Now that you are the proud owner of a FOXPRO high performance game call, protecting that investment should be just as big of a concern as calling in the next critter. While our products are designed to be used outdoors in hunting applications, remember that they are still electronic devices and susceptible to the elements and should be treated with care to help maximize usage well into the future.
The following list will cover the top recommendations from FOXPRO Inc. on proper care and maintenance of your game call. A lot of these recommendations can be classified as preventative maintenance and should be taken seriously. A little effort now can save you time, frustration, and money down the road!
Whether you are storing your FOXPRO game call or decoy away for the summer or just having some down time from calling, it is highly recommended that you thoroughly inspect the unit for any signs of moisture. Moisture (perhaps from rain, snow, condensation, or other) can potentially enter the unit or the battery compartment and cause some serious problems. Proper care should be taken to mitigate the introduction of (or potential for introduction of) moisture into the machine and make sure that no moisture is present during storage. Moisture can quickly lead to corrosion, electrical shorts, and even rust—all of which can possibly render the unit damaged and out of warranty. This type of damage is preventable. For example, if you are operating in rainy, wet conditions, it is recommended that you place the unit inside of a large plastic freezer storage bag or use a water/weatherproof deployment bag to keep water from getting to it. When storing the unit for prolonged periods, be sure that you keep it in a dry location not susceptible to drawing damp.
All batteries—whether alkaline or rechargeable—should be removed from the game calls, decoys, and remote controls prior to storage or periods of inactivity. Batteries that are left inside of electronic devices can leak over time as the chemicals start to break down. Damages caused by this can be very severe and potentially destroy the electrical components. To prevent this from happening, simply remove all batteries from all devices before you put them away. Keep in mind; damage caused by battery leakage is not a warranty issue.
Rechargeable batteries will not last forever. To help maximize the overall life of your rechargeable batteries, we recommend that you periodically charge them up—perhaps once a month or once every other month—to keep them fresh. Batteries that are left uncharged can enter into a state of deep discharge. Batteries in this state can often times no longer accept a charge and result in unexpected operation or complete failure in the field. It is also recommended that you replace rechargeable batteries about once a year just to keep them fresh.
If you are planning on storing the unit away for the summer, it is recommended to keep the unit in a dry location that is not prone to drawing moisture. It is also recommended to remove all batteries prior to removal.
Our products are designed to be used outdoors and as a result, they can get dirty from time to time. While the dirt may add a bit of character and show that you use it frequently and hard, it is recommended that you spend a few moments after each hunt or at the end of the season prior to storage to clean it up a bit. Total disassembly won't be required, just remove any debris, sticks, leaves, dirt, or anything else that shouldn't be there. If dirt or foreign objects make their way into the machine, it can cause problems down the road.
Do not stack heavy objects on top of your carrying cases or other items that may be holding your caller and remote control. If too much pressure is applied to the remotes with the LCD screens, they can be punctured and broken. Too much weight bearing down on the caller or remote could result in cracking or fracturing of the plastic housings.
If you are getting your caller out for the first time this season, take it out back and check it out before you head out on a hunt. Check your remote range, fidelity, high volume, low volume, battery life, etc. Being prepared and ensuring proper functionality before heading out on a trip can help you decide if you need new batteries, if it needs service, or if everything is working well. This can help prevent cancellation of trips and potential disappointment.
Memory cards are static sensitive items. If you are a frequent re-programmer or have multiple cards on hand to swap out, be sure to treat the cards with care. Static electricity built up on your body can be transferred into the cards which can cause damage to the card rendering inoperable. Either ground yourself prior to handling the cards or take other precautions to ensure that static transfer does not occur.