precations for a january hunt

[JakeH]

I was just wondering what kind of precautions people make when hunting during the winter. I am going on a muledeer hunt to Arizona in January. I have a switchback xt with a mathews drop away rest and spothogg seven deadly pins. Thanks.


MM Member since 1999. Jake H

 

[usa]

Jake, I'm not sure what precautions you mean, the only difference in winter for me is to make sure the extra clothing doesn't interfere with drawing my bow and I make sure I'm prepared for winter hunting with survival gear for me and chains/shovel/extra gas and food. Even if I'm not camping out I carry my -0 sleeping bag in my truck in case I get stuck and have to spend the night.I'm also going to deer hunt in Az in january, Bill

 

[JakeH]

Bill, Thanks I couldnt think of anything that would effect my bow much ether, I was just wondering if anyone had exsperience and had noticed anything weird. I guess Im just a post whore.;-)



MM Member since 1999. Jake H

 

[PleaseDear]

I always carry a fire starter combo, an extra two energy bars and a space blanket in my day pack. I've been out over night here in Utah and it is one cold bugger.... saved my butt having those few extra items.....2 lbs extra wieght....

I put my water bottle in my daypack as it has frozen before on my hip holder.

Robb

 

[BOHNTR]

Jake:

Depending on where you're at in Arizona during the January archery hunt, clothes are usually not the major issue in terms of "winter preparation".

In the areas I bowhunt (Southeast region), the lows are generally in the upper 20's-low 30's and will climb into the 60's during the day. Sometimes even warmer. For the most part a fleece jacket in the morning will end up being tied to your daypack by mid-morning. Heck, last year I could have used some sun screen, as the high reached 80 a few days!

Illegal aliens & pedestrian drug smugglers are the norm in this part of the state as well. I've never had a problem, however, last year I spoke to a fellow bowhunter in Tombstone who had his truck broken into......so if you're in that part of the country, be aware and prepared.

The Northern units, (10, 17, 20, etc.) can be MUCH colder than others, with snow not uncommon in certain ranges. Your clothing selection will be similar to hunting higher country in November....layered clothing, etc.

The January archery hunt is a great hunt, as this will be my 20th season over there. The deer herds are definately not what they used to be, but the terrain and vegetation make a fun hunt......and still hide a few wall-hangers for those lucky enough to stumble across them. Good luck and have fun.



BOHNTR )))---------->

 

[grizzlyplumber]

I second what bohntr said. One precaution I always take is to pack my 9mm when hunting any southern units. I know it is verboten but I printed off a story about a hunter being found killed in his camp and will use it as a common-sense defense to any ranger who may stop me. The story doesnt say it was illegals or drug-runners who killed the man but the area where it happened made it apparent.

 

[Legolas]

I've been told by archers smarter than me that depending on how cold it gets and how you have your bow set up, you might want to crank down your draw poundage by 10 lbs. Makes sense to me, but I won't bother unless the temps get into the teens.

If you're counting on batteries for anything, make sure to take plenty of extras.

One of my most valued pieces of equipment on winter hunts is a small propane heater. Great for thawing water, drying clothes and quick warm ups. A pocket hand warmer is nice, too.