by Tom Loder
As an outfitter, one would think that the amount that is paid for a guided trip would be incentive enough for hunters to make sure they are fully prepared for the hunt. Every year, it is surprising the number of hunter’s who show up ill prepared. They show up unprepared even when they have been sent rifle sighting instructions and clothing and equipment lists and area topography maps. This lack of preparedness can take many forms including the lack of proper sighting in of weapons, not being in physical shape for the demands of the hunting area, and lack of proper clothing for hunting conditions etc.
The purpose of this article is how to properly dress for the hunt. This dress code will help all prepare to meet the potentially extreme weather conditions that can occur in the rugged mountains of Idaho or other parts of the rocky mountain west during the fall / winter / spring hunting seasons. During this time of year you will need to be prepared for extreme changes in weather conditions including; hot dry weather, rain, sleet, and cold conditions with deep snow.
Being properly dressed is often overlooked however for your safety as well as your added hunting enjoyment dressing properly is an essential part of the hunt.
To assist you preparing your clothing here are some suggestions that will be of benefit. The key to staying comfortable on the hunt is dressing in layers. You will want clothing that will transport chilling perspiration moisture away from your skin and trap a layer of dead air around your body. The emphasis on clothes to bring should be placed on layering. Please avoid the mentality of one layer does all, in clothing for the hunt. For example a snowmobile suit protects people from the elements who are not moving enough to generate their own body heat. Once they start the slightest movement excessive sweating occurs inside the garment. Once the garment is soaked the process of heat wicking away form the body occurs. This battle of the sweat and freeze cycle is induced by improper layering of clothes. This is a battle that will be lost and one you will want to avoid. Also during your hunt it is very important that you pay attention to your food and water intake. The demands of the hunt require food energy and hydration along with monitoring your clothing needs very closely. Before you break out in a sweat it is wise to delete at least one layer. Conversely once you stop activity it is important that you have a warmer layer to put on.
LAYER 1 Moves moisture away from skin by absorbing it and wicking it toward the outer layers. Appropriate garments are thermal underwear made of capaline or polypropylene. Undergarments should be quick drying, durable, of medium weight and contour fitting. Do not use loose fitting garments for your first layer.
LAYER 2 The second layer continues to move moisture away from the skin. It also provides warmth by trapping dead air around the body. Appropriate garments include; wool, pile, or fleece tops and bottoms and wool , pile or fleece shirts and sweaters.
LAYER 3 This layer provides protection from the outside elements of wind, rain and snow. Some clothes in this category are referred to as Waterproof/ Breathable garments (i.e. Gor-tex) because they continue moisture movement away from the body.
Clothing Suggestions For warm and mild weather conditions cotton is comfortable and ok, however for wet and cold weather conditions cotton does not wick and absorbs moisture and should be avoided. (There is a saying ” in Alaska that cotton has killed more people than grizzly bears”). Remember the weather can change very quickly. For wet or cold weather conditions the following is suggested; Inner Layer Thermal Undergarmets / Polypropylene or capline Thermal liners for socks Thermal liners for gloves Insulation Layer Marino Wool for socks Shirts and sweaters / Wool, Fleece, Pile. Pants / Wool, Fleece Protective Layer Pants / Wool, Gloves, have 2 pair with liners Waterproof Hat with ear protection Jacket, Wool or Gore-Tex Rain Gear, Gore-Tex Boots / water proof treated and Gore-tex lined include Gaiters for wet conditions Boot-Packs with felt liner for snow, include Gaiters for deep snow.
Please note the weather for September Archery Season is usually warm days, cool nights or rain conditions and possibly light snow. The October Rifle Season can include clear warm days, cool nights, rain or snow. The November Muzzleloader season is usually clear cold days, sleet, or deep snow. The Spring Bear Season can include clear warm days, cool nights, rain or snow. The Mt. Lion season is usually clear cold days, sleet /snow and deep snow. For the Archery, Muzzleloader, Spring Bear and Mt. Lion seasons please wear the appropriate camo clothes. For the rifle season please wear hunter orange. (Hat and Vest)
In summary, the key to a safe and comfortable hunt is dressing in proper layers.
Have A Great Hunt Tom Loder Panhandle Outfitters Inc. 888-300-HUNT(4868)
About the Author:
Tom Loder’s Panhandle Outfitters is an award winning guide and outfitter service for
Idaho Fishing as well as hunting and fishing in Montana and Washington. Panhandle Outfitters is especially recognized for popular
Idaho elk hunting as well as trophy mule deer in Idaho, Washington and Montana. check-out his web site at www.panhandle-outfitters.com for all Panhandle Outfitters offers.
Tags:
bear hunting,
deer hunting,
elk hunt,
elk hunting,
elk hunting idaho,
fishing guide,
fishing vacation,
fishing vacations,
fishing washington,
Hunting,
hunting outfitters,
idaho hunting,
mule deer hunting,
trout fishing
Tags: Hunting by Tom Loder
No Comments »
