Dieter Voss hunted hard this year – between work and daddy duties, his 12 days in the stand were not rewarded until returning from his New Years Day hunt when a 12-point buck ran into his truck. The good news - the police issued a tag and the butcher salvaged 42 pounds of perfect venison. Happy New Year! Photo by Sheri Voss

We blinked, the snow came, the calendar rolled, and just like that, here we are. It’s 2025! The first weekend in the new year is a good time for outdoor sportsmen, especially hunters, to take a few essential steps to care for their gear and, if they were lucky, enjoy their harvest.

First things first, take inventory of all your hunting gear. There’s a unique satisfaction in cleaning and maintaining your firearms and bows. Clean the bore of your rifle or shotgun, clean the action, and lubricate the moving parts. Oil and wipe down the exterior to prevent rust and maintain smooth function. This only takes a few minutes. Bowhunters, wax the strings, check for wear and tear, lightly lubricate the moving parts, and you’ll be ready next time. Next, your clothes – wash them. They may have developed an odor depending on how long and hard you hunted. Check your field dressing knives and put a new edge on them. Last, check your backpack, boots, and any other gear, such as gloves and the rest. Last, clean and store all your hunting gear properly, and it’ll be ready when you need it next season. Don’t do this now, you know how this goes. You’ll be spending money on replacements. For some reason, my better half keeps track.

From the kitchen and prepare side, make a list of what you have in venison steaks, roasts, ground meat and other cuts. Stick the list on the freezer door and update it as you use up the fat-free, GMO-free delicious venison. If you or your butcher did not vacuum pack your harvest, consider the investment in a vacuum packer. They cost about $100 and will last for a decade or more, and your harvest will last for 9-12 months without frostbite (freezer burn). Venison is lean but versatile enough to allow many different recipes. Grilling, stews, burgers, slow-cooking magic, and other ways of preparation all work. If your venison comes out tasting gamey, it’s never too late to learn new cooking skills. I will share some recipes as the next week goes on that can make anyone a kitchen chef for a day (thanks to my better half).

The best part of the hunting season is the time to gather up in a comfy chair to reflect on the season. Check in with friends and review things that worked and could be improved for next season. Stay engaged by practicing your shooting skills, scouting habits, and watching wildlife – that’s how we become better hunters. It’s important to consider joining a local outdoor conservation club. Taking care of all these things allows each of us to respect the tradition and ensure we are prepared for the next season.

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoor Calendar:

Nov. 23-Jan. 19: Late Canada Goose Season – South Area. See syllabus.

Jan. 4: Clays-for-Cash sporting clay shoot, Hanover Fish and Game Club, 780 Overhiser Rd., Forestville, 8AM start, last clay:11AM. Info: 716-480-2202.

Jan. 4: Free Fur-Handling Workshop, Collins Conservation Club, 2633 Conger Rd., Collins; 9AM-1PM, call Patti Wattengel, 716-337-2556 for info.

Jan. 4-5: Hamburg Gun Show, 5820 South Park Ave., Hamburg, 9AM open, $10 entry, Info: nfgshows.com.

Jan. 5: Bear Lake Rod/Gun. Monthly meeting, 4PM, 4391 Cassadaga-Stockton Rd., Stockton, NY, 716-960-9043.

NOTE: Send Calendar info or related outdoor news to forrestfisher35@yahoo.com.