Waterfowl hunting during the sometimes brutal weather of January can be difficult at best. Freezing temperatures, howling winds, ice, snow and sleet can quickly turn an ordinary day of duck or goose hunting into a miserable or dangerous, life-threatening adventure.
Appropriate preparation and a well laid plan will ensure that every waterfowl hunter not only enjoys his day afield, but will return home to family and friends renewed from his outdoor experience and safe and sound.
Leave copies of an itinerary with a friend or family member. Post one on your computer and leave one on the dash of your vehicle. Carry a cell phone. Listen to the latest weather report before leaving for your waterfowl hunting trip. Follow all safety rules, such as wearing a (PFD) personal floatation device while in a boat and remember safe gun handling practices.
Use the best equipment you can afford, especially clothing. Wear clothing in layers so that it can be added or taken off as needed. The rule of thumb is to stay warm, but don't sweat. Utilize a good quality base layer of underwear that will wick moisture away from your body. Wool blend pants and shirt are among the warmest of materials for the second layer. A fleece or down vest helps hold body core heat. An outer coat of wind resistant, waterproof material completes the insulation. Add warm waterproof gloves, hat and face mask and you are ready to hunt in the worst of weather Know the signs of hypothermia and watch your buddies. Keep your guns and cameras warm and dry. Cold, wet equipment is more likely to fail.
Above all, use common since and don't push the safety envelope. Enjoy your waterfowl hunt and live to do it another day.
Appropriate preparation and a well laid plan will ensure that every waterfowl hunter not only enjoys his day afield, but will return home to family and friends renewed from his outdoor experience and safe and sound.
Leave copies of an itinerary with a friend or family member. Post one on your computer and leave one on the dash of your vehicle. Carry a cell phone. Listen to the latest weather report before leaving for your waterfowl hunting trip. Follow all safety rules, such as wearing a (PFD) personal floatation device while in a boat and remember safe gun handling practices.
Use the best equipment you can afford, especially clothing. Wear clothing in layers so that it can be added or taken off as needed. The rule of thumb is to stay warm, but don't sweat. Utilize a good quality base layer of underwear that will wick moisture away from your body. Wool blend pants and shirt are among the warmest of materials for the second layer. A fleece or down vest helps hold body core heat. An outer coat of wind resistant, waterproof material completes the insulation. Add warm waterproof gloves, hat and face mask and you are ready to hunt in the worst of weather Know the signs of hypothermia and watch your buddies. Keep your guns and cameras warm and dry. Cold, wet equipment is more likely to fail.
Above all, use common since and don't push the safety envelope. Enjoy your waterfowl hunt and live to do it another day.
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