When deer hunting, whether or not you can keep your feet warm can make the difference between staying on stand and heading for the cabin. Having cold feet can ruin even the best day in the woods, making a productive day into a miserable one. Here are some tips that deer hunters can use to keep their feet warm and improve their odds of finding that buck this year.
The most obvious thing that a hunter can do is to have good boots. While what type of boot is a personal choice, the boots must be waterproof. Even heavy dew on a cool morning can be enough to make a hunter’s feet wet and cold the rest of the day. When buying boots for deer hunting, a hunter should be certain to wear thick or layered socks to make certain that the boots fit properly. Loose boots will lead to blisters, while tight boots will restrict circulation and make feet feel cold. Keeping the boots clean and caring for the boots according to manufacturer recommendations will extend the life of the boot.
Keeping feet warm requires more than just choosing waterproof boots. When walking to the stand or still hunting through the woods, a hunter’s feet can begin to perspire. This sweat will be trapped inside the waterproof boot making the hunter’s feet wet and cold. A good place to start to fight the battle against sweat is a polypropylene sock liner. Polypropylene will help to wick sweat away from the foot to keep it dry. On top of the liner, a deer hunter should wear a wool sock or other heavy sock that will wick away sweat. Merino wool is the material of choice among many, but there are other quality materials. A hunter should carry an extra change of socks (liners and heavy socks) and change the socks at midday.
In addition to wicking socks, there are other ways to combat sweat. Various companies make insoles that absorb sweat. Most of these products use baking soda and / or charcoal to draw sweat away from the feet. Again, make certain that these insoles do not make boots too tight. Aerosol antiperspirant can be applied to the feet to reduce sweating as well. Foot powder can also help to keep feet dry and warm. Experiment with these products before using them in a hunting situation. Various companies also make chemical foot warmers that can be placed on or inside the boot. These products will not last all day, but can be used first thing in the morning or in the afternoon to keep your feet warm during the coldest parts of the day.
For deer hunters who hunt from a tree stand or ground blind, one other option is boot blankets. These products slip over a hunter’s boot to add additional insulation. Looking much like a sleeping bag for a boot, these products are not designed for being worn while walking around in the woods.
