i always have at least some emergency gear with me. at very least fire , [ not the pc type] ,a small candle, some rope and a space blanket [for shelter tie it up to branches.] or ware it if not raining. and a few snacks and a drink. more if i was really out there.
Thoughts on wet weather
- Thread starter Mad Professor
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Read a story about a guy that went bowhunting locally and didn't tell anyone where. After he finished his hunt in a tree he was sliding down it and got his knee wedged in a crotch. The more he struggled, the more it wedged in. Then, in pain, he lost his grip and fell backwards, hanging upside down by his knee in the crotch!
His small pack was already on the ground, out of reach...not that there was anything in there to help much.
Net, he didn't come home and no one really knew where he was. A hunting buddy, who was contacted in the wee morning hours, suggested a few possible places. Near daylight, they finally found him, still alive but hypothermic. His knee was wedged in so badly that it took bringing in a chainsaw and cutting on the tree to relieve pressure enough to get him out.
He survived, but had extensive damage.
That story changed how I hunt, or even just hike locally. I was always pretty good about letting someone know where I'd be, but I make sure my phone and small pack stay on me and remain accessible.
Holler Hunter
32 Cal
Thanks Mad Professor!
Due to my work schedule, I hunt when I can...not necessarily when I should. I use a small balloon over the end of the barrel and have used a cow's knee over the lock, but still have moister issues at times. I believe melting a candle around the cap is the missing piece.
I'll add a candle to my shooting bag.
Due to my work schedule, I hunt when I can...not necessarily when I should. I use a small balloon over the end of the barrel and have used a cow's knee over the lock, but still have moister issues at times. I believe melting a candle around the cap is the missing piece.
I'll add a candle to my shooting bag.
Mad Professor
50 Cal.
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New England mountains
Mad Professor
50 Cal.
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2005
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I still like to stalk but the days are past where I'd cut a track and hound that deer until dark. You learn a lot about the deer tracking one. I enjoy that more than sitting a stand.
I remember walking miles back to the truck in the dark, when the deer outfoxed me.
I'll also recommend the wool. But if it's really pouring I'll cover that with a waterproof shell. Not traditional but I'm dry.
Wool longjohns hat pants and shirt under the coat. Having several layers is good so you can take some off when you are moving and not get sweaty.
Some of the best pants I've found are the wool German military ones from the 50s-60s. A tight wool that is windproof. Used to be able to buy those for $20 surplus stores, use those for ice fishing too. Coats I use are the older Woolrich or LL Bean made. I should have a capote.
I have a couple pair of those I've been wearing for hunting for over 30 years! Great pants. One issue with them though is that as I get older they are shrinking in the waist!
I hunt down to about -20f but have gone out in -25f, I draw the line there lol. When I get dressed I feel like I’m getting ready to go into space . I have started wearing heated socks which are a game changer for stands. I always have extra face masks and hats and will use those in a pinch over the lock if I get caught in heavy snow. The worst is when it is right at that freezing point and you get big fat wet snow flakes and all the humidity to go with it. Causes hang fires unfortunately. I’m really wet conditions I plug the vent well and don’t prime till I see game. I always use wadding under a greased or oiled PBR, the type of line depending on temps. The only time I had a real failure was 35 years ago I used Pyrodex in an enfield musket while deer hunting, I attempted to fire the gun and the load barely spit the Minnie ball out of the barrel and onto the ground, that was the last time I used pyrodex.
Keep your head and feet warm and dry. An extra wool beanie and pair of socks add very little weight to your pack. If it is cold and wet I will add a pint flask of gasoline along with a safe of kitchen matches. If you need a fire then you NEED a fire and dry kindling is no sure thing. I like the idea of a space blanket and will add one to the kit.
Cel phone yes. Not least for the compass and maps.
Silk next to your skin and layers of wool over it. Wet plastic fleece or cotton are not warm.
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