Keeping Warm While Hunting Waterfowl in the Bitter Cold

Note: This article was originally posted on NRA Blog: https://bit.ly/2mxr119

NRAblog.com
NRAblog.com

USA -(Ammoland.com)- Have you ever been in a blind and seriously questioned your clothing choices? Don’t let the cold weather put a damper on your hunt. Whether it’s -3 degrees and snowing or 32 degrees and raining, you can master the cold with a few simple steps.

With record setting cold this past January, southern Virginia was frozen with sub-zero temperatures. Many groaned thinking of their heating bills or how much firewood they would have to go through, but waterfowl hunters were ecstatic!

When it is so cold the morning of your hunt that water freezes instantly when it hits the ground, you may want to consider starting your hunt at dawn. If you insist on battling the elements, you need to take extra safety precautions. If someone were to fall in the water they could die of hypothermia before you can get them to shore, so precision in preparation is key.

It is important to note the majority of effort that goes into keeping you warm and safe is done the night and morning before the hunt.

Before the hunt

When hunting waterfowl negative temperatures everything can and will freeze. When preparing for a hunt you know will be colder than usual, ensure everything is working and functioning properly the night before. You may want to pack a small propane heater, a propane grill and hand and feet warmers.

When you arrive at the hunting location, function-check your firearms and see that they have no moisture on them.

If you have to take a boat to a blind be sure everyone on board wears a life jacket over their waders. If someone fell off the boat, a personal flotation device can be the only thing between life and death.

Next, load everyone into the boat, including the dog, before backing the boat down the ramp. This will keep everyone’s waders from freezing. If you happen to be the unlucky one who has to wade through the water, make sure you dress in layers.

Here are some tips on how to layer up:

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