It's a New Year, and just because much of the Deep South experienced summer-like temperatures during the Christmas holidays doesn't mean we're gonna have an early spring. We may, but we may not, so we're not out of the woods yet. After all, January and February are often the two coldest months of the year in Mississippi.
That being the case, campers, hunters, hikers, anglers - all outdoorsmen – should be prepared for dangerously cold weather. Even if it never comes, be prepared. It's even more important this year because we've gotten so used to spring-like conditions and may tend to under-dress. If unsure, check weather forecasts often.
Layers
Even if you check forecasts religiously, it's no secret that “if you don't like the weather conditions in Mississippi, just wait 24 hours.” And the best way to cope with these changing conditions, at least in my opinion, is to dress in layers. Personally, I prefer several layers as opposed to covering up with bulky jumpsuits or a heavy jacket and pants.
I like to layer up with thermal underwear when the cold moves in. I recall once on a Colorado bow hunt when a blizzard blew in from the northwest. I wore four – count 'em, FOUR – thermal tops and two thermal bottoms. I wasn't exactly toasty, but I was comfortable, and the best part is that I wasn't so bulked up with heavy clothing that I couldn't shoot my bow.
Another obvious plus to layering up is that you can always shed a layer or two, stuff it/them in a fanny pack and go on about your expedition comfortably. Try stuffing a bulky jumpsuit in a fanny pack!
Warming devices
Remember those old metal hand warmers of years ago? If so, it's likely you're “older'n dirt,” like me! They were quite inconvenient, but much better than nothing when your fingers were about to break off from the cold. Oh, they'd get hot alright, sometimes too hot. Sometimes, if they slipped out of their protective pouch, they'd burn a blister your hand.
Not only that, if you over-filled the old timey warmers, sometimes the lighter fluid would leak out and burn you in a different way. To wit, I'll not soon forget the time it happened to me when I was carrying the warmer in my back pocket. Yep, it leaked and blistered a rectangle on my butt!
Chemical heat packs
Fortunately, hand warmers today are far better, more efficient, much safer and are disposable. Although they're made in China, which I detest, Grabber is the first name brand of chemical hand warmers that comes to mind.
The chemical (solid, not liquid) hand warmers are activated when you remove them from their plastic package and are then activated by oxygen. They last over seven hours, longer than most stints on a deer stand, squirrel hunts or time on the water while fishing. But if you plan to stay all day, these warmers are light and compact, so you can carry a full day's supply in one pocket. Toe warmers are also available.
ThermaCELL
One cool day a few years back turned quickly into a c-c-cold afternoon in the stand, and I had not prepared for that. As I shivered, I suddenly remembered my ThermaCELL mosquito repellent unit in my fanny pack. My hands were so cold I didn't know if I could pull my bow back or not, but when I pulled out the unit, removed the chemical pad that repels mosquitoes and fired it up, I warmed up significantly.
The unit runs off propane, and the glowing heat actually saved my hunt, and I was fortunate enough to poke an arrow in a nice 8-point. Had I not had the added warmth, I probably would not have stayed in my stand long enough to take the much-needed meat for the freezer. Granted, a ThermaCELL is NOT intended as a hand/pocket warmer, but it sure did the trick for me.
I'll not carry on. That would only serve to bore you more. I will close, though, with the suggestion that no matter how you choose to stay warm (if it gets cold again), get out and enjoy the great outdoors in comfort.
Carry matches or a lighter, just in case of an emergency. There is always the danger of hypothermia or frostbite. Besides, the whole purpose of any huntor, other outdoor adventures, is to enjoy one's self. And trust me, there is nothing enjoyable about being miserably cold.
That being the case, if and when it turns cold again, just bundle up and go. You won't catch that lunker bass while sitting on the couch, and you certainly won't nail that trophy buck if you're piled up in a warm bed. Prepare for anything the weather might throw at you, then go. And when you do, be sure to take a kid with you … every time you can.
PineBeltNews outdoor scribe Phil DiFatta may be reached by email at pdifatta@hotmail.com or by text at 601-596-4475. Be sure to include contact info.
