From my September 17, 2015 News Journal column.
Rain drops have been few and far between for the majority of the summer, but if the past week is any indication, Delaware deer hunters may have to deal with wet field trips this fall.
Deer hunting in the rain presents some significant challenges to hunters who are unprepared for Mother Nature’s tempestuous side. Rather than falling victim to her unpredictable mood swings, it’s best for hunters to have wet-weather game plans that enable them to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
Because deer hunters are restricted by established season dates, regulated hunting times and their personal availability, limiting hunts to dry weather is not always practical. After all, deer still follow their instincts to eat, drink and reproduce during rainstorms, so hunters shouldn’t be afraid to press on with their hunting plans if rain is forecast. Plus, the sound and movement of raindrops, along with the moistening of the ground, allow mobile hunters to cover their noise, movement and scent. What’s more, in times of traditionally high hunting pressure (like November’s shotgun season), rain will inevitably keep some hunters home in bed, which could lead to less-crowded hunts.
Well-prepared wet-weather hunters should include packable, but tear-resistant rainwear in their hunting bags. Basic rainwear typically includes a jacket and pants, but hunters should also consider how rain will affect their hats, gloves and footwear and adjust accordingly. All rain gear should be easy to put on over other hunting clothes and boots and should provide adequate camouflage. Although it’s common to tuck hunting pant legs into boots, rain gear pant legs should remain on the outside of boots. If the pants legs are tucked in, rain will run into the boots, making for cold, wet feet.
In addition to rain gear, deer hunters should consider ways of sheltering themselves from pelting raindrops. Various manufacturers sell umbrellalike devices that offer some shelter from the rain by attaching above tree stands. Water-resistant or waterproof pop-up blinds are another option. However, if manufactured covers are not available, hunters can gain some protection by merely hunkering down within the limbs of a thick evergreen tree or by building a quick lean-to-type shelter with several layers of evergreen boughs.
Most hunters carry backpacks with things like food, water, toilet paper, knives, flashlights, gloves and binoculars, so it’s wise for them to waterproof their gear. For those with deeper pockets, various watertight packs are available. For hunters on the more frugal (and perhaps more sensible) side, storing water-sensitive items in plastic zip-top bags is effective. Hunters should also pack a waterproof bag that is large enough to store their rain gear in the event the rain stops before the hunt does.
Most importantly, hunters who pursue deer in the rain should include gun and bow protection. For hunters using muzzleloaders, extra precautions are necessary to keep ignition components and powder (loaded and unloaded) dry. Most guns and bows are built to withstand some moisture, but hunters must thoroughly clean and dry their equipment after leaving the field to prevent rust and to maintain proper working order. Things like gun slings, bow releases and range finders should also be dried and cleaned.
Here’s a bonus tip: Wet-weather hunters must remember to remove, unfurl, dump out and dry out all wet clothing and gear. If items (especially clothes) remain in a pack without drying out, they are likely to become bacteria-laden science projects with the smell of a dead skunk and the fur of a possum. You’ve been warned.