Just because there is not a foot of snow on the ground doesn’t mean that it’s not cold outside. With late-season archery and muzzleloader season beginning Monday, and running until Dec. 22, and teaming up with late-season waterfowl, it’s time to look at how to do what we do and stay safe.

Starting out as a bowhunter, it didn’t take me long to learn that bulk was my enemy. A slap of the bowstring on the arm of your coat is enough to warn a deer enough to react to your arrow or to affect the accuracy of your shot. How do you stay warm without the bulk? When preparing for cold-weather hunting, there are two main points to remember: wearing layers and staying dry. These go hand-in-hand.

The first thing you need to start with is the clothing that will be closest to your body. Wear a medium-weight thermal undergarment that will wick sweat away while keeping the heat close to your body. These need to be a snugger-fitting long-sleeved shirt and leggings. This is the only layer that should fit tight and be touching the skin; the rest should move freely and allow you freedom of movement. A sweat-wicking layer against your body is so important because it is easy to work up a sweat while walking to your stand. This layer will help keep you dry so you can stay warm. Otherwise you will get colder and colder as soon as your body rests.

For the next layer, wear a lightweight set of “long-john” tops and bottoms that are slightly loose. This is another thing to keep you warm, without adding any bulk yet.

The material for this layer needs to be camouflaged, even though it is not the last layer. To avoid overheating and sweating during walks to your hunting location, you might need to carry your outerwear. For this layer, I wear my lightweight hunting clothes that I use for warmer temps in the early season. Dressing in layers is also important to be able to add or take off clothing so that as you walk or sit throughout the day as temperatures rise and fall, you will be prepared for all the temperatures and be able to keep yourself more comfortable. If you need yet another layer, add fleece top and bottoms between the under and middle layers.

I think one of the most overlooked pieces of hunting clothes is a vest. Vests are bowhunters’ best friends as they help keep your core, the trunk of your body, even warmer without restricting arm movement when pulling back a bow. Keeping the core of your body warm is important because if it gets cold, you will start shivering and it will be hard to stop. I love my hunting vests; I wear them throughout the hunting season and not just during colder weather. Wear a top like a coat and bottom such as bibs that provide sufficient insulation and reflect your body heat back to you. Also look for waterproof or windproof materials to help protect you from the elements. However, make sure you practice shooting in your hunting coat to ensure you don’t have problems with your string hitting any part of it. For bottoms, I prefer to wear bibs in colder temps instead of regular pants as bibs also protect your core so that cold wind can’t reach the small of your back between your top and bottom layers.

Remember, it is important to carry some of the bulk of your outer layers while walking to your hunting spot if you tend to work up a sweat. This is where a good backpack can benefit you. I like backpacks with outer straps so you can just strap in your layers on the outside and not worry about trying to fit them inside the zipper pouch. Sometimes you can get away with wearing bibs and still not overheat if they have a full-length zipper along the legs. This feature allows you to easily unzip the legs for pulling over boots, but also while walking so you can allow airflow to reach your legs.

Another tip for not sweating is to allow plenty of time to get to where you are walking, as a slower-moving hunter is less likely to get overheated. If you do arrive overheated or close to it, mist your face, neck and wrists with scentless spray to help cool down quickly. I carry a travel-size bottle in my hunting bag and do this each time I reach the stand. It works really well for me. Then, as your hunt continues, you can add your outer layers as needed.

It goes without saying late-season waterfowl hunting is not for the little at heart. Some of us head to the water and it’s important to understand how to do it safely. Enjoying the marine environment doesn’t have to stop when the warm weather ends. As the temperature begins to drop, fish and marine mammals are stirring around our local waters in preparation for winter. This change of seasons offers ample opportunities for fishing as well as wildlife viewing from our shores or even closer, from the water.

Boating during the cold weather can be exciting, but it’s necessary to take extra precaution while on the water. Here are a few suggestions on how to prepare for cold weather boating:

¯ Check the forecast and be aware of potentially hazardous marine conditions.

¯ Wear multiple layers of clothing and bring extra clothing in case someone gets wet or goes overboard.

¯ Make sure to eat and stay hydrated. Bring additional food and water on board.

¯ Wear sunglasses. The sun’s glare can be just as strong in the winter as in the summer.

¯Make a float plan and inform a land-based person about your plan, then stick to the plan. This is especially important for solo boaters. Be sure to carry a communication device, such as a VHF Radio or cellphone, and signaling device, and secure them in a waterproof container or bag and most importantly — wear a life jacket.

In cold water, you can succumb to hypothermia in a matter of minutes, and having the proper equipment and resources can help prevent a dangerous situation. If an emergency arises, contact the local Coast Guard Station over your VHF Radio or dial 9-1-1 on your cellphone to contact local emergency personnel. Remember, spending time outdoors during the winter months is exciting. With a little forethought and safety, it can be enjoyable.

Part of spending time outdoors is being ready for what gets tossed your way. With that being said, sometimes no matter how prepared we are Mother Nature tests our limits. At these times, keep a cool head and work the problem one item at a time.