Storing Seasonal Sports Equipment in South Dakota: Fishing, Snowmobiles, and Everything In Between

In southeast South Dakota, your hobby changes with the season. Fishing rods come out in spring, camping gear in summer, hunting equipment in fall, and snowmobiles in winter. But where does everything go during the off-season? Here’s how to store seasonal sports equipment so it’s ready when you need it.

The Southeast South Dakota Sports Calendar

Living near the Missouri River corridor, Lewis and Clark Lake, and some of the best hunting land in the Midwest means you probably own a LOT of gear. Here’s what a typical southeast SD outdoor enthusiast rotates through:

• Spring: Fishing tackle, turkey hunting gear, kayaks, camping equipment
• Summer: Boats, water skis, wake boards, camping gear, golf clubs, baseball equipment
• Fall: Pheasant hunting gear, deer hunting gear, duck decoys, waterfowl blinds
• Winter: Snowmobiles, ice fishing equipment, cross-country skis, snowshoes

That’s four complete sets of expensive, space-consuming equipment. Most garages in Tyndall, Springfield, and Freeman simply can’t handle it all.

Fishing Equipment Storage

Rods and Reels

• Loosen the drag on all reels before storage. Keeping drag tight compresses the washers and weakens them over time.
• Clean reels thoroughly. Remove old line, wipe down with a damp cloth, and apply a light reel oil to moving parts.
• Store rods vertically if possible — leaning against a wall or in a rod rack. Laying rods flat in storage can create permanent bends, especially in graphite rods.
• Remove hooks from lures that are attached to rods. One accidental snag and you’ve got a broken rod tip.

Tackle

• Organize tackle boxes before storing. Rusty hooks, dried-out soft plastics, and corroded lures should be tossed.
• Apply a light coat of oil to metal lures and spoons to prevent rust.
• Store soft plastics separately — they can melt together in heat and their chemicals can damage hard plastic tackle boxes.

Boats and Watercraft

We’ve got a complete guide to boat storage and Lewis and Clark Lake storage tips, but the short version: drain all water, stabilize fuel, disconnect batteries, and cover or store indoors.

Hunting Gear Storage

Southeast South Dakota is hunting country, and the gear adds up fast.

Firearms

See our complete firearm storage guide. The short version: clean, oil, store in a safe or locking cabinet with humidity control. Never in a soft case long-term.

Decoys

Duck and goose decoys take up enormous space. For storage: - Clean mud and debris off after the season - Repair paint chips before storing — exposed plastic deteriorates faster - Stack or bag in mesh decoy bags — keeps them organized and ventilated - Store in a dry location — damp storage promotes mold on flocked decoys

Blinds and Layout Boats

• Dry completely before storing. Mold and mildew love damp nylon and canvas.
• Store folded or hung — don’t leave mud flaps crushed under weight
• Check for mouse damage before storing. Mice nest in blinds over summer. Clean and treat before putting them away.

Clothing and Waders

• Wash all hunting clothing before storing. Sweat and body oils break down fabrics over time.
• Hang waders by the boots — folding them creates permanent creases that become leak points.
• Store scent-control clothing in sealed bags or bins to maintain effectiveness.

Snowmobile Storage

South Dakota gets enough snow to make snowmobiling worthwhile, and storing a sled properly for 7-8 months of off-season matters.

Before Storing

1. Fill the fuel tank and add stabilizer. Run the engine for 5-10 minutes to circulate treated fuel through the system.
2. Fog the engine (for carbureted sleds) — spray fogging oil into the carbs while the engine runs until it stalls. This coats internal surfaces and prevents corrosion.
3. Change the oil — old oil contains acids and contaminants that corrode engine parts during storage.
4. Remove the drive belt to prevent flat spots from sitting compressed all summer.
5. Grease all fittings — suspension, steering, and driveshaft.
6. Clean the sled thoroughly — salt, mud, and trail grime corrode aluminum and steel.

