Deer Hunting: Preparing for an All-Day Sit
BY Herschel Smith
2 years ago
This is the primary reason hunters pull the cord on all-day sits. It’s tough to sit in a tree or ground blind all day, but it’s almost impossible to do so if you’re too cold, too warm or soaking wet. That’s why high-quality clothing is worth the price.
Hunters have learned that layering is the key to regulating temperature. The widely accepted three-layer system, which consists of a base layer, mid layer and outer layer, works well, but you must understand why this system works—and what may cause it to fail.
The base layer should be made of thin, wicking fabric. Cotton is out because it holds moisture, which robs the body of heat. The mid layer is an insulating layer that is designed to hold heat while still wicking away moisture. The outer layer is your protection against wind and rain, and it provides an additional insulating layer. Moisture is your enemy, so don’t pile on all your layers then hike a mile to your stand. Instead, shed your top layer and allow the perspiration to evaporate. Any exposed skin will lose heat, so a face mask, beanie and gloves that extend above the cuff of your jacket will help retain heat. Mittens are warmer than gloves, but in recent years I’ve come to prefer a hand-warmer muff with heat packs inside, and I always carry extra hand and foot warmers. In extreme cold, a sleeping bag or body suit will help keep you warm.
While I can’t say I live in the coldest of climates (certainly not compared to some of my readers), I can say that I have never gotten cold during a sit. Boredom is my biggest enemy.
I wear a short sleeve sports shirt, wicking and non-cotton, with a long sleeve Merino wool shirt over that, the next layer is fleece, and the final layer is a Simms GorTex Parka. It’s pricey, but fishing companies make the best rain gear.
I use Mechanix camo Impact gloves for mild days, and if it’s really cold I have Swany brand ski gloves. I might invest in another brand (Hestra Guide Gloves), but they’re very pricey.
One trick I’ve known all of my life is that you lose a lot of warm air up through your neck coming from your whole body. Using the hood of your parka prevents most of that. Also, if you’re prone to your face getting cold, wear a balaclava.
Finally, a really enjoyed wearing a neck gaiter for the first time last season. There is nothing like it.
On December 15, 2022 at 8:01 am, Latigo Morgan said:
I’m fortunate to live where I can spot and stalk. I tried blind hunting and was bored out of my gourd. I’ve come across more deer and elk on accident than a blind hunter will ever see. (Oh, that looks like a pun!)
I do understand that for many parts of the country, ambush hunting is the only viable means available. But, you’re still out there, and that’s what matters.
When my little brother was living in Texas, he wanted to go deer hunting but could only find private land hunts that were prohibitively expensive. He told me he could go hunt moose in Alaska for what some of those folks wanted to charge to hunt whitetail.
On December 15, 2022 at 9:11 am, PGF said:
The older I get, the more easily the back of my neck and lower back seem to get cold. Both spots have nerve bundles; it’s best to keep them warm.
On December 15, 2022 at 12:59 pm, Don W Curton said:
Blind Hunting is really big if you’re part of a lease or doing the pay-per-day hunting experience. It keeps you in your little area and prevents you from encroaching on the next guy’s area. I’ve tried the walk-around (and had good luck) but also pissed off some other hunters by walking right up on them. Guides love it cause they can drop you off at a stand, tell you they’ll be back in several hours, then they head back to camp and crack a few beers without worry that you’ll wander off.
As for boredom, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken a nap in a deer stand. Once, in a ground blind, both the black bear and myself were very startled when he accidentally woke me up. Luckily we both decided to part ways rather rapidly.
On December 15, 2022 at 3:03 pm, Herschel Smith said:
Nap. Me too,
Which is okay if you’re tethered to the tree.
On December 15, 2022 at 5:46 pm, X said:
I cannot sit in a stand all day, it drives me absolutely nuts. I hunt like a cat, creeping as silently as I can, using terrain and brush to conceal my movements, and sitting in various places for periods ranging from fifteen minutes to 2-3 hours.
I’ve taken 30 deer that way including 2 this year, none in a stand. I’ve had quite a few hunts of less than an hour total by sneaking into their territory when they’re not expecting it, including a few 5 minute “step into the woods and bang” kills.
The problem of sitting in the same place all day long is that the deer may be moving as little as 50-100 yards away and you may never see them.