With my college life in full swing I have not got a chance to hunt as much as I would like this fall/winter but I have been hitting the woods hard every weekend when I get a small break from class. I have hunted a few times during the weekday on the public lands here in Alexandria where I attend college but with schoolwork to do and clients to build websites for, I have been unable to hunt as much as I would like.
I have seen quite a few deer this year but none have come close enough for a good shot. I was on a spot and stalk early in the season and had a chance at a nice doe that was about 10 yards from me. I noticed her when I was approaching a chopped corn field from the woods I was walking in. As I approached the edge of the field with a lot of brush in front of me, she was walking closer to me and I just needed her to walk out into the field a few more yards so that I had a good shot at her. Of course she didn't and I didn't feel I had a very ethical shot at her with all the brush in front of me where she was standing and she turned around and disappeared back into the woods.
The beautiful fall colors have now turned into a white winter wonderland and this makes for a different kind of bowhunting. Along with your regular routine of staying scent free and well camouflaged, you need to be prepared for the cold winds and snow. Here in Minnesota it can get well below freezing and it is very important to be prepared for the worst.
First off, I feel that clothing is a key to success through a winter hunt. You’re going to want a good base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer or shell. I have had great success with products from Under Armour, Mad-Dog, and Scheels Apparel. There are plenty of great products out there, just find the most comfortable for you and don’t be afraid to try different Brands for each layer. I will tell you from experience though, your $12.99 long underwear from Wal-Mart are not going to keep you as warm as the $49.99 ColdGear Leggings you can get from Under Armour.
Second, scout the area you are hunting. If you are going to be on the edge of an open field you may want to use a ground blind or have your stand facing the opposite way of the wind. Over the weekend my father and I were hunting and it starting snowing early on Saturday morning and the day turned into a very windy, snowy day. So, we decided to get out the ground blind and set it on the edge of a chopped corn field instead of calling it quits. This worked great; it kept us out of the wind and blowing snow and still gave us a chance at harvesting a deer. Another thing to keep in mind is the travel to your stand. If there is a lot of snow be prepared for it physically or have a four-wheeler on hand.
Lastly, be prepared for the kill. The harvest of the deer or animal you are bowhunting that is! A good way to stay prepared is by keeping a backpack with you that has everything you need to finish the job. It’s also good to have a pack in case you become lost or stranded and need First Aid, food, or something else. I have heard great things about packs from Badlands and Eberlestock. (For more info about the Badland packs check out the Sage Creek Forums) Also, make sure you have a sharp knife, towels, extra water, rope, and anything else you find essential. Remember that cleaning a deer can get messy and dragging it back can get heavy! If the snow is thick don’t be afraid to call a friend for help.
