Opening Day Checklist: Gear to Have Ready Before Season
Tuesday, August 11th 2026
Opening day has a way of arriving faster than the gear prep does. The GPS collar that worked fine last February gets pulled out of a drawer the night before and won't hold a charge. The vest that fit a young dog last fall is suddenly snug across the chest. None of this is a surprise if you check it in August. All of it is a scramble if you check it the week before opener.
- Start checking gear four to six weeks before opener, not the week of.
- Charge and test every GPS and e-collar system before you need it in the field.
- Update GPS software and maps before season, not after you're already lost tracking a dog.
- Inspect vests, boots, and check cords for wear from last season.
- Restock the first aid kit rather than assuming it's still complete.
- Check the truck kennel and travel setup before the first long drive.
Training and Handling Gear
Whatever training you did this off-season, the equipment behind it needs the same check before it goes back into daily use in the field. Check cords for fraying, whoa hitches for wear at the rope and snaps, leads and collars for buckles and clips that are starting to weaken, and blank pistols for anything that needs cleaning after a summer of sessions. Dogs Unlimited's training gear and blank pistols and accessories sections cover replacements for anything that didn't make it through the summer in one piece.
GPS and E-Collar Systems
Battery health is the single most common failure point going into a new season. A unit that held a charge fine at the end of last year can lose real capacity sitting in a drawer for eight months. Run a full charge cycle and a real field test, not just a power-on check, before you're relying on it to find a dog that's out of sight in standing corn. While you're at it, check for firmware and map updates too. A software update that sat waiting all summer is a bad thing to discover when you're trying to track a dog and the handheld or app won't connect. Dogs Unlimited's electric training and GPS collar lineup covers replacement units and accessories if last season's system didn't make it.
Protective Gear
Check Fit and Wear
A vest that fit a young dog last season may not fit this year, and straps and buckles take real abuse over a full season of briars and barbed wire. Check the whole vest, not just for holes. See the full hunting dog vests lineup for upland and waterfowl options.
Match Gear to Terrain
Cactus country, ice, and sharp stubble all call for different protection. If last season showed you where your dog gets hurt most, that's the gap to close before this one starts.
Health and Wellness
A first aid kit that was complete in October is not automatically complete in August. Wound care supplies, tick removal tools, and anything with an expiration date should get checked and restocked, not assumed. Dogs Unlimited's health and wellness section covers first aid kits, supplements, and the everyday care items that keep a dog ready for a full season rather than just the opener.
Truck and Travel Setup
The truck is where the season actually starts, loading dogs before first light, and where it ends, muddy and tired on the drive home. Check the kennel or crate for cracked latches or worn straps, confirm seat covers and cargo liners are clean and holding up, and make sure your dog has a secure, comfortable way to ride on rough roads and long drives. Dogs Unlimited's truck and SUV gear and kennel supplies sections cover both ends of that setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead of opening day should I start checking gear?
At least four to six weeks out. That gives you time to replace anything worn out, break in a new vest or boots before your dog needs them, and fix problems that only show up once you actually test the gear in the field.
What's the most commonly forgotten item on a pre-season checklist?
Fresh batteries and a full charge cycle on GPS and e-collar systems. A unit that worked fine last February can still have a battery that won't hold a charge through a full day in the field by fall.
Should I replace my dog's protective vest every season?
Not automatically, but check straps, buckles, and fabric for wear before the first hunt. A vest that held up fine last year can have a stitching or strap issue that only shows up under real field stress.
What should be in a hunting dog first aid kit?
At minimum: wound care and bandaging supplies, tweezers for thorns and burrs, a tick removal tool, an antihistamine appropriate for your dog's weight, and a way to control bleeding until you can get to a vet.
How do I get my truck ready for hunting season?
Check the kennel or crate for cracks or worn latches, confirm seat covers and cargo liners are clean and secure, and make sure you have a way to keep your dog contained and safe on rough roads and long drives.
Does this checklist apply to pet owners too, not just hunters?
Most of it. Health and wellness prep, kennel checks, and travel safety matter for any dog. The training and hunting-specific sections are for dogs actually going afield this season.
Related Resources
As always, our goal here at Dogs Unlimited is to help you Make Your Good Dog Better, starting with gear that's ready before the season is.