The snow that many were wishing for has come. The way that it showed up is good on all accounts. It fell before the ground had a chance to freeze thus making it easier for hiking and traction. It’s also a powdery snow, not frozen with a crust making it easy for the birds to get under it and to the seeds and grass.
I saw lots of turkeys on my way in and out to my destination today but was surprised not to see any quail. I’m sure they were seeking cover in the thick stuff and had I let the dogs run the road we would have seen plenty.
We were hoping to take a long ride and hike without guns to get some exercise but getting to our destination was a no go. This part of the road is usually plowed but the snow plow was held up because his wipers quit working. So we winged it anyway.
It was hard staying out of the ditch but the fence line helped. There is about 12 inches out there and when we hit the spot where the fences left the road, I was reminded of the times I had to dig my way out of ditches and made the smart move to turn around.
The snow plows never get this far in and I could be digging a long time. We did get a short jaunt in and the boys loved it.
Grady did find a good covey of huns but I failed to get it on film. You know when the red light is on it means recording and when it’s off it means it’s not recording. My chukar brain forgot that lesson.
We made it in about a mile before my butt cheeks said to turn around. It’s amazing how the snow or ice changes the way you walk and the different muscles you use.
Anyhow the roads are the beware part of this post. Now for help.
I guess I’ve never figured out this layer thing. I know the first layer of clothing is an under shirt that wicks away the sweat and I’ve got this covered with under tee armour shirts. The second layer is supposed to also wick away sweat but be warmer. Every second layer I have works well as long as there is no snow or rain. The snow piled up on me like a snow man. I was plenty warm but knew sooner or later I was going to be wet. Do you just put a rain coat on or is there a second layer shirt that would work under these conditions? I know there are lot’s of you die hard chukar hunters that get out there in these conditions that could help me out. My daddy never taught me how to dress and I haven’t got to the point where I need to have Barb dress me before I go outside.
These fluffy snow days with 28 degree temperatures are the best days to be on the mountain. It’s quiet and things become so visible to watch. With the lack of wind hiking with the dogs is perfect. I’d love to be chasing chukars but I know they have a huge advantage over me and the dogs when it gets like this.
The Reigning Chukar Champions 
This is how i layer.
1st layer top and bottom silk
Next layer merino wool tops and bottoms light
Wool pants wool shirt
Balaclava wool and hat
I’ve tried poly propylene and it stinks. Wool will keep you warm whether wet from sweat or snow.
I am a retro
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Thanks. I’m going to have to try the silk. I just read what was on my Under Armour 1st layer and it says polyester so I’m assuming it is the same as poly propylene and although it works it does stink. My next layer is polyester also. No wonder I stink so much when I get back into the truck. Next question is, does the snow tend to accumulate on the merino wool? I like hunting in the snow but usually decide to stay home in the rain.
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I’ve lived my whole life in the Rocky Mountain West, with that now being over a half century. My father was from the Rocky Mountain West too, and my mother from Quebec. I don’t know if that qualifies me for anything on this topic, but it does mean I’ve seen a lot of cold weather.
And it truly did use to be colder than it is now.
I’m one of those people who tend to be cold all the time. So I start layering up before other people do.
When it’s moderately cold, what I do is wear a cotton layer (t-shirt) and a heavy shirt, like an L.L. Bean chamois shirt, or a light wool outdoors shirt. I wear wool socks and Levis. Over my Levis, I wear GI Battle dress trousers, which aren’t much different from GI field pants. I’m a bit odd that way, but it doesn’t have to get too cold before I’m wearing two pairs of trousers that way.
Once it gets really cold, I add a pair of synthetic longjohns and a synthetic insulated shirt, or a wool shirt, like the folks some people call a “Henley” shirt.
I always wear a coat when it’s cold. If it’s just moderately cold I’ll wear an Army field jacket, which doesn’t provide much insulation even with the liner, but with the layers it’s fine. Sometimes I’ll wear a Filson wool liner jacket with a Swiss Alpenflage smock, again if it isn’t very cold. If it’s pretty cold, I’ll wear a Carhartt coat, and over that I’ll wear an Australian windproof Army smock. The latter item provides no insulation, but it does break the wind, and it has lots of pockets.
If it’s super cold, I’ll wear a Canadian Army Arctic parka and Carhartt insulated trousers or overalls.
I also unashamedly wear shooters mittens when it gets cold.
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Thanks Pat. A new meaning of layering.
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Ok…I wear glasses and struggle this time of year with body heat making them fog up. Any suggestions? I’ve tried CAT CRAP, the popular skiers goggle application with no luck.
Love your post, its absolutely amazing! Thank you for some sanity in the not so sane times!
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Thanks Cale. I’ve hunted with a few guys that have the same problem and it doesn’t look fun. Contac lens don’t work for them.
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The two big problems are sweat and bulk. Sweat depends on the individual and what they can wear to minimize moisture. Bulk will create issues with mounting the gun properly. I like to wear a light weight rain jacket for outer wear to stay dry and cut the wind. I still like wool pants for snow hunting.
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