Winter is here again, and for many wingshooters this means heading afield in sometimes-challenging weather. The key at this time of year is to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. With this in mind, I would like to share some thoughts that might help to not only keep you and your guns safe in less-than-ideal conditions, but also make for more-productive outings.
Check Your Equipment
As fall transitions into winter, take the time to check your kit—everything from clothing, boots and gloves to shooting glasses, ear protection and especially your shotgun and ammunition. You may feel that you’ve been doing this all along, but it never hurts to check out the gear you’ve been using to see of anything has worn out—and there obviously will be cold-weather gear that you haven’t used since last season. Keep in mind, too, that there are always new products coming to market that can make your equipment obsolete.
Following are some items that are worth going over as well as some recommendations for gear that has worked for me.
Cold-Weather Clothing
When it comes to clothing, the best option for cold weather is to layer; that way if you find that you are warming up, you can shed a layer or two. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer made of wool, silk or a synthetic blend. Your mid-layer should be a lightweight-and-breathable shirt or pants followed by a heavier windproof and waterproof sweater that is easy to remove.
Make sure that your outer jacket is in good shape, with no tears or broken fasteners. Then consider whether your jacket is the right weight for the hunting that you plan to do. Also make sure that it is waterproof and windproof. Your outerwear should be warm but not so bulky that it interferes with your gun mount.
My current favorite jacket is Orvis’s ToughShell Waterproof Upland Jacket. Featuring waterproof, windproof construction and other well-thought-out features, this jacket is not bulky and does not impede my gun mount. The jacket has zippered ventilation areas under the arms, and the well-fitting, adjustable hood keeps me comfortable and dry. In addition to shell pockets, there are zippered handwarmer pockets and a streamlined game pouch that holds plenty of birds.
Cold-Weather Hunting Boots
Your old favorite boots might be able to make it through another season, but it’s worth taking a look at the latest offerings. The first thing to consider is the quality of the insulation. Cold-weather boots should contain at least 800-gram insulation. They also should be waterproof—with Gore-Tex being one of best membranes that is both waterproof and breathable.
Boots should provide excellent traction and be tall enough to ensure good ankle support for traversing rough terrain. Ideal weight depends on where and how you are hunting, with long walks being more comfortable in lighter boots and rugged ground demanding heavier, more-durable footwear.
And don’t forget your socks. Merino wool and various blends are great choices. Whether you pick knee- or calf-height or lower, wool socks can keep your feet toasty without adding bulk in your boots. (For some recommendations of quality socks, see Gear Guide, p. 31.)
Hats, Gloves and Hand Warmers
Hoods are helpful, but a warm wool cap under your hood can be pulled down to cover your ears and protect them from wind and cold. Another choice is an insulated wool hat with a brim, to shade your eyes from the bright reflection off snow. Perhaps even opt for a hat with cozy ear flaps—and if anyone refers to your Elmer Fudd look, know that they are simply jealous and cold.
For the coldest conditions, be sure to pack along a full facemask. It will take up little room and protect your nose and cheeks in severe weather.
Shooting gloves must do two things. First and foremost, they must keep your hands warm, but they also must be flexible enough so that you can have the correct grip on your gun and feel the safety catch and trigger. Browning’s BTU Insulated Hunting Gloves are a popular and hard-to-beat option for serious bird hunters. Waterproof and breathable, they have a tough, two-layer outer shell and PrimaLoft insulation to protect your hands, but they are flexible enough to give you a secure grip on your gun.
As aids for keeping your hands warm, simple hand warmers can be kept in pockets or slipped inside gloves. I always keep a healthy supply of disposable packet heaters in my game bag, and I have received many a thank-you from fellow hunters who have not thought to bring their own or mistakenly left theirs behind.
These days there are many more “serious” hand-warming devices available, including rechargeable models, which I certainly recommend.
Shooting Glasses
When it comes to shooting glasses, what is essential to me in any kind of weather is the lens height. When the shotgun is mounted, shooting glasses should allow a good head position so that no awkward head tilting is necessary.
And top-quality shooting glasses are essential. Always look for glasses with impact-resistant plastic lenses.Polycarbonate and Trivex plastics have long had good reputations and are excellent choices. In addition to protecting your eyes from the odd stray shot, proper eyewear should shield your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Upland hunting often takes place in windy, cold and wet conditions, so choose shooting glasses that block wind and dust. Some eyewear is prone to fogging, especially in the cold, so look for options that minimize fogging. If you wear contact lenses, it’s smart to keep a backup pair with your shooting glasses, just in case.
There are many excellent shooting glasses on the market, and it’s wise to choose a pair with interchangeable lenses and a variety of color options so that you can make adjustments for light conditions. It’s like having a toolbox of vision options.
Shotguns in Cold Weather
As cold weather approaches, the first thing I recommend is a visit to your local gunsmith for a professional strip and clean of your shotgun, to make sure everything is in good working condition. Be sure to mention that you may be hunting in freezing temperatures, as this will have a bearing on the type of lubrication used.
If you are doing the cleaning, use a gun solvent or 91% alcohol to remove existing lubricants, and then apply a cold-weather lube like Hornady One Shot or Break Free CLP (Cleaner Lubricant Preserve). Use the oil sparingly on the other parts of your shotgun, as too much can cause issues.
When actually hunting, you should have a gun sleeve that is lined and well-fitted and take a cloth along in case your shotgun gets damp going from the warmth of a lodge or vehicle to the cold. Also keep your gloves on when handling your shotgun. If you should slip and somehow plant your gun in snow, make sure to open the gun and check to see that the barrels have not become plugged.
When you get back inside after hunting in freezing temperatures, be sure to take your shotgun out of the sleeve and wipe off any condensation on the barrels and other metal parts. The gun should be completely dry before you go out again, as any condensation will freeze and may cause problems.
Freezing Weather and Ammunition
Ammunition performance can be affected by temperature variations. If your ammunition is stored at room temperature, the performance will be as listed on the box. But if you store your flats in an area where the temperature can drop to below freezing, you may notice a performance difference when you go hunting. Winter temperatures increase the density of the air, and when the air is thicker and more viscous, it is harder for the pellets to maintain velocity.
Shotgun shells are manufactured with sealants that, for the most part, protect them from condensation and freezing temperatures, but it is always a good idea to take some practice shots in the weather conditions in which you’ll be hunting. That way you can adjust for any variations in performance. Plastic shell cases and plastic wads are the most resistant to dampness and freezing. Some hunters also switch to larger pellet sizes than they would use in warmer weather. B&P makes a shell called the MB Winter, which is specifically designed to maintain top performance in the coldest temperatures. It’s also a good idea when you are in the field to keep some ammunition in your jacket pockets, so the shells will warm to a degree.
Good Hunting!
The winter hunting experience can be one of great challenges but even greater rewards. Maybe only you and your hunting companions will be able to appreciate the lengths that you go to in order to enjoy a late-season outing. But that is as it should be. Not everyone has the will, stamina and expertise to step into the fields and woods under the most extreme weather conditions. After spending the day in the freezing cold, it is all the more enjoyable to spend the evening by a fire with a good drink and relive the challenges of the hunt.
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