“… we found some very fresh deer prints and started tracking the animal.”
we had spooked the deer, probably from being too loud.
I said to Georgi that we should just keep following the prints and see if we could still catch up with the deer. The prints were very easy to follow and it reminded me of playing the big-game-hunter game. Along the way we saw another set of deer prints that were a bit bigger but not as fresh; and we noticed some yellow snow. It was all very different hunting from what I was used to. Everything was white or black and there were no colours on the ground or the trees.
We had been tracking this animal for a while now and the sun was well up, melting the snow in the trees and causing it to rain down on us. The falling clumps of snow were making the prints harder to see, and Georgi thought I was leading her on a wild goose chase. I kept saying“ Just five more minutes …” which was quite a weak promise.
It became exhausting as some bits of the snow were deep and other parts you would slip over, so we had our first break since spotting the prints. This time I truly promised only five
Tips for hunting in the snow
• Cold conditions need to be taken very seriously – don’ t skimp on preparation and equipment.
• As always, tell someone your plans – where you are going and when you will return – but provide particularly clear and full details.
• Double up on right clothing for the conditions – quality and quantity are important.
• Stay in a hut if possible – you’ ll be safer, warmer and more comfortable.
• Your gear will probably get wet, making it heavier – and remember you still have to carry it out.
• Basic gear includes raincoat / parka and overpants / windproofs( preferably breathable, e. g. Goretex); boots, gaiters and extra warm socks; two pairs of gloves; beanie, a spare or neck warmer / buff, mittens or gloves. Take more thermals than usual.
• Store everything in dry bags.
• Take extra food, fuel and a book or cards in case you have to wait out a storm or get hutbound.
• It might be a good idea to park down the road a bit so you don’ t get snowed in. You might need chains on the way out, even if not on the way in. Remember too that the likeliest place for a car battery to fail is in extra-cold conditions.
• On the track, always wear your wet weather gear and gloves.
• Take your time and try not to work up a sweat, which will chill you quickly when you stop.
• Tape over the barrel and have a scope cover.
• Keep one dry set of clothing at the hut for immediate change on return.
• Be familiar with your hunting ground. In a whiteout and with a recent snowfall everything looks the same, so the possibility of getting lost is increased. A GPS will be helpful but don’ t totally depend on it.
• Hunting straight after a snowfall is easier. The snow is more powdery and if an animal is on the move the sign will be fresh.
• Don’ t give up too soon. If prints look fresh the animal could just be around the corner.
• In a snowy landscape, even hazy sunshine can cause severe snowblindness and sunburn. Wear good-quality wrap-around sunglasses and take powerful sun protection such as zinc ointment and use it on all exposed skin including lips, eyelids, under the chin, on the scalp and even inside the nostrils.
• Carry water and fill up the bottle frequently in creeks. Snow takes a long time to melt – with or without a cooker.
• Slopes can be very slippery. You can’ t see roots and loose rocks under the snow but you’ ll know about it when you trip on them. Trekking poles or a walking stick are helpful.
• Never go on to an icy slope unless you know exactly what you are doing and have proper training and equipment.
• Whatever happens, don’ t attempt to walk out in dangerous conditions.
• When the conditions aren’ t great, a companion is.
• There’ s nothing quite like a hot drink to warm you up and lift morale.
NZ Hunting & Wildlife 196- Autumn 2017 15