JUSTINL

Ok - So I undersatnd that the deer do not move as frequently or as well in freezing & windy weather - neither do I.

This is not so much a question about the deer as about us humans.

I was out practicing with all of my "Cold Stuff" on & discovered that I've over bundled/layered myself. The layers will be great for just sitting in a stand - but taking a shot at a deer? Jeeze - just getting the bow pulled back in a awkward position is going to be tough - let alone being super accurate.

So - the question for those of you above the snow belt - what are some of your recipies for keeping warm & flexible/mobile in the stand in sub 20 degree weather?

(Moderators - technically I know that this should be posted elsewhere - but this area gets more traffic & I was hoping to get some decent ideas before the spring thaw <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>)


&quot;It's not the kill, it's the adventure and challenge! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>&quot;

huntmup

I've been hunting Northern Minnesota for 20 years and have a bunch of suggestions...

1) Keep that draw length short - over extension is twice as bad when bundled so it's imperative that your dl is super short.

2) Layer - light & many layers - start with poly & work your way to the top. Make sure the 2nd to last 'outer' layer is wind proof. My final outer is 3dleafy scent-locker & under that is windstopper stuffs.

3) Cabela's has a mask caled rhinoskin that is thin & just enough to take the chill off the face - I cut out holes for my ears so I can still hear - then pull my fleece stocking hat down if my ears get cold.

4) Felt lined boots - swampers - like Lacrosse Icemans - that or US Military 'mickey' boots - and layer the socks

5) Get a 'hand muff' and use disposable handwarmers to keep your hands warm. I use a bow hanger & keep my hands tucked in the muff at about 105 degrees & pull them out only in preperation for a shot.

I spent the last 4 days on the stand back in MN & it was cold - real cold... One of the mornings it was -2 when I left for the stand. At temps like that it's only reasonable to expect 3 hours on a stand & that's what I could do. On the 3rd day of the 4 day hunt I X'd a buck 20 minutes before dark after being on the stand almost 3 hours. If you can't make the shot when it counts then you may as well not waste your time right??

Good luck!



Aim small miss small

tree rat

Layers! You don't need to but that big bulky expensive crap. I use 4-5 layers of sweatshirts, flannel, and thermal underwearand it works just fine. Being used to this kind of weather makes a huge difference. Also don't expect to spend as much time in the stand in this kind of weather. 2-3 hours is as about as much as you can expect.

btpatriot02

I live in Northern MN. and when I hunt in cold weather I use one layer of the expedition weight long underwear then another layer that's windproof then I will use a sweatshirt then the my BROWNING hydro fleece camo outfit.For my feet I use a cold weather sock then I put the sealskin socks and the Rockie's snowstalker boots. Then my 1st choice on hunting will be on the ground and if I have to use a stand in a clump of pine trees/for wind blockage.Each person gets colder in different areas of their body,mine is the chest and feet so I cocentrate on those areas.hope this helps out a little

Rack-attack

Don't forget those little heated hand warmers. Tape them to your toes, and keep a couple in your pockets. It is a great help to feel the heat in your hands when you are cold. They have extended my stand time on more than one occassion.

schlich92

I have found the little handwarmers in the larger size with adhesive on the back work great on the abdomen/or chest. Think about your core area, all the blood goes through your heart eventually, keep that area warm.

Then worry about the hands, feet and head.

The rest is layered in warm clothes. I have a pair of wool pants that are awesome for keeping the legs warm and layered off with my camo covering that beats down the wind.

scow

So far I have only worn shorts and t-shirt under my scent suit this year. South Central Texas is usually warm enough you are forced to take you kill to a cooler/locker to keep it fresh. I don't care for bitter cold and have always wondered how strong ones hunting conviction must be to endure such weather. Glad to see technology has given you guys some help! I would really like to track a blood trail in the snow but haven't had any for more than 16 years.

JUSTINL

scow -

Shorts & a t-shirt!!! A little too warm for me....

Going out Friday AM. Weather.com says to expect 0 or below with wind-chill.

So - here is my plan of attack.

Feet (smartwool socks, heatmax toe/foot warmer, polyrop socks, rubber boots)

Body (expedition weight thermals, cotton turtleneck, thin wool sweater, suppresscent top, thick cammo shirt, fleece sweatshirt, windstopper pullover, suppresscent pants, thick cammo pants and finally - cammo bibs & jacket shell)

Head (Super thick balaclava, cammo shell mask)

Hands (Thinsulate gloves with NOMEX type trigger finger, heatmax hand warmer)

I'm thinking this should do it. If not, I'm only up in the stand for around 3 hours. I have tried it out & I can still shoot, but I loose some peripheral visibility.

Comments?


&quot;It's not the kill, it's the adventure and challenge! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>&quot;

soonershooter

justinl,
Too many layers on top. You'll be the Michelin man and unable to twist. Lose the cotton turtleneck (balaclava will warm the neck) and toss the thick camo shirt but keep the same order otherwise. Get the heatexchanger mask. Also a large size warming pack back on the kidneys is as good as snuggling up with the wife.