Cold Weather Gear For Hunting Deer

High-quality hunting gear for cold weather is a must for any trophy deer hunter hunting in areas where the weather may get severely cold. In the northern hemisphere; especially states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Montana, Alaska, Maine, and the country of Canada, temperatures during the whitetail deer hunting season can drop well below zero degrees F.

Past Experience – A Good Teacher

I remember a couple of years ago in Minnesota, opening rifle season, I was in my portable hunting stand, and it was -16 degrees F. That’s cold weather, and I do not include any wind chill effect. Sorry, most of us from the northern latitudes that deer hunt in this cold climate doesn’t even consider the wind chill effect. Oh yes; we feel it when sitting on the stand over looking a large field facing a stiff Northwest wind. It just gets cold, and you need to be prepared and spend the bucks for good cold weather hunting gear. If you are hunting the second rut in one of those hunting areas I mentioned above, you’re going to need good hunting gear and hunting equipment. Believe me when I say, “things freeze up and you will get cold”. If you’re cold; you are not hunting. You’re thinking about getting warmer. Your moving around, your shivering, your toes hurt, your fingers hurt, your face feels like a block of ice. That trophy deer you hope to bag sees you from a distance, and you will never get that opportunity to harvest that nice buck. Hypothermia may be setting in, and you need to be aware of it (see the signs below). Remember that scene in the movie “Dumb and Dumber”? The one where they ride out of the cold mountains into Aspen, Co., on that small scooter. They were shivering, making all kinds of noises, and ice was formed on their faces; well, that is what you’re going to look and sound like to that trophy deer if you’re not prepared properly.

Cold Weather and Hunting Gear Tips

1. Dress in layers. Carry some of your heavier, warmer hunting clothing to your stand and put it on once you get there. That way you won’t get all sweaty and wet before you even get on the stand. Believe me, if you get wet, then cold, you’re done. You might as well go back to camp and start all over. Also; fallow all hunting regulations pertaining to the color of your outer hunting clothing for safety.
2. Once you put on your outer hunting clothing, seal as best you can all exposed openings; neck area, wrists, waist, pant cuffs, top of head and etc..
3. Have some wool hunting clothing on. Not right next to your skin, maybe after a layer or two. Wool will retain most of its insulation qualities even when it is wet. I like to carry a wool sweater or two with me to my hunting stand and put them on under my hunting jacket when I get there.
4. Wear a light weight hunting cap to your stand. Then once there, put on a good quality thermal face-mask and a wool/insulated cap on over that. I prefer a wool stocking cap or something very well insulated with ear and neck protection. This way you can stay nice and toasty.
5. Long underwear – I use layers of Military long underwear. If it is good enough for our men and women in uniform, it is good enough hunting gear for me. You can buy the more expensive and cute stuff if you want.
6. Gloves and mittens – Get the good stuff. I like light weight gloves inside of mittens that let you extend your fingers out for shooting that trophy deer. You can get waterproof items if you want. I have found in our climate it is often too cold for ice to thaw, but sometimes it does, so I have both just in case.

7. Hunting Boots – Can you say “spend the money!” Don’t be cheap here. In real cold weather – below zero degrees F. – I wear ice fishing packs that have rubber soles! My feet stay warm! The good ones are rated for over -100 degrees F. In real cold weather I have no problems with them as long as they stay dry. Which means keeping them dry or drying them every night while you’re dreaming about that trophy deer. There again, if you have to carry them to your hunting stand and then put them on, do it.

8. Use those chemical small 8-10 hour heaters in your gloves/mittens, boots, pockets and wherever you may need a spot of heat. There cheap, only a buck or so for a pair. Well worth it.
9. Big Tip Here! – Do not, I repeat, do not over lubricate your hunting weapon when deer hunting in cold weather. It will freeze up on you when you need it the most! Try to pour a quart of regular oil at anything below zero degrees F. It doesn’t flow, pour or move very well. And neither will your hunting firearm of choice if it is nice and gummed up with frozen sludge. Wipe all lubricants off your firearm, gun or bow. If you must lubricate any hunting gear or equipment, use a graphite based lubricant, sparingly.
10. Hypothermia; learn and teach your fellow deer hunters the signs and stages of it, you may save someone’s life – or even your own.
Stage 1: Your breathing becomes quicker, and you start to shiver. Your bodies core temperature has dropped 1.8 to 3.6 degrees below your normal temperature of 98.6 degrees. You need to warm up soon before you slip into the later stages of hypothermia. You should drink warm fluids, walk about or do other exercises. You may even need to seek a companions body warmth.
Stage 2: You start to lose coordination of your body. You may even feel you are starting to warm up, but in fact, you are getting worse. Your bodies core temperature has dropped by 3.8 to 7.6 degrees below normal. You have slipped into the moderate to severe stage of hypothermia. You need to get out of the hunting area or woods and get into a dry, warm place, and may even need to seek medical attention.
Stage 3: You’re having difficulty thinking and speaking. You may experience stumbling as you try to move about. Your shivering may have stopped. Your bodies core temperature has dropped below 89.6 degrees; you are in danger of passing out and dying. In stage 3 you need to warm up immediately and should seek medical assistance.
11. Finally; always let your deer hunting partners or family know where you plan to hunt and when to expect you back. Accidents can and do happen. Carry a cell phone or walkie-talkie on you. Do not put it in your backpack, you may have an accident and not have it by you. Also, in cold weather, keep it close to your body to keep it warm and operable. Stay safe and have fun deer hunting in the cold; it can be rewarding.