5 Tips For Hunting In Cold Weather

A cold-weather hunt can be miserable if you aren't prepared. Having the proper gear and using a few hacks can keep you warm when the mercury is in the pits. Use these five tips this season.

1. WEAR WARM GEAR

This might seem elementary to some, but I'm serious. There's a difference in good clothing and bad clothing. Wear that which is warm. Get the best you can afford. Don't skimp on camouflage. You need warm clothing for cold weather or you won't last long in the stand. And if you do, you won't be ready when a shot opportunity presents itself. You need to be loose when that deer steps out, not shriveled like a raisin and rigid like a rock.

2. LAYER ON UP

Dress in layers, but don't finish until you get to the stand. Put on enough to keep you warm while walking. Then finish layering once you get to the tree. Throw on your outer layers and climb up. You risk sweating if you walk with a lot of clothes on, even in cold weather. Sweating is the last thing you want to do.

3. USE THE EXTRAS

Hand warmers, beanies, neck warmers, and the list goes on. There are countless accessories available that will help with warmth.

One such product is the boot insulator from Arctic Shield. This gem of a product is a lifesaver and may just save your toes from frostbite in extreme temperatures.

4. HOT HANDS ON HAND

A lot of people use Hot Hands. They're an ingenious invention. I keep them in my pack.

I don't just use them on my hands, though. I place one inside each sleeve of my jacket (the tight cuffs keep them from falling out). Heat rises, so the heat goes up each arm to my shoulders.

Also, I put one on the back of my neck. That's the ticket. Put one there and your whole body stays warm. As Donnie Baker says, I swurr to gott it does.

5. PACK A THERMOS

A warm drink of coffee or thermos full of hot soup will keep you in the stand longer. Chicken noodle, beef stew, alphabet soup, doesn't matter. They all get the job done.

It's simple, yet effective. And it's a cheap way to stay warm.