The Sportsman’s Guide to Cold Weather Hunting

Written by HLRBO| 1/23/2022

Although the conditions during the winter may not be ideal for outdoor sports like hunting, the winter season still provides a unique opportunity for hunters to bag some prey that they can’t find in other seasons. Winter hunters also benefit from less competition and a quieter and more serene landscape. If you’re itching to get out and hunt this winter but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for HLRBO’s cold weather hunting tips.

Tips to Prepare for Winter Hunting

Follow these expert tips to make the most out of your winter hunt:

Wear the Right Gear

The right clothing is essential for cold weather hunts. You need to stay warm while waiting but still have enough freedom to move quickly when handling your bow or gun or tracking an animal. Layering is the key to being able to do this. Start with a base layer, add long underwear, and then add a wool layer on top of that if you’ll be hunting in below-freezing temperatures. Top it all off with a camo parka, hat, and insulated coveralls.

Your gloves should also provide warmth and dexterity, and don’t forget warm footwear and thick socks.

Use Hot Hands to keep your hands toasty while you wait. You can also place Hot Hands in your sleeves, socks, and any other areas you want to add a little extra warmth.

You should also pack an extra set of clothes. If your clothes get wet for any reason, keeping them on in freezing temperatures can be extremely dangerous. So, bring a change of clothes just in case.

Stay Limber

You don’t have the luxury of relaxing while you wait during winter hunts like you do in the warmer months. If you sit still for too long, it will be extremely hard to move quickly when you spot an animal — and you may hurt yourself jumping into action. Try standing up rather than sitting to stay warm and limber, move your toes and fingers, bend and flex your knees, and release your muscles while you wait — these exercises will also help you stay focused. 

Winter bow hunters should stretch and hold the bow every 20 minutes to keep themselves and the bow warm.

Test Your Equipment

Shooting while bundled up in bulky gloves, face masks, and layers of clothing isn’t quite as easy as shooting when you’re in your summer hunting gear. Practice shooting in full gear to get a feel for it and to allow you to adjust your shooting technique if necessary.

Fuel Up

Did you know that you’ll burn more calories hunting in cold weather? This is due to how the body has to work harder to stay warm. Stay energized and fueled up by packing plenty of high protein snacks like jerky and nuts — and don’t forget to stay hydrated. What better way to stay hydrated during a winter hut than by sipping on hot chocolate, coffee, or soup? 

Pack Fire Starting Supplies

Packing fire starting supplies can be the difference between life or death while hunting in sub-freezing temperatures. You may not think you need one if you’re planning on a short hunt. But, you never know what can happen — whether you get lost, become too cold to move, or fall into a creek — and being able to quickly start a fire to warm up is critically important to prevent hypothermia.

Symptoms of Hypothermia

It’s important to know the symptoms of hypothermia so you can seek shelter immediately if you start experiencing them. Be mindful of the following during winter hunting:

• Uncontrolled shivering, which stops as hypothermia worsens.
• Confusion and irrational behavior.
• Memory loss.
• Slow, slurred speech.
• Exhaustion.
• Lack of body movement.
• Difficulty using hands.

If you or someone you’re hunting with starts to display signs of hypothermia, here’s what to do:

• Get the person to a warm vehicle or shelter if possible. If not, start a fire ASAP. If neither is possible, use another person’s body heat to warm up.
• Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry clothes.
• Drink warm drinks and quick-energy food like nuts and dried fruit to produce body heat.

HLRBO Can Help

Looking for land to hunt on this winter? We can help. Browse HLRBO hunting leases here.