During Storage

• Elevate the track off the ground. Use a rear stand or blocks so the track isn’t sitting flat for months. This prevents flat spots in the track.
• Cover with a breathable cover — not a tarp. Tarps trap moisture.
• Store in a dry, covered space. A storage unit is ideal — check sizing here. A 10x20 unit can handle one or two sleds plus gear.
• Disconnect the battery and store it on a trickle charger indoors.
• Crack a window or vent on the cover to prevent condensation buildup.

Common Snowmobile Storage Mistakes

• Leaving old fuel without stabilizer (varnishes carburetors and fuel injectors)
• Storing with a wet track (promotes rust on studs and wear bars)
• Leaving the battery connected (dies and sulfates over summer)
• Parking on grass or dirt (moisture wicks up from the ground)

Ice Fishing Gear

Ice fishing is practically a religion in southeast South Dakota. Between Lewis and Clark Lake, local ponds, and the Missouri River, there’s a lot of gear:

Ice Houses and Shelters

• Dry completely before folding and storing. Mold is the enemy.
• Check fabric for tears — repair before storing so it’s ready next season.
• Store upright if possible to prevent creasing.
• Mice love ice houses. Store in a sealed space or use deterrents.

Augers

• Drain any fuel from gas augers (or stabilize it).
• Sharpen or replace blades — do this now, not in November when you’re in a rush.
• Oil the blades lightly to prevent rust.
• Store hand augers and electric augers with blade guards on.

Electronics

Flashers, underwater cameras, and portable fish finders: - Remove batteries — all of them. Batteries corrode and leak during long storage. - Store in a climate-controlled environment — LCD screens and electronics don’t love extreme cold or heat. - Keep in padded cases to prevent damage.

ATV and Side-by-Side Storage

ATVs and UTVs see heavy use in southeast South Dakota — hunting access, farm chores, trail riding, and hauling. When the season’s done:

• Wash thoroughly — mud packed in suspension components accelerates wear
• Stabilize fuel and change oil — same principles as snowmobiles
• Check and adjust tire pressure — slightly overinflate for storage to prevent flat spots
• Lubricate cables, chains, and pivot points
• Cover with a breathable cover and store in a dry space
• Battery on a tender — remove and maintain indoors

A 10x10 or 10x15 storage unit fits most ATVs. Side-by-sides need a 10x20 or larger.

Golf Equipment

Yes, even in South Dakota there’s a golf season. When the courses close:

• Clean all club heads — dried mud and grass stain and corrode
• Store clubs upright in the bag — don’t lay the bag flat on a cold garage floor
• Remove items from bag pockets — snacks attract mice, hand warmers can leak
• Keep in a climate-stable space — extreme cold can crack graphite shafts and damage grips

The Storage Unit Solution

A dedicated storage unit for sporting gear solves the space problem and protects your investment. Here’s what fits where:

• 5x5 unit: Fishing gear, golf clubs, small equipment, seasonal clothing
• 5x10 unit: Hunting gear, decoys, multiple sets of seasonal equipment
• 10x10 unit: All of the above plus an ATV or snowmobile
• 10x20 unit: Multiple vehicles (snowmobile + ATV), boat accessories, full gear rotation

The key is organization. Set up your unit with seasonal zones so you can rotate efficiently. Winter gear near the front in fall, summer gear near the front in spring.

Protect Your Gear Year-Round

Southeast South Dakota’s outdoor lifestyle comes with a gear problem — and a storage unit is the simplest solution. Keep your equipment maintained, properly stored, and organized, and it’ll last years longer and perform better when you need it.

Lock N’ Leave It Storage in Tyndall, Springfield, and Freeman has the unit sizes outdoor enthusiasts need — from small lockers for fishing tackle to large drive-up units for snowmobiles and ATVs. Contact us or stop by to find the right fit for your gear collection. Because the off-season is really just prep time for the next adventure.