The crisp mornings, hot afternoons, and endless blue skies of early September are often a bowhunter’s dream. It is relatively easy to prepare for the conditions and enjoy a pleasant hunt in the backcountry. However, when a drastic temperature drop and several inches of snow appears on the forecast, a different approach needs to be taken. This will be a two part article showcasing my gear load out and mentality leading into a high country mule deer hunt where camp is 2.75 miles from the truck, that calls for 5-10” of snow and 20-30 degree temperatures. Part two will be the result of the hunt and how my plan faired against the conditions I encounter.
Almost as a test of fortitude, a lone snow day is inserted into an otherwise mild weather forecast in this second week of September. Before diving into the gear portion, I feel it is important to address the mental aspect of heading into the backcountry with snow on the horizon. As a Colorado bowhunter, it is quite uncommon to encounter winter hunting conditions this early in the season, so my personal experience is rather limited. Questions flood my mind as my departure day approaches: will my gear hold up? Is my sleeping bag adequate? Will my boots be warm enough? Should I bring extra food? What about the statewide fire ban? Will melting snow be enough water to stay hydrated?
To add some context to the discussion, a short summary of my hunting area is needed. A single track trail weaves through a valley of pines, gradually climbing up over ridges and side-hills into the head of a vast basin where monstrous peaks jut from the earth 13,200 feet into the mountain sky. My camp is nestled amongst the pines at 11,250 feet nearly 3 miles from the trail head. The benefit is the trail, well established, and well maintained. Access in and out SHOULD be relatively easy, however being new to this area, I am not sure I will be able to locate the trail if it is covered with snow. A rough 20 minute ride via a 4x4 road into the area from the nearest town should also prove to be interesting. These are some of the thoughts that have been resonating within my subconscious. All we can do as responsible hunters is to go in prepared, with the necessary skills to survive and hunt effectively amongst harsh conditions.
My snow hunt gear load out
In order to cover gear sufficiently, we need to break it down into subcategories. Clothing is a simple start, so here we go. Heavyweight merino over-the-calf socks will be worn under my favorite mountain hunting boots, the Salomon X-Alp MTN GTX, paired with Gore Tex gaiters. I use and believe in Under Armour hunting apparel, so that is what I will be wearing. The merino mid weight base layer bottoms paired with the Gore Tex wind stopper Raider pant will keep my bottom half warm. For the top, I will be equipped with a heavyweight merino hooded base layer, Cold Gear Reactor full zip hoody, and Alpine Ops down puffer jacket. I will also have my Ridge Reaper Gore Tex Pro soft shell rain jacket if I need additional wind protection. A Prima Loft beanie paired with the multiple hoods should keep my head sufficiently warm. Mid season gloves along with mittens will keep my fingers operational in the cold temps.
My sleep system is going to be put to the test, as a proper night’s sleep is vital to hunting effectively. My shelter, a non free standing trekking pole tent, is made by Andake. Underneath it will be a tyvek ground cloth. The task of keeping me warm at night will be shared by my Marmot helium 15 degree bag, a Sea To Summit Reactor Xtreme liner(+25 degrees), and my Therma Rest Prolite Plus pad (4.4r value). I am also bringing the ground cloth from my two man tent to use as a tarp, utilizing my second trekking pole, to store my gear under at night.
Food and water will be my main concern since my water filtration system is susceptible to freezing in cold temperatures. To account for this, I will be bringing a larger fuel canister to melt snow and two Nalgene bottles to store water inside my sleeping bag to prevent freezing. They will also provide additional warmth if I fill them with boiling water prior to going to bed. I also have a 1.5 liter camelback bladder that will provide me with water on the hike in and as long as I empty it at night, it should serve as a great mobile water source. I also will be bringing food that does not need water or cooking in the case of a failure. Extra food is also in my pack, should I need it.
My hunting gear pretty much goes unchanged, since my confidence is extremely high in my current setup. One item I did add was a Klymit inflatable cushion to save my buns from sitting in the snow while glassing. My Eberlestock Little Big Top and F1 Mainframe pack the weight well, at the price of weighting 9.5 pounds empty. The great thing about that system is you have the ability to remove the F1 frame and attach the shoulder and waist straps to the Little Big Top once you arrive at camp. The internal frame of the bag will allow for carrying 45-60 pounds comfortably.
My loaded up pack along with what I am wearing on the hike in. My Eberlestock Little Big Top and F1 Mainframe came in at 53 pounds with water and my bow. Not bad for a 3 day snow hunt.
In all honesty, this hunt both excites me and scares me greatly, but that is why we love bowhunting so much. A new challenge, an unfamiliar adventure, the desire to push forward and test just how far we can go, to live with the awesome game animals we pursue. Inserting ourselves into their world, be it for a short time, brings a greater respect for both them and the wild places they inhabit. Stay tuned for part two.