Editor’s Note: Here is a repost of my most recent article for The News Journal. I have inserted some comments, as well.
Sitting in a deer stand for the better part of six hours during last Saturday’s snowstorm and single-digit wind chills gave me ample time to ponder and appreciate proper cold weather hunting preparation.
I circled the last day of the deer hunting season on my calendar back in September, so I knew I would hunt regardless of the weather. When I realized late last week that the Saturday forecast predicted highs in the teens, gusty winds, and a slight chance of snow, I planned accordingly.
I was happy I did.
Mother Nature quickly overruled the slight chance of snow and dropped nearly 5 inches of the coldest, most powdery snow I’ve ever seen. To make matters worse, she supplied just enough wind to blow the light, tiny flakes into every wrinkle of my clothing and onto every centimeter of my exposed skin.
My preparation (or my lunacy, as some would say) enabled me to stick it out.
Preparing to hunt in cold weather begins with basic common sense: Be aware of the forecast prior to beginning your hunt. With televison, radio, and the Internet, there is no excuse for not having an up-to-date weather forecast. Be careful, however. As proven last week, it is not merely enough to play the odds. Last Saturday’s snowstorm was supposed to pass to the south of New Castle County, but the small chance of snow prompted me to pack my rain/snow gear in my hunting pack. The preparation paid huge dividends since it snowed steadily the entire time I was in the woods.
When the forecast calls for extreme cold, appropriate dress can be the difference between an enjoyable hunt and a hunt that ends miserably, and more seriously, the difference between life and death. Dress in layers, but be smart about your layering. Start with an insulating undergarment layer (top and bottom) of polypropylene or some other fabric that traps heat and wicks away moisture. (I like military issue polypropylene pants and shirt or Under Armour.) Next add one or two layers of mid-layer garments. On extreme cold weather days, I wear a thick, tight-knit wool shirt covered by an even thicker wool vest (both made by King of the Mountain), and thick wool pants. For an outer layer, I recommend a heavy, hooded, wind- and water-resistant parka or a full-body jumpsuit and a wool hat. When the forecast calls for precipitation and/or wind, I will add an outer shell lining of a waterproof jacket and pants. (I am especially fond of Frogg Toggs).
Keep in mind that some of us perspire more than others, and simple walks to a hunting location while wearing multiple layers of clothing can cause sweating. If you anticipate becoming overheated while walking, don’t put your outer layer on until you reach your location.
Nothing can end a cold-weather hunt faster than numb fingers and toes. Cost-cutting measures can be applied to all of your other hunting clothing purchases, but do not skimp on gloves, socks and boots. For gloves, I recommend a pair of wool glove liners covered by water-resistant mittens with flip-open fingers. For footwear, wear heavy-duty, moisture-wicking socks with a quality pair of low-temperature rated, waterproof boots that provide a thermal barrier without sacrificing comfort. Gone are the days of bulky, heavy boots that hinder movement and cause blisters. New technology is making it easier and more comfortable for us to hunt for longer periods in the cold. In fact, for extreme cold weather hunting, I wear boots that incorporate 2000 grams of Thinsulate material and Aerogel, a nanotechnology material developed for NASA that provides an extremely effective insulator with the lowest thermal conductivity of any solid material known to man. How cool, er hot, is that? (I have had several inquiries about the boots I wear. I wear Irish Setter Snow Claw XT extreme cold boots.)
Above all else, be smart when hunting in cold weather. If you are cold standing or sitting still, move around a bit. If you get too warm, remove a layer of clothing. And if you start to shiver uncontrollably, end your hunt and move to a heated location.