As gun hunting fast approaches, it is the time to take stock and get your gear ready for the season.
It is important to have the right gear. First you want to choose the right weapon, rifle or shotgun which depends on what your hunting style is. There is also the caliber of gun which is inportant 270, 30-30, and .243 are common for deer hunting, but as Tiris Bird says ¨if the build don’t fit you must acquit.” Another thing to remember is a range finder to find distance. You will also need a knife to field dress the deer. Then for beginners a tip is to bring snacks to help make it through the long time out hunting.
What to wear is also important as temperatures start to drop, as it helps keep you comfortable and not frozen when sitting in the same position for hours. Important things to wear to stay warm include insulated hats and, if needed, masks.
You will also want a heavy, insulated jacket and snow pants that go up to your chest to keep the heat. Along with these, you also want to have winter or muck boots; the more insulated ones are better at keeping out the cold. If you find that your feet are cold when you go out, there are electric heated socks.
It is also important to wear more layers, like a sweatshirt or heated vest underneath your jacket can help with staying warm, and then having another pair of pants on helps with keeping heat. If your top layer is not wind-proof and water-resistant, consider investing in a new jacket and snow pants. Or you can go the the way of orange camo jacket and overalls.
If you don’t wear the right clothes, you can get hypothermia even if the temperature is above freezing. It is still possible to get hypothermia when you don’t move, like when hunting, it is also easier to get when you are wet, which is why you want a water-resistant outer layer.
The Mayo Clinic says the signs of hypothermia are shivering, slurred speech or mumbling, and lack of coordination. Then more severe symptoms are drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, and loss of consciousness. This can be deadly, especially when hunting alone, because hypothermia is hard to recognize in yourself because of the symptoms.
Have a great hunt. Start by being prepared and safe.
