I finally gave up chasing deer with my flintlock this past week.

Strangely enough, the four-legged escape artist started to show up in numbers around my house. In fact, over the weekend I was trying to get to sleep and I couldn’t help to be amused as I heard the unmistakable clatter of a deer hoofing it over my ground level deck to check out the bird feeder contents.

The next day, my wife came in with a wry smile and told me to guess what she found in the back yard by the garden. I couldn’t guess it, so she held up the antler of a buck that was shed right in my own yard.

I guess that buck didn’t want me to feel too dejected going empty handed after chasing him all season long!

This has been one of the mildest winters in recent memory that I can recall for wildlife. Good for them and good for us as we get breaks from all the crazy energy costs that have kept a lot of sportsmen close to home due to expenses.

Many hunters, boaters and campers have parked their equipment or sold it due to the outlandish costs of operations. For those of you who are seeking to renew their efforts in making outdoor trips, from Feb. 4-12 you can attend the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

The Farm Show Complex is located right off the PA Turnpike. The show is featuring over 1,200 exhibiters, displays and contests covering anything you might like to do in the great outdoors.

If you can’t find the equipment or trip you want at this show, you don’t need it! Check it out at www.easternsportshow.com

I hate to be a task master with you fellows, but it’s also time to take a good look at your equipment and firearms before the exposure to the elements causes some long term damage. Every rifle used during the past hunting season needs to be torn down and cleaned thoroughly.

The action and barrel need to be separated from the stocks, scrubbed with an approved gun grime solvent and then lightly oiled. Do not use solvents or oils on your scopes, they require a mild detergent and a soft cloth on the outside covers and a lens wipe only on the glass areas.

The barrel needs a thorough cleaning using a solvent and wire brush first, then a couple of cleaning patches swabbed through. If those patches come out dirty looking, you still have work to do!

I pull out my bolt and hold the barrel to a light. The grooves in the rifling should be clear and the shine should be obvious. I still like to run a light oily cloth swab through once or twice more to deter rust or moisture.

Moisture and corrosion are the enemies of firearms and all fishing reels. The salts and oils on human hands and finger tips have caused many a metal surface to be tarnished or scarred.

Even after a good cleaning, all equipment handled by an admirer should have another wipe down as a precaution.

Do not store equipment or firearms in an enclosed case unless it has humidity control. Even a few weeks or a month in a case can cause your favorite firearm to become pitted with corrosion.

While you’re at it, wipe down clips, magazines, bolts and the swivels on your slings. I was looking at a sling at my work bench the other morning and I couldn’t believe that the metal components became fouled up after a little dampness hit them.

There are plenty of good cleaners specifically made for sports equipment, so be wise and make the investment to take care of your inventory.

Well I have to get back to my loading bench and come up with some special loads as I plan my strategies for 2012. I have a few new ideas and as my friends and family often tell me … when you get an idea, it can be down right scary.

My reply is always it won’t be so crazy when I come home with that trophy of a lifetime! Until we meet again, clean up the equipment and don’t be afraid to be a dreamer in 2012.