If you’re fishing or hunting, invest in high-quality, insulated, waterproof boots. I’ve been wearing the Irish Setter VAPRTREK models because they are light and comfy. I wear out at least one pair a year. My everyday boots for when I play outdoors. If you’re in the turkey hunting woods looking to find a thunder-chicken, get some gaiters too, and spray them up with Permethrin to keep the deer ticks from finding a doorway to crawl up your leg with your back against a tree.

There is nothing like wet feet to end outdoor trips, no matter what you’re doing. Get a dry bag for stowing in your rainproof backpack to assure protection for your wallet, keys, and phone.

Wear moisture-wicking clothing layers with a breathable, waterproof outer layer rain pants and jacket (like Gore-Tex) in the color you need to be where you are. Add a wide-brim hat or hood, waterproof gloves if you need them and life will be cozy and dry.

Lately, when the wind blows here in Western New York, it has been tough for us outdoor folks. If you don’t postpone your fishing trip because of wind and decide to go hunting instead (no waves in the woods), use a buddy system, and don’t go alone if possible — but at least tell someone where you’re headed. Trees can crash down in heavy wind at times. So, look around for solid trees to be protected from that type of event before sitting down.

When the wind and rain occasionally find a vacation stay in Western New York, experienced hunters like Gary Huber change tactics to find the birds. This is Huber’s second spring-season bird this year, filling his two-bird season limit. Submitted photo

In heavy winds, fishing for Lake Erie perch can be challenging and downright brutal. Just ask big perch prize winner, Mark Mohr, from the Southtowns Walleye Lake Erie Perch Contest last Saturday. He did catch the biggest perch of the tourney with a 2.74-pound jumbo, but his fishing buddies Mark Woelfle and Captain Rob Ebersole admit that their fingers felt frozen and their feet were wet. It’s hard to keep the fishing lines down and even more challenging to keep the boat still enough to drop two-hook rigs with minnows. If in the turkey woods, remember that turkeys move less in the wind. Set up in wind-protected hollows, field edges, or lowland woods areas, and be exceptionally watchful. Don’t call too often, sounds move in funny ways in the wind. Plus, the rain quiets the forest floor, so you need to listen and watch carefully. Canadaway Creek WMA provides access to diverse habitats for turkey hunting right now.

By equipping yourself with the right gear and adapting your strategy to the weather conditions, fishing or hunting, it’s more fun when you can enjoy successful and safe experiences out there.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

May 10: Chautauqua Lake Bassmasters 2025 Walleye Open, Long Point Boat Launch; Open to the public. $100 entry. Info: 716-708-0330.

May 10: Springville Strutters Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Annual Banquet, St. Aloysius Church Hall, 186 Franklin St., Springville, 5 p.m. start, Info: James Gamel, 716-592-2388.

May 10-16: Wilson Harbor Salmon Slam Fishing Contest, $1k/day prizes, Info: Kevin Jerge, 716-863-1001.

May 13: Junior Olympic Archery Program for youth 5-16 years of age, 6 p.m. start, West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls.

May 17: Ribbons and Bows Charity 3-D Archery Shoot, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., $20, Hawkeye Bowmen, 13300 Clinton St., Alden; Info: Deb Frederiksen, defrederiksen85@gmail.com.