tips on hunting in bitter cold weather

[jhg]

Originally posted by RedShaft:
I take pride in toughing it out, sitting for long hours on stand in very cold temps. that put most guys at home....

I understand that and was of the same thinking. Until one year I sat without moving in bitter cold for several hrs. When I finally stood up I  knew right away I'd made a mistake. Except for my "core", the rest of my body had shut down. I almost fell down trying to stand/walk, my arms were like wooden sticks and I discovered I had frozen the big toe on my right foot.

Obviously my mind had also begun to shut down too as it never accured to me that there was a problem while I sat there. I just kept my initial aim in mind the whole time: " Its cold but you are not going in or moving unless a deer walks by."
After 20 years that toe is still so damaged it needs to be massaged even in the summer to keep any circulation going in it.
Don't do what I did. Check yourself aften by moving. You can still "tough it out". Just don't think you are making your body impervious to the cold by mentally being strong. You aren't.

Joshua

[MnFn]

Thanks Jason,
I thought I was becomming a wimp. When the cold stuff really hits, 2 hours is about as long as I can stand it as well. I had one day already that forced me out of the treestand and back to my vehicle to warm up after only a few hours.

Some people think all you really need is a good sweatshirt!  :-)

[NittanyRider]

1) Bibs - I have a pair of uninsulated gortex bibs from Cabelas that I really like a lot.  I layer with several different weights of capilene or polartec, depending on the temp and how much I plan to walk.

2) Balaclava - I bought an UnderArmor Balaclava last year, and I have to say, that it's the best $25 I've spent on cold weather gear.  It totally seals out wind and cold air from your neck, which like your head, is a major source of heat loss.

3) Slow, shallow squats followed by a butt squeze (no joke!).  For me, a set of 10 - 15 squats really gets the blood flowing if I'm on stand.  Once I feel the shivers coming on I do a set and usually feel much more comfortable afterwards.

[Steertalker]

Heck....if I could figure out how to stay warm when it's below 70 that would be an accomplishment for me  :rolleyes:

[Hit-or-Miss]

When it gets cold, and I mean REAL cold up here in Maine (below zero with a wind chill), I stay home, wrap up in a blanket w/a steaming hot cup of Joe, sit by the fire and read. There will be warmer days ahead.