As the cold weather begins to creep in Idaho, hunters must prepare for the changing seasons. Weather often changes throughout the hunting season. First of all, cool weather and beautiful fall foliage are creeping in. Then, suddenly it snowed. If you plan to hunt in the cold winter, you should be prepared.
Winter Hunting Tips and Tricks
If you're patient enough to wait out the late season elk hunt, you're in for a treat. There is something especially rewarding about being brave enough to go hunting. However, it's best to be prepared. The first thing you need is the right gear.
Due to the cold temperatures, you will need warm clothing when you start your winter hunting trip. That means proper boots, gloves, hats and jackets. We also recommend that you wear several layers for added warmth.
Another important factor in winter elk hunting is snow. Snow is a welcome sight for hunters for a number of reasons. If there is snow on the ground, you can look for footprints, which can help you find your target faster than usual. Snow can also help you find poop, which is another way of helping you find your prey.
You also have to take into account the behavior of the elk. Once the frenzy of rut season is over, the bulls will again disappear on their own. When you come across a bull, realize that it's unlikely to go as far as a rut. Snow can also affect their behavior. When there is heavy to moderate snow, elk are more likely to forage in the middle of the day. Knowing about this behavior will definitely help you on your next winter hunt.
Choose some products to keep your body parts warm
Having a great clothing system for the torso, arms, mid-section, and legs is imperative, but without protecting the highly vulnerable extremities, we simply can’t last out in the cold. We lose immense amounts of heat through our heads, necks, hands, and feet. It’s important not to omit any coverings for these vital body parts when hunting in the cold.
One of the base layer pieces would help keep your head warm. And the hood itself can be zipped up snugly under the nose, leaving only a mid-sized hole to expose your eyes and nose. Aside from that option, along with a hat and either gloves or a hand warmer. Hands down, one of the best winter outdoor products for hand is Ocoopa Union 2s rechargeable hand warmers, which could be used individually or using the magnets as one, one for each pocket, and with 4 levels of heating temperatures from cozy warmth to 145? hot. Also, these rechargeable hand warmers are lightweight,you may not even notice the existence of your hand warmer in your pockets.
Low temperatures benefit deer hunters in a number of ways, especially at lower latitudes. Whitetail deer, and some of those that hunt them, are real comfortable when the mercury drops. The deer, like us, are just not used to it. That said, it’s a good time to be out there.
Cold is gold for deer hunting
In very cold temperatures, like below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, it takes a lot of energy to keep deer buzzing. Nothing like making money and standing up in ruts other than the height of breeding season - because they have to eat!
Many subspecies of white-tailed deer found in lower latitudes are not well suited to cold weather. In fact, their skeletons are smaller, and in areas where they are excessive, they are even smaller. They're not built for really cold weather, or at least for sustained cold weather. As a result, the low temperatures cause them to rise and stay there all day. You should get out.
Cold weather makes deer hungry
A strong cold front has just hit. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-20s over the next few mornings, with highs in the mid-30s at noon. When cold winter weather hits (hey, at least in the area) deer need energy. Energy comes from food.
So what do deer want to eat? When it's cold, whitetail deer will eat just about anything within easy reach, but they're actually looking for carbohydrates to fuel their inner fire and warm them up. Carbohydrates are easily digested and they provide immediate energy. Look for food sources that may not have been used as much in the early season but are still available. Yes, this includes fall plots planted for deer and rotary feeders. The cold temperatures will eventually prompt them to eat the corn that has piled up under the feeders.
Focus on foods for hunting success
A strong cold front has just hit. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-20s over the next few mornings, with highs in the mid-30s at noon. When cold winter weather hits (hey, at least in the area) deer need energy. Energy comes from food.
So what do deer want to eat? When it's cold, whitetails will eat just about anything that comes within easy reach, but they're actually looking for carbohydrates to fuel their inner fire and warm them up. Carbohydrates are easily digested and they provide immediate energy. Look for food sources that may not have been used as much in the early season but are still available.
Go prepared for a cold weather sit
Deer are cold, so that means you will be cold too. One of the more important tips given here is to make sure you dress for success! We are no longer November. Camouflage shorts, t-shirts and sneakers are no match for 20 degrees and 20 mph winds in January. These were the go-to outfits when you were sweating in the box, but not anymore.
Get out your flannels, insulated overalls, and sock hats. The key parts of keeping warm when hunting deer in cold weather are your head, hands and feet. Come up with a layering plan that will work whether it's sitting in the stands or covering the ground. You'll want to wear heavy clothing while sitting, but it's okay to shed layers when warming up. You'll also want to be prepared for a full day of hunting, as deer will be on the move all day in cold weather.
Hunt corridors to your advantage
Because deer are forced to move and eat when it's cold, special attention should be paid to the hunting areas they travel to. Find the travel hallway in the area between the bedding area and the food source, wind down and wait. This is when dressing well comes into play.
The likelihood that you will see deer using these walkways has just increased significantly since winter has finally arrived. Those once lushly vegetated travel corridors are now just sparse grass and bare trees and vines. Better hallway visibility and hungry, roaming deer already give you an edge.
