“… 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