Story by Shane Jahn

The summer months are the perfect time to get ready for the coming fall hunting seasons. As the temperatures ramp up in true Texas fashion it’s easy to forget about those frigid mornings we sat shivering in the blind while waiting for an old whitetail to appear from the thickets. I do it every year.

Suffering through a hunt during a good cold spell and swearing that this is the year I will buy myself some warm insulated boots and better gloves that keep my feet and hands warm! And then I forget about them until you guessed it, that next blustery blue norther rolls in!

Now’s the time to gather the gear you discovered you needed last hunting season. Since it’s the off season you might even get lucky and find those gloves, thermals, vest, coat, or boots that need replacing on sale at the sporting goods store.

This is also a great time to thoroughly go over your hunting guns and check screws, sling swivels, sights and optics to make sure they are ready and in good shape. It’s also time to give them a thorough cleaning. If you’re like me, it’s easy to stick them in the safe right after the last hunt and forget to blow off the dust, clean lenses and give everything a good wipe down.

Then there are new “finds” in the form of hunting gear I’ve found to be extremely helpful in the field. As y’all know, I like to hunt with a handgun and even if I’m rifle hunting, I will usually wear one.

It is imperative to carry a handgun in a good holster. Quality leather that is rigid and formfitting to the gun is a must. A belt holster needs to be worn on a belt made for carrying guns. Like the holster, the belt needs to be thick and rigid and the holster’s belt slot needs to fit the belt being worn. I specify mine be made to be worn on 1.75-inch-wide belts whenever possible as that is what my normal pants belts (Barranti Leather Co. and Galco) are.

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