End of Hunting Season To-Do List for Bowhunters
A little work now saves a lot of stress next fall.
When the season wraps up, it’s tempting to case your bow and forget about it until next year. Totally get it. But a few smart end-of-season habits can save you money, protect your equipment, and make opening day way smoother. Whether you’re shooting a crossbow or a compound, here are some practical things to knock out now.
1. Decock your crossbow. Every time.
This one matters more than most folks realize.
Leaving a crossbow cocked for long periods puts constant tension on the limbs and cables. Over months, that stress can lead to limb fatigue or failure, and that kind of damage often isn’t covered under warranty. Before you put your crossbow away for the year, make sure it’s fully decocked using a safe decocking method or bolt.
Think of it as cheap insurance against a very expensive repair.
2. Inspect strings and cables before storage
Don’t wait until September to discover fraying or separation.
Once the season is over, give your strings and cables a close look. If you see broken strands, excessive fuzzing, or uneven wear, address it now. This is also a good time to lightly wax strings that are still in good shape so they don’t dry out during storage.
Catching issues early keeps you from scrambling for repairs right before the opener, when every shop is slammed.
3. Check bolts, arrows, and broadheads
Arrows take a beating during the season, even if they look fine at first glance.
Spin each bolt or arrow to check for wobble, inspect nocks and inserts, and retire anything questionable. Broadheads should be cleaned, dried, and either resharpened or replaced before storage. Tossing damaged arrows now is way better than finding out the hard way later.
Bonus move: label a small container for “ready for next season” gear so it’s all in one place.
4. Store your bow the right way
How you store your equipment matters more than where.
Keep bows in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature swings. Avoid leaning them where limbs or cams are under pressure, and never store a crossbow cocked. Soft cases are fine for protection, but make sure everything is dry before zipping it up for the long haul.
Good storage extends the life of your bow and keeps things consistent when you pull it back out.
5. Schedule off-season service or a tune-up (and beat the fall rush)
The off-season is hands-down the best time to bring your bow in for service.
If your compound or crossbow needs new strings, a timing check, cam inspection, or a full tune-up, getting it done now saves you from the fall scramble and gives you peace of mind heading into next season. Off-season service also helps catch small issues before they turn into costly problems.
Our archery team at Rockingham Cooperative – Harrisonburg Ag & Outdoors is set up to help bowhunters get ahead. Stop by the store at 1044 South High Street in Harrisonburg or give us a call at (540) 434-3856 to talk through what your setup needs. Bringing your bow in early keeps turnaround times shorter and ensures you’re ready well before opening day.
Future you, standing in a tree this fall, will be glad you did.
Final thoughts
A few minutes of end-of-season care can save you time, money, and frustration down the road. Decock your crossbow, give your gear a once-over, and store everything properly. When next season comes around, you’ll be focused on hunting, not fixing problems that could’ve been avoided.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your bow or want a second set of eyes on it, stop in and talk with our team. We’re here to help keep your setup ready for the next season.
Your Locally-Owned Outdoor Store.