Looks like nobody is home. Sissy hunter!
If you’re contemplating a winter hunt that includes lots of sitting like I’m doing right now in Iowa. Here is a short list of “must-have” items to keep you warm, comfortable, and most importantly, alive.
First, take along lots of air-activated hand and body warmers. These can be used in your gloves, boots, on your kidneys, neck and chest. Never place them against your skin and bring along some duct tape to secure them in targeted zones. Strip the duct tape narrow to allow air to reach the packet.
Buy good boots. If you’re on a tight budget, go to the nearest Army surplus store and pick up a used pair of military cold weather boots. Nicknamed Mickey Mouse boots, this style of footwear is excellent for keeping your toes warm at a great price. I still wear mine every night when doing winter chores. If you want a Cadillac cold weather boot try the Trans-Alaska III from Cabela’s rated for minus 135 degrees.
For outwear there are lots of choices, but since I keep my base layer safe with Under Armour’s Metal ColdGear, I use their Armor Stealth Camo Cold bib and parka for the last layer in protection. The products are breathable, waterproof, quiet and warm. Check them out.
If it’s really cold, just bag it. I don’t mean leave; I mean get a Heater Body Suit. It’s like a sleeping bag for warmth, but you can easily slip out of the suit to shoot either a bow or firearm without alerting deer or other game. I’ve used the suit in temperatures from 30 degrees to subzero and I’m always comfortable.
Finally, bring along an Ipod or a transistor radio. Keep the volume down and only one ear bud in at a time, but enjoy the airwaves to pass the time. I always carry a small radio to keep up the weather and news, plus to keep me sane when sitting for hours on end over the course of a 5-day hunt.
OK, that’s enough for now. I have to get back to the hunt.
Mark Kayser
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