My basement floor is now cluttered with stands, steps, ladders, and just about everything else you can think of related to tree stands.

 Today is the day that results in mixed emotions for me each year. With all of the deer seasons over, today was the day Mike and I picked to remove our stands from the woods, putting a cap on a long hunting season. On one hand it was nice getting everything back to the house and knowing I don’t have to worry about it anymore. On the other hand, having to see heavy trails, big rubs, and even a few scrapes was hard to take since next season won’t be here for another eight-and-a-half months.

Once all of my gear dries out, I’ll go over everything meticulously to make sure it is still structurally sound, and free from damage. All of my tree steps will get a touch of oil, and my stands will be wiped down and hung until it’s time to get them back out later this summer. In addition, all of my clothes are piled up on my hunting room floor waiting to be washed one last time before being put away for the year. Finally, all of my accessories, binoculars, grunt tubes, bow hangers, etc., will be cleaned and stored away. My bow will be going to the doctor for a completed tear-down, cleaning, and fresh string. I’ll probably be back on the 3D range by February, so I’d like to break in a new string as soon as possible. Broadheads and hunting arrows will be put away, and I’ll be breaking out my target arrows and field points.

I put out four trail cameras hoping to grab a few more photos of bucks that made it through this year. I’ll also use them to determine when most of the bucks lose their headgear so I can plan my shed antler hunts. March will be here before you know it.

Although I already miss not being in the woods with my bow in hand, my body is enjoying the recovery time. I’m sure in a few weeks I’ll be ready to do some post-season scouting in preparation for next year, but for now, I’ll just be catching up on some things around the house while I wait to get the call from my taxidermist saying my giant Illinois buck is ready to be picked up. Now that’s something to look forward to!