Staying Warm and Safe on Cold Weather Hunts

Written by HLRBO - Alexandra Carter| 12/21/2023

When winter rolls around, dedicated hunters don't let freezing temperatures or snow keep them out of the woods and fields. But hunting in cold conditions does require special planning and preparation to have a successful and safe outing. This guide covers the key gear, equipment, and techniques you need to know to comfortably endure even the most frigid hunts this season.

Layer Up

The key to staying warm in winter is wearing multiple layers that trap heat while allowing good airflow and wicking moisture away from your skin. Start with a moisture-wicking thermal base layer on top and bottom to keep skin dry. Add an insulating middle layer like fleece or lightweight down over those thermals. Top it off with a waterproof, windproof outer shell jacket and bib pants to block wind and snow. Shed or add layers as conditions dictate through the day. Don't risk sweating--it will make you cold when moisture evaporates.

Hand and Foot Protection

Extreme cold numbs fingers and toes fastest, so pay special attention to protecting those areas. Use thick wool hunting socks, glove liners, and an outer insulated, waterproof glove or mitt. Pack chemical hot hands packets as emergency toe or finger warmers if yours get painfully cold. For long sits, insulated boots rated to extremely cold temps keep feet warm and dry.

Head and Neck Coverage

Losing heat through your head and neck makes your whole body feel cold fast. Use a balaclava face mask or neck gaiter to seal this area, along with an insulated hat over your head and ears. If sitting still in a blind for hours, a portable buddy heater helps reduce facial exposure to freezing air. Just monitor ventilation to avoid dangerous CO poisoning.

Prepare Your Pack

Even seasoned outdoorsmen can be caught off guard by extreme winter conditions. Always pack emergency items in case you become injured, lost, or weather-stranded:

• Emergency blanket and bivvy sack
• Fire starting kit
• High-calorie protein bars
• Medical and repair kit
• LED flashlight or headlamp
• Emergency whistle and signal flares
•  Having contingency gear to spend an unplanned night in freezing temps could save your life.

Thermos of Hot Beverage

After hours of sitting motionless in the cold, a thermos filled with hot cider, coffee, or soup lets you warm your core efficiently. Sugary, non-alcoholic beverages give you quick energy, too. Having a self-contained heat source to periodically rewarm from the inside out brings welcomed relief on longer hunts.

Hand and Toe Warmers

Don't forget chemical hot hands or toe warmer packets, either. The air-activated heat lasts up to 10 hours, giving you on-demand relief for fingers and toes that may go numb when sitting motionless. Toss a few sets in your pack just in case frigid weather sneaks up on you.

Hunt with a Buddy

No matter your cold tolerance or preparation, hunting solo in extreme winter weather adds extra risk if you were to become injured or lost. Arrange to go out with at least one partner so you can monitor conditions together and get help if put in peril. Having a companion goes a long way toward safeguarding yourself in harsh winter scenarios.

Tell Others Your Plans

Before heading out, make sure to tell family or friends where you plan to hunt and when you expect to return. If an accident delayed your exit, search parties would know which areas to focus on finding you. Providing an emergency contact and hunting location before you lose cell service minimizes risk.

Pack Appropriate Survival Tools

Finally, bring sufficient gear to temporarily camp or keep moving if you can't make it back by nightfall as expected. Carrying items like a flashlight, starter bricks, shelter cord, and whistle could make all the difference, keeping you safe in a worst-case winter scenario until help arrives. Don't let frigid conditions catch you critically unprepared.

Braving extreme cold for that trophy buck or bull elk pays off most hunting seasons. But smart hunters know winter's beauty comes with peril for the unprepared. Gearing up appropriately, hunting with a partner, and telling others your plans goes a long way toward winter hunting safety. Don't let frost or snow keep you out of the woods--just make smart survival contingency plans so the cold works in your favor this season.

Find Your Next Hunting Hot Spot with HLRBO

Planning a winter hunting getaway but not sure where to lock down the perfect hunting lease? HLRBO conveniently connects serious hunters and landowners through a large selection of affordable recreational properties for lease. Browse hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation leases by state, acreage, habitat type, and other specifics to pinpoint your ideal locations. Get started today!