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Just lock them in as you need front drive. That should be plenty.
In all the 4wd trucks I've had for the last 30 years this is all I've ever needed to do.
There might be a 4 or 5 months between the snow going away and hunting season but it's nothing to worry about.
Is there anytime that you need to run the hubs in the lock position for maintenance or always keep them in free unless using 4x4?
2017 F250 6.2L STX version with the FX4 package
Its not a bad idea to occasionally lock the hubs in while keeping the transfer case in 2WD...this allows the grease to move over the bearings in the axle joints, and the gear oil in the differential and axles to re-coat the exposed metal and prevent rust. I would say once every couple of months.
On the other hand, I use 4x4 probably several times a month so I don't worry about it. The hubs only really need to be locked in for a very brief period of time to get everything coated and lubed again.