by Steve Hickoff

If you're a hardcore waterfowl hunter, taking care of your decoys, gun, calls and, most important, your all-terrain vehicle is a necessity. Here are 10 tips for getting the most out of your ATV investment before, during and after the season.

1. Keep that battery charged and store it in a place with moderate temperatures. Maine waterfowlers and Mississippi duck hunters face different challenges and should respond accordingly.
   
   
2. During downtime, store your ATV in a storage shed or garage to protect it from dust and moisture. Most of all keeping it out of the elements – it's exposed to this enough during the season.
   
   
3. Remember that used oil is your ATV's enemy. Change oil when recommended, along with installing a new filter. Another helpful tip is to allow your engine to run for a little while after you do your maintenance. Your ATV will purr at you for it.
   
   
4. Check all larger hardware parts on your four-wheeled machine slowly and surely. Does anything need to be replaced? Be methodical, like a doctor giving a patient an exam.
   
   
5. Inspect smaller essentials such as the lights, switches, brake levers and especially the spark plug.
   
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