You have a passion for hunting. There are few places you’d rather be than deep in the woods, stalking that elusive trophy game that has your name on it. But no matter how good of a hunter you are, there are always ways to improve. In this article, we’ll cover six simple resources that will […]
You may encounter many different environments depending on what time of year you are hunting and what you are hunting. Whether you are walking through rocky terrain in South Texas, caught in a snowstorm, or find yourself shooting in the rain, a great pair of hunting boots can make or break your hunting trip. Finding the right pair of boots is half the battle (check out this online buying guide). Maintaining your boots will slow the damage of natural wear and tear and extend the life of your footwear and keep your feet happy.
Most hunting boots are usually made with water-resistant materials like Gore-Tex or treated with water-resistant silicones to repel water from the boot. In warmer, drier climates some hunters prefer to wear just a plain pair of leather cowboy boots. Both types of boots do degrade over time so to ensure that you get the most out of your hunting boots, it’s best to take the necessary steps to protect your footwear with additional waterproofing methods.
STEPS TO WATERPROOFING YOUR HUNTING BOOTS
1. Choose your preferred waterproof product
There are many products on the market from sprays to waxes and everything in between. Some people even make their own from beeswax and petroleum jelly.
2. Break in your boots
Boots that haven’t been properly broken in could show leaks at seams that were tight and closed-off at time of purchase. If waterproofing products are applied after breaking the boots in, you can ensure that the waterproofing products will enter all the nooks and crannies and give you better coverage.
3. Clean your boots
Most products, including creams, oils, and sprays, will not adhere properly to the leather if there are dirt and debris blocking the way. Dirt will cause a lower quality waterproofing and put you at risk for leaks. Make sure to clean your boots properly and with the right tools. Depending on the type of material your boots are made of you may need to use special cleaning products.
4. Let your boots dry after cleaning
Just like when there is dirt, water will cause adherence and absorption problems when applying waterproofing products to the leather.
5. Apply waterproofing product
Follow the directions for your product of choice and make sure to apply the treatment to the entire leather surface to ensure complete coverage.
6. Let your boots dry post application
Be cautious here, many try to hurry this process and dry their boots by applying direct heat like using hair dryers, heaters, or campfires. This can cause damage to the leather as well as the waterproofing treatment you just applied. It’s best to let your boots cure in the sunlight naturally to prevent any unnecessary harm.
7. Reapply treatment if directed
Remember to read those instructions on the product you chose.
Always keep you boots clean and dry when possible, this will prevent the waterproofing from fading. If your hunting trip usually results in messy boots, it may be a good idea to repeat the waterproofing process every few months.
Bow hunting is an activity that has garnered a lot of attention in recent years. Its popularity has risen amongst novices and experienced hunters alike. There is something intriguing and satisfying about using a primitive weapon to hunt for game. While using larger and more powerful weapons has a time and place, many find the […]
