If there’s one thing non-hunters have never understood about life afield, its that sitting stationary, waiting on deer is actually the hardest part about hunting, not the easiest. Humping a pack, making a shot and dressing a deer are all downright enjoyable in comparison. This hard part tends to get a whole lot harder if you’re cold, wet and otherwise uncomfortable. As such, read on for a few ways to stay warm, dry and in good spirits this hunting season.
Layer Up
This is a tip for everyone, but for backcountry hunters specifically. Think you need to throw on your warmest coat before you hit the woods? Think again. If you wear your warmest gear for the walk (or hike) in, you’ll be sweating sheets in no time. Save the big coat in your back for when your stationary, and warm up on the way in with some good old fashioned exercise. Trust me, you don’t want to be cold and drenched.
Bask in a Blind
For the stationary hunters out there, consider getting out of the elements and hunting a blind. having the wind out of your face may not sound like an outdoorsman’s idea of a good time, it gets less fun when that wind is biting well below freezing. If its raining, there’s literally nothing better.
Heat it Up
If you’ve decided to take the advice above, consider adding a propane heater. Long the well-kept secret of marshland duck hunters, a small, indoor-safe propane heater can be an invaluable tool both for keeping yourself warm, and drying wet gear. Not a bad deal if you ask me.
Food is Fuel
This may not sound like an important category, but as it so happens you burn a lot of calories when its cold out. This probably has something to do with the fact that calories are as measure of heat, which is exactly what you’re losing when the mercury drops, but I’m no scientist. What I do know, is the more food you have with you, the warmer you tend to feel, so stock up on plenty of granola and trail mix. If you happen to have a heater, or plan on building a fire, maybe even consider bringing a sandwich wrapped in tinfoil. There are few foods tastier than a good campfire sandwich.
Whatever method you choose of course, the important part is to have fun, and enjoy whatever experience you’ve set up for yourself out in nature. Happy hunting season everyone!
A humble homesteader based in an undisclosed location, Lars Drecker splits his time between tending his little slice of self-sustaining heaven, and bothering his neighbors to do his work for him. This is mainly the fault of a debilitating predilection for fishing, hunting, camping and all other things outdoors. When not engaged in any of the above activities, you can normally find him broken down on the side of the road, in some piece of junk he just “fixed-up.”
