Advice for Cold Weather Hunting?

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I've deer hunted on and off in cold weather for 40+ years. I'd forget the oversize skier type clothes. Polypro, wool, and Gore-tex in layers. I've got a Goretex archers jacket that came from Gander Mountain. It's light enough for warmer weather but windproof, waterproof, and has storm cuffs and hood. Army surplus stores have the thick wool sweaters for underneath.

As for boots, I'd take a minimum of 2 pair. When I was getting ready for Idaho elk I had 3 pair. If you happen to get water inside a pair, it's gonna be tough to get them dried out overnite.

For gloves, I use some thin ones almost like divers gloves, then carry wool mittens with the flip up finger tips for shooting.

Remember, at altitude it's all about weight. If you're going up and down mountains, every ounce counts. Make sure you've got a really comfortable sling for your rifle. Also use Butler Creek flip caps.
 
I might have missed it, but do any of you wear mask? ski mask? Is there something that won't itch your face?
 
no, i don't - i use to when the weather went to about 15 below or colder, but found hunting in that kind of weather was very unproductive. my own cut-off for productive hunting is between 10 below and zero, depending on wind.
 
I might have missed it, but do any of you wear mask? ski mask? Is there something that won't itch your face?
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Depending on which expert you like, about 70% of heat loss is from the head. That's why I like stocking caps. I usually have two or three with me, and pull them down. One of them is always the "eyehole" type. I use an acrylic for that -- less itchy.
 
Need to add....my wife bought me some Comfort-temp sox off QVC. Those things are SUPER warm. My feet get cold pretty easy and they have never gotten cold in those, even when standing on the lake ice fishing or standing on frozen ground.

If it's way cold, I use a hood thingy that she also got off QVC. You can just keep it down around your neck, pull it up into a hood, or close off the front and basically make a ski mask arrangement. Since it's polar fleece, it's zero itch and real soft. Sock caps are fine, but you gotta keep your neck covered. If I wear the hood, I put the (blaze orange) sock cap over the top.

Polar fleece is a real good thing to wear under the Gore-tex jacket. Light and breathes but super warm.
 
Never hunted in extreme cold, but I always bring a wide-mouth thermos full of pea soup. It stores heat like lava, so it does a MUCH better job of warming you up than coffee.

--Len.
 
The trick to being a good hunter is to be a comfortable hunter. When your toes are freezing, it's tough to sit still for hours on end.

The real secret is not to wind up drenched with sweat, then sit down in freezing weather and try to stay warm. Don't wear everything you own while humping up the mountain, but carry what you need in your pack. Dress cold, carry warm.
 
Never hunted in extreme cold, but I always bring a wide-mouth thermos full of pea soup.
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A nice thing to have in your pack is an empty quart milk jug -- when you fill up with coffee, soup, whatever, you'll need to empty your bladder at some point.
 
As for boots, I'd take a minimum of 2 pair. When I was getting ready for Idaho elk I had 3 pair. If you happen to get water inside a pair, it's gonna be tough to get them dried out overnite.
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Good point! Ive never gone hunting two days in a row before where I didn't have an opportunity to do so (ie warm fire and/or building). One possible way to mitigate this is to use boots without anything with absorbative properties, like Galoshes, Wellingtons, what have you. Rubber is a pretty good insulator, doesn't get wet, and is quite flexible allowing for a fair amount of foot comfort. Just remember the socks!

i use to when the weather went to about 15 below or colder, but found hunting in that kind of weather was very unproductive.
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You've just got to find the area sheltered from the wind with food, water, and shelter in close proximity!

Yeah, it doesn't work as well, but it still works.
 
Not much to add to the other posters, but one thing to remember. IF you wear glasses, be sure and take an extra pair. A hard case is better protection for glasses if you take a fall, etc. You'd be surprised how many hunters either break, or sometimes lose, their glasses.

I've hunted elk in Colo. four times. Highest altitude was 13,500 feet. The coldest I experienced was minus 17*F. Don't know what the wind chill factor was but it was cold enough for this child. :)

I had layers of polypro underwear, lightweight wool shirts, and a down jacket. I always wear wool pants over the polypro underwear. I always carried a lightweight rain suit in my day pack. Came in mighty handy, too. Of the four hunts, three of them were in snowy, wet conditions. I also used gaiters. Smartwool socks are fantastic.

I've hunted elk in Wyom., and Montana, and of course, quite a few times in Idaho. You'd not catch me out there in the mountains in cotton clothing.

As stated several times above: get in shape! Drink lots of water in the high country. Leave alcohol alone at night, unless it is just one small drink before dinner!

Elk hunting in the Rocky Mountains is a fantastic experience... but it ain't easy. If you're in good physical condition, have the proper equipment, you'll have a great time.

Good luck.

L.W.
 
