie-out equipment
- Travel gear such as plastic kennels and bedding
- Food and water storage containers, stainless steel water pails and food bowls
- Snake avoidance training if you plan to hunt the early season
For Shotguns:
- A good supply of premium ammo in varying shot sizes to match conditions
- A selection of choke tubes for early and late season
- Boresnakes for quick, in the field cleaning
- Rig grease and soft cotton cloth to help prevent corrosion
- A trip to the gunsmith for a full disassembly and cleaning
- Break-down hard case for travel and soft case for trips between spots
Please contact Desert Sportsman if you need help with selecting the proper gear, vet recommendations, gunsmith recommendations, etc. We are always willing to share our experience and techniques if it will make your experience more enjoyable…
