Home :: Hunting Gear For Cold Weather

Hunting Gear For Cold Weather

Cold Weather Gear For Hunting Deer

High quality hunting gear for cold weather is a must for any trophy deer hunter hunting in areas where the weather may get severely cold. In the northern hemisphere; especially states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Montana, Alaska, and the country of Canada, temperatures during the whitetail deer hunting season can drop well below zero degrees F.

Past Experience - A Good Teacher

I remember a couple of years ago in Minnesota, opening rifle season, I was in my portable hunting stand and it was -16 degrees F. That's cold and I'm not including any wind chill effect. Sorry, most of us in this cold climate don't even consider that wind chill effect. It just gets cold and you need to be prepared and spend the bucks for good hunting gear. If your hunting the second rut in one of those hunting areas I mentioned above, your going to need good hunting gear and hunting equipment. Believe me when I say, "things freeze up and you will get cold". If your cold; your not hunting. Your thinking about getting warmer. Your moving around, your shivering, your toes hurt, your fingers hurt, your face feels like a block of ice. That trophy deer you hope to bag sees you from a distance and you will never get that opportunity to harvest that nice buck. Remember that scene in the movie "Dumb and Dumber"? The one where they ride out of the cold mountains into Aspen, Co., on that small scooter. They were shivering, making all kinds of noises, and ice was formed on their faces; well, that is what your going to look and sound like to that trophy deer if your not prepared properly.

Hunting Gear Tips

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.

9. Big Tip Here! - Do not, I repeat, do not over lubricate your hunting weapon when deer hunting in cold weather. It will freeze up on you when you need it the most! Try to pour a quart of regular oil at anything below zero degrees F. It doesn't flow, pour or move very well. And neither will your hunting firearm of choice if it is nice and gummed up with frozen sludge. Wipe all lubricants off your firearm, gun or bow. If you must lubricate any hunting gear or equipment, use a graphite based lubricant, sparingly.

10. Always let your deer hunting partners or family know where you plan to hunt and when to expect you back. Accidents can and do happen. Carry a cell phone or walkie-talkie on you. Do not put it in your back pack, you may have an accident and not have it by you. Also in cold weather, keep it close to your body to keep it warm and operable. Stay safe and have fun deer hunting in the cold; it can be rewarding.