Hunting is a completely fun outdoor activity. But, since it takes place in an open field with below zero temperature, hunters face the problem of cold feet all the time. They, therefore, need to know how to keep your feet warm while hunting.
Tight hunting jackets and shoes make you sweat pretty fast, leaving your body cold before you know it.
How then can you stay warm while hunting? Well, I have got you covered.
From hunting boots to socks and foot warmers, I will show you the best way to keep feet warm while hunting.
How to Keep Your Feet Warm While Hunting
You need to wear shoes and cover up your feet with socks to stay warm during hunting. People hunt different kinds of game animals. So, turkey hunting boots may not be the perfect fit for deer hunting.
Whatever games you seek to hunt, here are a few tips for choosing the right accessory the next time you hunt in the cold.
1. Choose footwear that fits rightly
Did you know that shoes or socks that tighten your feet can make you feel much colder? This is because it reduces blood flow to your feet, making it easier for them to get cold.
So, always go for shoes that are not too tight. This leaves some air gaps in the shoe, which are perfect insulators that prevent you from losing your body heat.
A loose shoe also provides additional space for socks and foot warmers. Usually, boots that leave 600-1000g of insulating space are your best pick.
Also, ensure that you test any footwear you intend to use for hunting at home. This way, you would be sure it fits and would not give you any issues. What you want to avoid more than a tight shoe is an oversized one.
2. Layer up properly
Many people think that the more socks they put on, the warmer their feet would be. Do you think so too? Well, this might be a good thing, but probably a bad idea if the socks hurt your feet.
You should only wear two or three socks, which keep you reasonably warm and ensures that your leg fits well into your hunting shoes.
Also, You should not add any extras into your shoes if you would feel uncomfortable. I’m sure you don’t like limping while hunting.
3. Use only the right materials
Now that you have to layer up well and choose good-fitting footwear, there is another thing you have to remember: wearing shoes and socks made of the right materials.
Yes, you might be wearing good shoes and only two layers of socks. But, make sure your shoes come with an extra layer of insulation. You also want to pick shoes with smooth soles that don’t pack too much grass or debris during hunting.
Socks made of absorbent material like cotton could be bad for your feet. Instead, choose socks made of wool and polyesters. The merino wool is one of the best insulators out there, but expensive. Polyester works fine and is affordable.
4. Buy feet warmers
Do you feel as if your footwear is not doing enough for you? Well, you can buy the feet warmers for hunting to give you some extra heat.
These devices are placed inside your hunting shoes while you are outdoors. People who feel cold after a short time out will find them helpful.
The only downside with feet warmers is once they are used up, your feet would get cold all over again. So, you need to know the perfect time to use a feet warmer, so they can keep you warm long enough.
We are now going to look at the best way to keep your feet warm during duck hunting.
These tips are specifically crafted for those who love to enjoy getting some delicious ducks during the winter.
How to Keep Your Feet Warm while Duck Hunting
Chilly temperatures are usually very ideal for duck hunting but can be bad for your feet.
Since you might also need to stay in moist areas, you need a solid pair of shoes. Here are some tips that would help your feet feel warmer while duck hunting.
1. Buy hunting socks
Hunting socks for cold weather are a great help while looking for ducks. Socks are very helpful when trying to keep warm.
Synthetic socks keep out moisture from getting to your feet, which could give chills. These will help your feet remain warmer for longer.
You can also choose socks that combine two synthetic materials, as they are better. Duck hunters get cold feet more easily because of the water they encounter on their hunts.
Socks that are made of wool or acrylic material are great choices. Although wool is not a synthetic material, it has amazing cold-chasing capabilities.
Want to enjoy getting those ducks? Add a pair of light, noiseless shoes so you don’t scare them away.
2. Carry an extra pair of socks
What do you think happens when you mistakenly dip your feet in the water while hunting? They become colder. Since ducks love moist environments, you will likely get your feet wet often. Carrying an extra pair of socks could be a good way to prepare.
Changing your socks during a hunt, especially a long one, is good for your feet too. This would prevent your feet from smelling after you’ve stepped in the water.
3. Make sure your warmer is rechargeable
Since you are moving a lot during duck hunting, you need portable and durable hunting gear.
Rechargeable feet warmers come with batteries. Even if the ducks take longer to come out, your feet won’t have to suffer for it.
4. Select a long-lasting warmer
Do you want to start looking for ducks, only to go home minutes later because of cold feet? You shouldn’t have to! One way to prevent this is to select a long-lasting foot warmer.
Warmers that do not shut down after one or two hours are very good options.
Also, duck hunters need a lot of time to catch their prey, and warmers with a short life span do not help much.
How to Keep Your Feet Warm throughout Rabbit Hunting
Maybe you like to catch yourself some rabbits instead of ducks or deers. Well, rabbit hunting is an exciting activity. Not to mention, their meat tastes so good!
Let us see how you can prevent your feet from being cold while catching those bunnies.
1. Invest in shoes with good insulation
Since you would usually find rabbits in the morning, you should go prepared. Winter mornings could be very chilly, so an insulating pair of shoes would help a lot.
Also, choose shoes that come with extra pads, in case you feel much colder. There are a lot of affordable insulating shoes on the market.
2. Use duct tape
Yes, duck tape can be used while hunting. How? By using tape to cover where you wear your shoes and socks from. This prevents you from getting cold quickly by trapping heat.
Don’t use too much duck tape, or it might make you uncomfortable. The best thing about this tape is that it’s simple and affordable.
3. Wear shoes with non-adhesive surfaces
This may seem a little off, but it can help you. Wearing shoes with surfaces like suede can attract a lot of grass and weed-like debris.
This might lead you to stay on the spot, trying to remove the debris. As you stay on the spot for a long time, your feet start to get cold due to ice.
FAQs
What things can I do to keep warm while hunting?
Apart from wearing loose-fitting shoes and insulating socks, there are other sure ways to keep warm. Covering your hand with gloves prevents them from getting cold. Head warmers, face masks, and neck gaiters are a good way to protect yourself from the cold winter wind.
Can I wear leather boots for hunting?
Why not! Leather is another excellent material for hunting boots. You might not want to get leather boots because they are hard, but here is how you can soften them.
Do hunters need foot warmers?
You can use feet warmers, as stated earlier, to make your feet all warmed up. However, ensure that your feet warmer is portable, rechargeable, and durable so they could help you stay longer on the field.
Is there any need for a head warmer?
Yes, everyone hunting in cold temps should keep a head warmer. When you put on a head warmer, you keep cold from getting to your scalp. The cold that gets to your scalp circulates to other body parts, and you might just end up on your feet.
Does drinking something hot stop my feet from feeling cold?
This is another hack that works like magic. Taking something hot will increase your body’s metabolism. This makes your body produces more heat.
As you warm up your body, your feet receive some of that warmth too.
What kind of shoes should I use for hunting?
I recommend using shoes that have excellent insulating material, like rubber. Rubber shoes do not allow anything gets to your feet, whether it’s heat or cold.
Why are rubber shoes good for hunting?
Rubber shoes are easy to clean and do not cost much to maintain. They are great for exploration because they usually have a good grip on the ground.
Conclusion
You’ve seen how to keep your feet warm while hunting and how to choose the best footwear. I hope your next winter hunt would be much warmer for your feet.
