Sub-Zero Temps Worth The Trip?

FlushingSetters1724

FlushingSetters1724

Active member
Long story short I took some vacation and have January 3rd-January 13th off.. I planned to go to SD for another round of roosters, but of course it's supposed to be nearly single digits every day. Has anyone else made the trip in similar conditions? If so, what are some things you wished you did/had, and was it even worth it? I guess we'll see how the weather shakes out as it gets closer. I know it won't be as good (or comfortable) as it could be, but I'd imagine it's better than hanging out on the couch thinking about hunting.
 
Your gear and vehicle need to be in top condition. Growing up in ND I hunted in single digit and even below zero (if zero wind), but that was usually one day and more often just an afternoon. Five straight days 10AM to sunset - can't imagine it is much fun.

If the snow is manageable - sure go for it. Deep snow and real cold ... years back I had access to 120 acres in mid-MN. Dog and I got there around 1 and hunted for a couple hours. We got our two birds, but it was a challenge with the deeper snow and cold. When I drove through the first town on my way home the sign said -7 degrees. Did not feel that cold and it was fun ...

Make sure your vehicle is stocked with enough supplies and equipment to spend the night or even a few hours ... truck cabs get cold quickly if the engine does not start. Cell phones certainly take out a huge part of that risk.
 
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FlushingSetters1724 said:
Long story short I took some vacation and have January 3rd-January 13th off.. I planned to go to SD for another round of roosters, but of course it's supposed to be nearly single digits every day. Has anyone else made the trip in similar conditions? If so, what are some things you wished you did/had, and was it even worth it? I guess we'll see how the weather shakes out as it gets closer. I know it won't be as good (or comfortable) as it could be, but I'd imagine it's better than hanging out on the couch thinking about hunting.
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I'll be there twice during that period. Looking especially cold end of next week.

In the past, I've tried to stay at 0 or above, mostly for the dog. But she has a heated vest now. We've tested it on a 1 degree morning this year, with 15+ mph wind, and another single digit morning, and she did well. So rather than waiting an hour or two in the mornings to get above 0, we'll probably go for it at 10 am.

- shake hand warmers for my mitten gloves. They go in the zipper pocket on the back of the part of the mitten that flips over the fingers. I might put one in the hand part, on the back of my hand, if it gets really cold.
- stick on foot warmers (only because I hunt in uninsulated muck boots and 1 deg F is about when they start feeling cold, when I am moving)
- a neck gaiter that takes hand warmers to keep cheeks warmer
- something for ears (I use earbuds type hearing protectors, but sometimes switch to my old over the ear style for warmth)
- Something to block the wind. I am warmer blooded, so typically only have an orange hoodie over my t-shirt. I find that the wind, on really cold days, can go through that, especially the hood. I might bring a light weight wind breaker to go over the hoodie.
- I got a heated vest/liner for myself when I got one for the dog. I've used it a few times. I wear it over my shirt and under my hoodie. Unless it is single digits, it is too warm for me, even on the low setting (but can be turned off when that happens). When it gets closer to 0, it is nice.
- I try to hunt cover that will give me a workout. If I am walking on easy stuff, I get colder. Snow drifts, cattails, and wetland grasses generally fit the bill.
- Meat sticks and protein bars in my vest if I start getting low on energy (insurance against it going too far and risking hypothermia). I also eat a lot before hunting, in the morning, to reduce this risk.
- I hunt for hours at spots, usually. But if the weather is really nasty, shorter trips and warming up inbetween can help.
- Get a quick limit and get back inside for the rest of the day! :)
 
The cold isn’t bad if you are prepared.Im hesitant when It’s extremely windy, chance of storm/bad roads/ or if I know the snow conditions will just bother my dogs feet the whole time.
 
Limitless said:
Looks like you are hunting further south than we will be. We won't be on the high Canadian, but it is going to be cold.
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I can't find any places showing those warm temps. I used next Thursday as a comparison day. I picked cities up and down the eastern edge of the state. This was using Google's weather report. I sure hope your source is the correct one!
 
