How to Keep Your Feet Warm When Hunting
Most hunting is done during fall and winter when rain, snow, and freezing conditions can quickly chill a hunter. The feet are always vulnerable to adverse weather and the condition of the whole body is often related to how warm the hunter's feet are. Choosing the proper boots and socks is vital in protecting the feet from frostbite. Boots with rubber bottoms, leather uppers, and removable insulated liners are the favored choice among many professional hunters in cold country.
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Instructions
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Wear socks made of wool or wool blend as this material wicks away perspiration and holds its insulating ability even when wet.
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Carry extra wool socks and change into them should the socks being worn get wet.
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Wear boots that repel water. Rubber bottomed boots prevent water from soaking through the boot and keep the feet dry while the insulated removable liners inside the boots keep the feet warm.
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Walk to keep the circulation flowing in the feet. Sitting allows the feet to chill even in insulated boots.
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Attach snow gators, waterproof coverings that slip over the boot, tie at the ankle and again above the calf, to prevent snow from soaking the boot uppers, pants, and running down into the boots. Some boots already have gators attached as part of the boots.
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To prevent frostbite, build a fire, remove the boots, and warm the feet by the fire when temperatures are low and feet are feeling numb.
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Tips & Warnings
Cotton socks are a poor choice for cold weather as they have no insulating abilities and allow perspiration to freeze on the feet. Always wear wool socks.
Use a sock liner under the wool sock for added protection from the cold.
If leather boots are worn be sure to coat them with a waterproofing agent before setting out; however waterproofing quickly wears off in wet and snowy conditions.
Carry extra liners for your insulated boots in case you step in water and soak the insides of the boots. Change the liners and socks immediately to keep the feet warm.
If your feet begin feeling numb do not hesitate to remove the boots and warm your feet by rubbing them with your hands. Or build a fire and warm them. Frostbite begins when the feet go from numb to no feeling at all.
Never rub your feet or any body part with snow to increase circulation; this is an old wives tail that can lead to frostbite. Warmth must be restored with warmth, not freezing snow.
