Cold Weather Hunting Tips

I hunted for Musk Ox north of the Artic Circle
and found the true meaning of COLD.


I hope these ideas help keep you warm no matter where or what you are hunting.


1. Dress in layers. Carry some of your heavier, warmer hunting clothing to your stand and put it on once you get there. That way you won't get all sweaty and wet before you even get on stand. Believe me, if you get wet, then cold, your done. You might as well go back to camp and start all over. Also; fallow all hunting regulations pertaining to the color of your outer hunting clothing for safety.
2. Once you put on your outer hunting clothing, seal as best you can all exposed openings; neck area, wrists, waist, pant cuffs, top of head and etc..
3. Have some wool hunting clothing on. Not right next to your skin, maybe after a layer or two. Wool will retain most of its insulation qualities even when it is wet. I like to carry a wool sweater or two with me to my hunting stand and put them on under my hunting jacket when I get there.
4. Wear a light weight hunting cap to your stand. Then once there, put on a good quality thermal facemask and a wool/insulated cap on over that. I prefer a wool stocking cap or something very well insulated with ear and neck protection. This way you can stay nice and toasty.
5. Long underwear - I use layers of Military long underwear. If it is good enough for our men and women in uniform, it is good enough hunting gear for me. You can buy the more expensive and cute stuff if you want.
6. Gloves and mittens - Get the good stuff. I like light weight gloves inside of mittens that let you extend your fingers out for shooting that trophy deer. You can get waterproof items if you want. I have found in our climate it is often to cold for ice to thaw, but sometimes it does, so I have both just in case.
7. Hunting Boots - Can you say "spend the money!" Don't be cheap here. In real cold weather - below zero degrees F. - I wear ice fishing packs that have rubber soles! My feet stay warm! The good ones are rated for over -100 degrees F. In real cold weather I have no problems with them as long as they stay dry. Which means keeping them dry or drying them every night while your dreaming about that trophy deer. There again, if you have to carry them to your hunting stand and then put them on, do it.
8. Use those chemical small 8-10 hour heaters in your gloves/mittens, boots, pockets and wherever you may need a spot of heat. There cheap, only a buck or so for a pair. Well worth it.