Many animals—including deer—have evolved to withstand freezing conditions and snowy weather. And with temperatures expected to drop earlier than usual this year, you’ll have to learn how to adapt to take full advantage of hunting season.
Luckily, you won’t have to suffer through the cold this year; there are plenty of ways to keep warm even during long days out in the woods. Here are five easy tips for dealing with the temperature while hunting.
Fuel Your Body
Staying warm while hunting starts with how you fuel your body. Getting too hungry will lead to a blood sugar spike, which can make you even colder. Be sure to eat right before and during your hunting trip; this includes getting lots of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Some energizing foods you can take with you include:
- Trail mix
- Dried fruit
- Beef jerky
- Single-use nut butter packets
- Instant oatmeal
Additionally, staying hydrated is just as important as eating right. Without enough water, your circulation will decrease and leave you feeling cold. However, drinking too much water can be just as damaging, as the imbalanced electrolytes will make your body work harder to stay warm. For these reasons, it’s important to find the right balance.
Layer Up
Applying layers properly ensures you don’t lose the heat your body creates. Start with a base layer of long underwear, preferably in a fabric such as wool that will trap heat. From here, you can add a mid-weight vest, shirt, or jacket, ideally with wind-resistant capabilities. Then you can add an outer layer that will prevent heat from escaping and finish it off with cold-weather hunting gloves, a hat, and face protection.
Avoid Cotton
No matter how you choose to layer, just be sure none of your clothes are made from cotton. Unlike fabrics such as wool or fleece, cotton loses its insulating properties as soon as it gets wet. If you sweat while you’re hunting (which is almost guaranteed), the cotton fabric will absorb any moisture and leave you with a chill that can’t be overcome.
Don’t Forget to Stretch
While stealth is an essential skill for any hunter, sitting still for too long will cause both your metabolism and blood flow to slow down. Additionally, cold weather will make your muscles tight and more susceptible to cramps. To keep your body warm and injury-free, stretch and flex your muscles at least every fifteen minutes.
Invest in Cold Weather Hunting Gloves
The best hunting experience starts with the right equipment, and no tool is more important than your hunting gloves. The right hunting gloves not only keep you warm and protected but also ensure your grip is firm when you need it most. Every Hunt Monkey glove features a specialized Griptanite coating, a high-performance form of non-slip grip. A good grip on your gun, bow, tree stand ladder rungs, or gear means a better hunt. Hunt Monkey cold-weather gloves will keep your hands warm without getting in the way, perfect for any hunter.
Looking for more ways to enhance your hunting experience? Shop gloves, gear, and more at Hunt Monkey Gloves today.
