Staying Warm on Your Western Hunt:

Regardless of how well you’re geared up, there is no denying that cold weather hunting requires perseverance and determination.  Remember, dressing properly can take the edge off the cold and add extra comfort, but nature shows no mercy.  I've seen hunters arrive unprepared and suffer the consequences.  Those hunters who plan and come prepared often reap the benefits of acknowledging nature's unforgiving chill.  With a reasonable amount of clothing most hunters are able to endure even in extreme cold.  Use layering.  Layering traps air which keeps cold out and body heat in.  You can peel off layers as you exercise and avoid overheating.  Use an under layer to handle perspiration, a middle layer to provide insulation, and an outer layer to cut the wind and provide protection from precipitation.

Here are a few tips to help keep you warm while you are hiking and riding horses on your western hunting adventure.

• Feet.  Start with warm, dry boots, warm feet, and don’t impair your circulation by tight boots or socks that are too small.  Use a thin sock liner with a medium weight wool outer-sock.  This provides wicking, insulation, and cushion.  Choose boots that fit well but are not the least bit tight.  Even slight pressure will cut off circulation and result in cold feet.  As guides we wear the Kenetreck 13” Cowboy Boot or the Schnee’s Western Adventure.  UCO is on a dealer program for Kenteck boots.  You can now order your boots directly from the ranch - give the Upper Canyon Office a call if you would like to place an order.  To review boots available go to http://www.kenetrek.com/ Wearing a liner sock and wool in either of these keeps my feet warm even on the coldest days.
• Hands.  For temperatures around thirty degrees Fahrenheit, cross-country ski gloves, often a blend of warm fabrics and leather, provide grip and warmth.  For hunting I favor wool mitts almost exclusively, particularly the kind with the flip-open fingertips. Accessibility to shooting fingers is very important.  In evere temperatures and the high wind chill I like a couple of different methods.   I will use the wool as a liner and adding a Thinsulate^TM glove or for  riding in colder weather we wear heated gloves by Gerbings we have enjoyed these so much that we sell them at our ranch store to review their products go to http://coreheat.net/Products/Products.html#Gloves   I always have extra gloves in my pack.
• Head.  Don't be negligent in your choice of headgear you can lose a great deal of precious body heat through your head.  When the weather is below freezing, and especially if there is wind, choose an insulated hat with a tight outer cover to deter heat loss from convection by the wind.  A hat with ear and forehead flaps will save you if the weather changes for the worse mid-ride.   We like the rancher caps that are a specialized western hat with ear flaps.    http://www.kenetrek.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ST-5050BLK  NOTE- we do not like orange caps. 
• Protect yourself from Ultra-Violet rays.  Take care of your eyes by wearing sun glasses that provide protection from UV rays.  Tinted lenses without UV protection may be worse than no sunglasses at all because the dark lenses encourage the pupils to dilate, thus letting in more harmful glare.
• Neck.  Clothing around your neck should be adjustable or removable so you can vent body heat and perspiration.  Choose jackets with zip collars, zip turtlenecks, neck gaiters and silk scarves.  A young man in the valley has supplied us with his homemade oversized silk scarves.  These work great to keep you warm and help with a collage fund for Sam Wood!!
• Legs.  For very cold weather, choose insulated pants.  DO NOT WEAR CARHARTTS THEY ARE LOUD AND THE SAME COLOR AS AN ELK. To keep the bottoms of your pants dry and your boot from filling up with snow (especially when you are hiking and leading your horse) use gaiters over your pants and boots. 
• Upper Body.  Since your trunk rarely gets cold (due to heat of circulation, respiration, digestion), be sure you layer your upper body.  Some jackets perform the functions of the middle and outer layers. Choose outer garments that unzip or unsnap from both the top and the bottom and if you can find it a nice feature is rear gussets which unsnap to cover the cantle.  Be sure your riding jacket allows freedom of movement in the shoulder and arm area. 
• When we have you hiking it may be best to minimize your clothing and carry a pack containing proper garb.  It can get very cold riding a horse up a mountain trail so have your gear handy for when you get back on your horse.  

Now you're geared up for cold weather hunting and riding.