The first thing you should do actually happens before you ever get to your tree stand – keep perspiration to a minimum. It’s no secret that perspiration has the greatest effect on whether we stay warm once we’re in the stand. If we perspire, the dampness cools rapidly and, in turn, cools your body that much quicker. Here are a few ways to keep perspiration to a minimum:
Avoid caffeine and spicy foods
These types of food can stimulate neurotransmitters called acetylcholine that sometimes affect sweat glands. Try to replace them with more bland foods, especially the day before a big hunt. Stick to broiled venison rather than your elk bratwursts.
Leave early and walk slowly
One of the hardest things to do is force yourself to walk slowly to the stand, especially when I have limited time. But, this is the best way to keep your brain from sending that sweat vapor out to your skin glands. Force yourself to stop every 50 paces, especially if you’re going uphill.
Uncap your head
There seems to be debate as to whether we lose the majority of our heat through our heads. But leaving your head uncovered may help to reduce the amount of perspiration. The forehead has some of the highest concentrations of sweat glands on your body.
The second way is something we’ve all heard before – layer your clothing according to the temperature. You can get great information about this on any of the hunting forums throughout the internet and generally hunters agree that inner layers should have a wicking material to keep moisture from building up. The middle and outer layers should have a combination of breathable, heat trapping materials. In addition, the outer layer should have some degree of water resistance.
When you hunt in extreme weather conditions, a new apparel product may be worth checking into: the Hunter’s Apron. It is designed to slip over your outer wear and keep you warm on the stand or in a ground blind. The Hunter’s Apron includes these features built right into the product:
You can see videos and get more information on the Hunter’s Apron at: www.huntersapron.com
Our Guest Blogger
Jim Couchenour has been hunting deer for almost 40 years. He is an active member of the NRA and has recently invented a new hunting product – the Hunter’s Apron.
Visit his website: www.huntersapron.com
Catch him on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/huntersapron
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