Keeping Warm During Cold Weather Hunts

Keeping warm during long sits during the late whitetail season is a challenge, especially when the temps dip into the teens and single digits. For those of us who weren’t fortunate enough to harvest a deer during archery or regular firearm deer season(s), we still have a chance during the late season in some areas. Staying warm is a key factor in success during the late season. If you’re not warm it can make for a long and miserable time waiting for the opportunity to have a shot at a deer. Luckily, I have found some tips that may just help you stay a little bit warmer this season.

Bring some cardboard with you

Place a piece of cardboard underneath your feet. Whether you are in a tree stand or a blind, placing a piece of cardboard under your feet will help block out the cold from burrowing though the soles of your boots. Even the best boots will let cold air in, so by creating another barrier between your boots and the cold ground or stand, you can help your feet stay warmer.

“Boot Blankets”

There are many products on the market that you can slip over your boots once you are in your stand to help insulate against the cold. Simply slip the insulated covers over your hunting boots to help keep your feet nice and warm. For an extra boost in heat, add in a disposable warmer pack.

Disposable Heat Packs

At some point during our hunting career most of us have used a disposable heat pack for keeping our feet or hands warm. Another tip for during the coldest times is purchase the extra large heat packs and place them in key body locations. Place the extra large packs around your core area to help prevent your body from drawing heat from your extremities. Areas to focus on are the armpits, groin area as well as kidney area. Just make sure not to place the hot packs directly on your skin.

Wear a good hat

Invest in a good hat that will keep your head warm, covering up any exposed body parts help you retain heat.

Foods and drinks

Eating foods that spike your blood sugar can cause you to feel cold. Eating the right foods during and before your hunt can help your body produce heat. You should look for foods with complex carbohydrates such as nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Also protein rich foods are always a good choice. Try to stay away from foods such as breads, crackers and candy. Your body turns these types of food into glucose (sugar), which can make your blood sugar spike. Drinking warm water throughout your hunt helps you prevent dehydration, which contributes to getting cold, but drinking cold water will only make your feel colder from the inside out.

If by chance you will be out during the cold winter months trying to fill the last of your tags, hopefully these tips can help you stay warm so you can stay out in the woods longer.

-Adam Sites, Fall Obsession Pro Staff