Goosemaster said:
I hunted Dakota last January.Cold,some snow, highly educated birds.There is a learning curve.I think I was close,but didn't find the right spot.
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We only hit the real cold one trip last year, if I remember right. If you hit it on a really cold time, they may have been deeper in the cattails, staying warm, due to lack of significant snow.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that they get some snow built up.
 
All the above advice is right, but the bottom line is most of the time you're only out of the truck for a couple hours per spot so you'll be fine
 
The last time I was there in January was after a good snowstorm.. had to use snowshoes to hunt. About 1/3 of the places I like to hunt were completely inaccessible due to the snow. Never needed my shovel or tow straps, hoping to keep that streak alive this year.

One thing I typically do is hunt one dog at a time and leave the other in the car.. I really think my dog would be okay, but I wonder how I could make sure they stay warm enough. I thought an extra blanket in the crate and blanket over the top to trap some heat would be enough.. I considered a battery powered heater, but if that failed somehow and started a fire or something I couldn't live with myself. I could always hunt both, but it's nearly impossible to keep track of them both in the cattails.
 
FlushingSetters1724 said:
The last time I was there in January was after a good snowstorm.. had to use snowshoes to hunt. About 1/3 of the places I like to hunt were completely inaccessible due to the snow. Never needed my shovel or tow straps, hoping to keep that streak alive this year.
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It is a good streak to have!

FlushingSetters1724 said:
One thing I typically do is hunt one dog at a time and leave the other in the car.. I really think my dog would be okay, but I wonder how I could make sure they stay warm enough. I thought an extra blanket in the crate and blanket over the top to trap some heat would be enough.. I considered a battery powered heater, but if that failed somehow and started a fire or something I couldn't live with myself. I could always hunt both, but it's nearly impossible to keep track of them both in the cattails.
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Inside a vehicle or in a crate in the back of a truck?

When I go into restaurants after hunting, I leave my vehicle run. But she is inside the vehicle, in a crate.

Battery powered dog vest/coat would work. It is very low power, but since it is right on them, and has reflective material, it doesn't need a lot of power.

This is the one I got. I chose an XL. I could have gotten by with a L, but wasn't sure if I would put something under it. As it is, I put it on first, then a fleece vest, then a strap down protector. It protects the wimpy material the heated coat is made out of (except the collar, which I am going to have to put tape on), and traps more heat, and keeps it close to her body. But that is for hunting. In a crate, just the heated coat should be fine. My dog is deep chested, 2 feet at the withers, and 50 pounds. The coat has some level of adjustment with 2 wide velcro bands.

IMG-20241212-WA0000(1).jpg
 
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Limitless said:
It is a good streak to have!


Inside a vehicle or in a crate in the back of a truck?

When I go into restaurants after hunting, I leave my vehicle run. But she is inside the vehicle, in a crate.

Battery powered dog vest/coat would work. It is very low power, but since it is right on them, and has reflective material, it doesn't need a lot of power.
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Inside my vehicle, that's what I did last time I went there in January.. Didn't have any issues, typically my hunts are about an hour or so. The battery powered dog vest isn't a bad idea, but one of my dogs might make it his lunch while I'm gone..

I'll have to see if they make any heater type contraptions I trust to have running in the car while I'm gone.
 
FlushingSetters1724 said:
Inside my vehicle, that's what I did last time I went there in January.. Didn't have any issues, typically my hunts are about an hour or so. The battery powered dog vest isn't a bad idea, but one of my dogs might make it his lunch while I'm gone..
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You could put a nylon strap on over the top to prevent that, or reduce the chance. It is harder for them to reach it anyway, since it only goes back part way on their body.

This is the one I use (updated my other post showing the heated coat)

sylmar-body-guard-dog-vest-orange-101.jpeg
FlushingSetters1724 said:
I'll have to see if they make any heater type contraptions I trust to have running in the car while I'm gone.
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I would hope the heated units would have been put through testing and be stamped as such (UL/ETL). Or you could limit it to those that have. Something with a thermostat, so it won't get too hot.
 
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