From Russ Chastain,
Your Guide to Hunting / Shooting.
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Whenever archery season approaches, it's time for all of us bowhunters to check our gear and get it in shape if it's not already. Here are some tips and guidelines for making sure your bow and related equipment is in top condition. I don't know about you, but I've had enough equipment failure to last me a lifetime, so I like to check and re-check my stuff before I head to the woods in pursuit of a buck. I shoot a compound bow, so this article is geared towards compounds rather than "traditional" archery gear.

I usually start with my bow, since that's where the big problems can occur. Besides giving it a general once-over, I take care of the items in this checklist:
- Check string for wear, replace if necessary, and wax it.
- Check nock points, peep, kisser, and other items on your string. Replace if necessary.
- Clean surface rust from steel surfaces and wipe them down with gun oil.
- Lube all moving parts (I find that dry graphite lube works well for lubricating moving sights).
- If you have a pendulum or other sight with moving parts, check its operation and apply dry graphite lube at pivot points. (This is very important, trust me!)
- Check your rest's adjustment and replace heat-shrink if necessary.
- Check your string silencers, if you use them. My rubber-band "cat-whiskers" have just about had it, so I'll be replacing mine this year.
- If you use a bow quiver, check its mount. Make sure it's tight and won't vibrate and hum when you shoot.
- Check your quiver... does it still hold your arrow shafts securely? Is the hooded area for your broadheads in good shape?
- Take a close look at the guide rod and slide, if so equipped. Repair or replace a bent or nicked guide rod and/or worn slide.
- Take a look at the bow's finish... is it well camoflaged and glare-free? I like to apply matte camo tape over any surface that might glare.
- Take a look at the limbs, hunting for cracks, splits or other oddities/imperfections. Replace if necessary; a limb breaking at full draw can ruin anyone's day, and may cause injury.

After taking care of the items in the above list, I move on to my arrows and other gear.

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