As they said leave thge rubber bands on.......and I always add a rubber band or two to the handle to secure the handle (lid of the call) to the main body when I am not using it. Why?
It helps me make the call squeak free when I am walking.
That way the only thing creakin' is my ole joints!

And I carry a small bag of various size rubber bnads and they do break and come in handy for all sorts of things......

JW