C Clean
O Overheating, avoid it
L Loose Layers
D Dry
Just because its military issue doesn't mean it worth a crap. I was issued winter boots with nothing but felt insoles in '89 and first generation Gortex together.
Also, Gortex is noisy. No, it won't keep the bears away, but it will diminish YOUR hearing while on the move. Not so good for stalking.
Extra, high quality socks.
Know your limitations. Altitude is a very big deal. And chances are you wont be walking flat ground. Loose fitting boots leave little to be desired up and down steep terrain.
GPS with extra batteries. Store them IN your jacket or parka to keep the batteries warm if it is cold. A good topographical map is a must, but only if you know how to read it!
Also, make sure your rifle lube is rated for cold weather use. CLP is not!
Just a few things I've learned.
Don't forget to have fun
 
Last year I started using under armour cold gear shirt and pants. Was very impressed. Good wicking ability, helped greatly with insulation, lightweight and not bulky.
 
Also, Gortex is noisy. No, it won't keep the bears away, but it will diminish YOUR hearing while on the move. Not so good for stalking
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I used to think the same thing, but the jacket I have now is Gore-Tex and isn't doesn't make noise. Many do. I don't know of anything else that's waterproof and still breathes. If it's quiet and let's you layer up, it's the best of all worlds.
 
Get some of the therma-care or other brand 8 hour disposable heating pads. They are light for easy carry, last long, and can make a cold miserable day comfortable. I use them in N. Maine and can stay out all day in very cold weather. Of course the other advice on the right gear is vital too.
 
I was near Kremmling Colorado in the 3rd no antler restriction season in
1993 and it was cold. I went with guys that had done it before but they
did not give me much advise about what I needed. We were staying in an
old army surplus octagon tent with a wood stove, They all slept in there
boxers in a couple of sleeping bags. I slept in my coat and bibs and got
up to add wood to the fire every 30 minuts to keep from freezing.
(I only had a cheap summer sleeping bag, splurge for the mummy bag)
I was the coldest I had ever been in my life but I would do it again in
a second.:D
Now I am no longer a Colorado resident and my old 32 dollar tag is now
almost 500 bucks.:eek:
 
Silk wicks moisture away from skin.
Wool keeps one warm even if wet.

I do not do camo, never have, never will.

Gortex is fine and dandy, but one can sew a wool coat, or a waxed cotton coat and re-wax it.

Wool is quieter.

Lots of "gear" is designed to take your money - not for really being helpful in the outdoors.
 
"I might have missed it, but do any of you wear mask? ski mask?"

I tried one, but it was only good for really cold weather. Now I use a black fleece neck gaiter for duck hunting, with either a Filson hat, Filson waxed canvas ball cap, Filson wool ball cap or insulated Filson ball cap with ear flaps depending on the weather. Now you know what's in the blind bag with the spare ammo and gloves. When a hat blows out of the boat they get to wear one of my size XL backups.

You can wear the gaiter folded down around your neck, pulled up over your mouth and nose, or like a floppy open-topped stocking cap if it's not too cold and you want to let your head breathe.

For pre-sunrise boat rides I wear one of the ball caps with a stocking cap over it to hold it on. The hood for my Columbia parka only comes out of the bag if the pouring rain is blowing down my neck.

www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0014854942910a.shtml

And I agree with everything that's been said about layers, polypro (Thermax, etc.), polypro sock liners with wool socks, extra boots, etc.

JohnBigheadT
 
"I do not do camo"

When we head out into the saltwater marsh I look like one of the guys in the catalogs, but it was an accident.

Filson makes hats that fit my big head and the local gun store stocks them. Great quality, but my favorite is the insulated ball cap with ear flaps - it came in Shadowgrass.

Years ago after getting wet once too often in the duck boat, I bought a Columbia parka in Shadowgrass pattern - listed for $270, but on sale worth it when the northeasters blow. A few years went by and my old brown chest waders wore out. I looked for another pair, but the best I could find were camo - Shadowgrass was on sale again. Then after having back surgery a few years ago I decided that I deserved a new autoloader to replace my '93 Express and my Wal-Mart black 1100. After shopping and comparing and looking some more, I ran across a like-new 2-year-old SX-2 Waterfowl - that's a Shadowgrass gun wouldn't you know.

It's almost embarrassing to show up. Of course, I don't look anything like a model, so I can get away with it.

John
 
Wool pants and coat. I'd take a couple pairs of pants. Armour stuff against your skin. Have a light parka that will fit over the coat to cut the wind if needed. Have polar fleece underneath and carry a wool sweater and scarf. Pack a knit cap too. I like the recommendation above for really cold weather as you can wear your hat on top.
 
That's what I generally do, 22-rimfire. If I'm moving, I take the outer cap off and unbutton/unzip my front.
 
Guys-

Thank you very much for the info. Lot to go through, but I'll be printing some of this out and going to the local Sportsman's Warehouse and Cabela's website.

Justin did you draw that late season 3-301 tag? If so I can give you some sage advice on that unit. It is guarantied kill if you know where to go.
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Avtually, I've got Unit #501. (I hope that answers your question!)


FWIW, I tried jogging last week, and the results were spectacularly abysmal. I've got my work cut out for me! Thankfully there's a nice nature preserve less than a mile from my house, which makes for a nice place to jog.
 
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