Why Spring is the Smartest time to Refine Your Upland Setup.

If you wait until the dog days of summer, when the birds are already starting their journey south, prices have usually climbed and inventory has thinned out. By the time you’ve planned

your fall hunting trip and started packing, you’re out of time to practice and learn the ins and outs of your new tools. While the fields are quiet and the dog is shedding its winter coat, spring is the smart time for hunters to take a hard look at their gear.

Give yourself time to decide:

Making a purchase in the spring removes the pressure of having to make an immediate decision. You have time to develop a relationship with your sporting goods retailer, which is why we often recommend working with a smaller boutique shop rather than a big box store. There’s breathing room in the decision process. You can handle each firearm, compare balance and fit, and have real conversations about what worked last season and what didn’t. It feels more like a gathering place than a checkout counter.

A high-dollar purchase is a serious commitment. That’s why finding a boutique shop with demo guns and range days is so important. Having the opportunity to spend time behind a platform before committing can make all the difference. In the spring, there’s space to work through decisions like Ethos or SBE3, 28 gauge versus 12 gauge, or 26-inch versus 28-inch barrels without feeling hurried.

Give yourself time to train:

Making the decision in the spring gives you time to train, which ultimately leads to a more enjoyable and successful season.

A shotgun that feels perfect in the store can feel very different after 300 rounds on a warm afternoon. There are worse ways to spend a spring day than breaking clays and getting comfortable behind a new setup.

Multiple practice sessions allow you to pattern different loads, adjust shim systems if needed, and identify recoil tendencies over extended shooting. From what we’ve seen over the years, confidence in October is usually built in April and May.

Give yourself time for a premium experience:

Spring often aligns with greater financial flexibility for many buyers, which makes it easier to plan upgrades or customization without the pressure of peak-season demand.

When new technology begins to roll out, whether it’s updated finishes or advancements in barrel design, early planning matters. For example, Benelli’s BE.S.T. finishes and Advanced Impact technology are beginning to circulate, but availability through 2026 will remain limited. Getting on a list early is a smart move.

The same goes for customization. If you’re considering engraving, specialty finishes, or Cerakote work, planning ahead gives you time to collaborate with a custom shop. When the goal is to build something that can be handed down to the next generation, thoughtful preparation shows.

In conclusion, give yourself time in the Spring!

Spring is the season to reflect on the last hunt and consider what could have gone better. It’s also the time to look ahead and prepare intentionally for the fall. Most importantly, it’s a chance to enjoy the process. Allow yourself to practice, refine, and make sure your gear truly fits you before the birds start flying South in the Fall.