| Maybe the greatest challenge of late autumn and | | | | chilled. If just part of you gets wet, you will be chilled. |
| winter hunting is staying warm. Marking trails and | | | | Remember to wear waterproof boots and a couple |
| tracking can become painful if you are wet and | | | | layers of socks. Make sure to wear the extra socks |
| chilled. Many a hunt has been cut short due to cold | | | | when you're buying the boots, otherwise you'll end |
| and inclement weather. Since you spend time and | | | | up with boots which are too small to wear with extra |
| money preparing for your hunting holidays, make sure | | | | socks. |
| to prepare for the weather so you can enjoy the | | | | Remember the extremities. The hands, feet and face |
| hunt from start to finish. Before you take your | | | | will feel the cold faster then other areas of your |
| firearms out of the gun cabinet, head to the closet | | | | body. Many of us find gloves, hats and faces masks |
| and check out your gear. | | | | to be awkward or annoying but if you take them off |
| Layers - Both seasoned hunters and over protective | | | | during cold and wet weather you will end up paying a |
| mothers advise layering as the best way to handle | | | | price. When you go shopping for gear, try on the |
| the cold. If you have a choice between one thick | | | | hats, facemasks and gloves, and make sure they are |
| coat or three thin layers of clothing, you are better | | | | comfortable. |
| off with the layers. You should start with long johns, | | | | Pack a few chemical warmers. There are some great |
| move to a couple layers of clothes, then a wind | | | | chemical warmers on the market. You activate the |
| stopper and then a parka over that. | | | | packet and slide them into your gloves. They work |
| Thinsulate is a wonderful fabric which came out a | | | | for about eight hours and can be a real warmth |
| few years back. It insulates with about half the bulk | | | | booster. |
| of traditional material. This means less weight for you | | | | Keep a check list Post a packing check list in your |
| to carry and less bulk for any given layer. Thinsulate | | | | wooden gun cabinet of warming essentials, so when |
| is easier to move in and easier to wear. | | | | you're ready to hunt you'll remember to take all the |
| Stay Dry. If your bottom layer is wet you will be | | | | gear you need to keep hunting. |