Winter Habitat Management & Hunting Prep – GECO Tips for Responsible Hunters

In the magical stillness of the winter forest, the wildlife rest period begins—a time when nature slows down, and your actions as a hunter should follow suit. 
The following tips from GECO will help you maintain your hunting grounds in harmony with nature and prepare effectively for the upcoming season.

Winter Feeding in Emergencies – Follow Legal Guidelines

Winter feeding can be a life-saving measure during heavy snowfalls—but may only be carried out by order of the local hunting authority. This regulation protects the ecosystem and ensures responsible game management.

Why official approval matters:
Such decisions are based on ecological expertise. In times of emergency, when snow limits natural food sources, targeted feeding ensures that wildlife stays nourished—without upsetting the natural balance.

Risks of unsupervised feeding:
Unregulated feeding can lead to overpopulation, altered animal behavior, and negative impacts on other species. Authorities consider game populations, regional conditions, and available food before implementing ecologically sound actions.

Hunting Stand Check – Focus on Safety and Functionality

Winter is the ideal time to inspect your hunting stands and make necessary repairs:

• Inspect roofs: Snow and moisture can cause damage. Make sure the roof is waterproof to protect yourself and your gear.

• Check ladders and supports: Look for cracks, breaks, or signs of weathering to ensure structural stability.

• Examine the entire construction: Tighten screws, bolts, and connections for safety.

• Lubricate moving parts: Cold temperatures can affect mobility. Apply lubricant to hinges, seats, and other mechanisms for smooth operation.

Don’t forget to adjust your personal gear—warm, weatherproof clothing is essential.

Discover New Hunting Spots in Winter

Snow and changed wildlife behavior open up new opportunities:

• Track analysis: Follow tracks in the snow to identify high-traffic wildlife routes.

• Observe feeding areas: Monitor frequently visited spots and plan your hunting accordingly.

• Use natural cover: Choose stands that are well-hidden by trees or shrubs.

• Keep shooting lanes clear: Trim branches and underbrush for a clear line of sight and safe shooting conditions.

Habitat Management in Harmony with Nature

• Set up feeding and mineral lick stations: Use mineral-rich supplements to improve wildlife health and soil quality.

• Remove trash: Take time to clean up litter in your hunting area for a clean, healthy environment.

• Install mobile field dressing stations: These help ensure hygienic game processing and ethical hunting practices.

• Plan for food plots: Create targeted forage areas to improve nutrition for local wildlife.

Lead-Free Ammunition – A Future-Oriented Choice with GECO

Many countries are increasingly mandating the use of lead-free ammunition. GECO offers reliable options for hunters adapting to these changes.

Legal regulations in the DACH region:

• Germany: A nationwide lead ban has been in place since 2023.

• Austria: No national ban, but regional rules may apply.

• Switzerland: No nationwide restrictions, but canton-specific regulations must be followed.

GECO STAR and GECO ZERO – Your partners for lead-free hunting
GECO STAR (copper) and GECO ZERO (tin) represent precision and reliability in all hunting scenarios. With their high-performance bullet cores, they are the ideal choice for legally compliant and ethical hunting.

Conclusion

With these tips, you’re well equipped to care for your hunting grounds responsibly, hunt safely, and start the new season with confidence.