Is Cold Weather Good for Hunting? (+ Tips)

Hunting in cold weather can be an exhilarating experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you're after deer, turkey, ducks, or pheasants, understanding how cold temperatures affect animal behavior is key to improving your chances of success. 

Not only do animals react differently to cold weather, but you also need to be prepared with the right gear to stay warm and focused while you're out in the field. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of cold-weather hunting and provide tips to help you make the most of your hunting trips, even when the temperatures drop.

Why Cold Weather is Good for Hunting

Cold weather affects different animals in unique ways, which can either help or hinder your hunting efforts. Here's how cold weather impacts the behavior of various game animals, including deer, turkey, duck, and pheasants.

Deer

In cold conditions, deer are generally more active during the day, which is good news for hunters. The colder it gets, the more deer need to move to stay warm and to search for food, especially after a cold front. This increased activity can improve your chances of spotting one during daylight hours.

However, deer are also creatures of habit, and when the weather gets too extreme, they may bed down in thick cover to conserve energy. This means they might stay hidden longer, which makes it harder to spot them. 

Deer also tend to stick to predictable patterns during cold snaps, so if you know where they feed and bed, you're more likely to find them. Cold weather can be your ally if you time it right, but too much cold can make the hunt harder.

Turkey

Turkeys are less likely to be vocal and move around as much in freezing temperatures. They prefer to stay in sheltered areas where they can conserve energy, making them more difficult to locate. However, turkeys still need to feed, so if you can find where they're scratching for food, you'll have a good chance of spotting them.

Cold weather can also make it harder to call turkeys in. They may not respond as eagerly to calls, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. Adjust your strategy by being patient and quiet, and take advantage of the fact that fewer hunters may be out in colder weather, reducing competition.

Duck

As temperatures drop, especially further north, ducks begin their migration south. This is when you’ll see an increase in waterfowl activity in your area. Cold weather also pushes ducks to seek out open water, which narrows down where they will be, giving you a better chance of success.

However, hunting ducks in cold weather means you’ll have to contend with freezing conditions that can make it difficult to sit still for long periods. Ducks are wary and have sharp vision, so staying concealed is crucial. Make sure you’re prepared with the right cold-weather hunting gear to stay warm and hidden as you wait for ducks to come in.

Pheasants

Pheasants are hardy birds, but cold weather can make them hunker down in dense cover, which makes them harder to flush out. On the other hand, they still need to feed, and cold weather often drives them to seek food more actively, especially in the mornings and late afternoons. 

Hunting pheasants in cold weather requires patience and persistence. Cold temperatures can also work to your advantage by making it easier to track their movement in the snow. Their tracks, feeding signs, and the noise they make when they move through the brush can all give you clues as to where they are.

How Cold is Too Cold to Hunt?

When temperatures drop below freezing, animal behavior changes significantly. Deer, turkeys, and ducks may still move during cold days, but once the temperature dips into the teens or lower, they tend to stay bedded down longer to conserve energy.

It’s not just the animals you need to worry about – you also have to take care of yourself. When the temperature falls below 0°F, or when there’s a significant wind chill, the risks of hypothermia and frostbite become very real.

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to dangerously low body temperatures. Frostbite can set in on exposed skin (hands, feet, ears, and nose). Strong winds can make these conditions worse, as windchill causes the body to lose heat even faster.

At extreme temperatures, it’s essential to recognize the signs that it’s time to head back. For instance, uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, clumsiness, or confusion could be early signs of hypothermia. For frostbite, watch for numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, and hard or waxy-looking skin.

When planning your hunt, be sure to strike a balance between cold enough to get animals moving and too cold to stay safe. If the weather forecast predicts wind chills that push the "feels like" temperature far below freezing, it might be best to reschedule your hunt for a safer day.

What to Wear When Hunting in Cold Weather

One of the most important aspects of cold-weather hunting is wearing the right gear. Staying warm and dry is essential for both comfort and safety. Here’s a breakdown of what to wear, so you can stay warm while hunting.

Jackets & Hoodies

Your outer layer is your first line of defense against cold weather. You’ll need a durable, insulated hunting jacket that can withstand freezing temperatures while allowing you to move quietly. Look for waterproof or water-resistant materials to protect against snow and rain.

When temperatures drop below freezing, a heated hunting jacket like the ones from Fieldsheer can make a huge difference. Heated jackets provide extra warmth without the bulk, allowing you to stay in the field longer. Fieldsheer offers a range of heated hunting jackets designed to keep you warm in harsh conditions. You can check out our collection here.

Shirts

Layering is key when hunting in cold weather. A moisture-wicking base layer will help keep sweat away from your skin, which is crucial for staying warm. You don’t want to get soaked in sweat, as it can quickly lead to chills. Add an insulating mid-layer, such as fleece, to trap body heat while maintaining breathability.

Pants

Your pants should be both warm and flexible enough to allow you to move easily through the woods or fields. Insulated hunting pants or bibs are great options. Look for pants that are windproof and waterproof to protect you from the elements. If you're hunting in snow, snow camo can help you blend into the environment.

Gloves

Cold hands can ruin your hunt, making it hard to shoot accurately or stay in your stand for long periods. Invest in a pair of insulated, waterproof gloves that allow for dexterity. Heated gloves, like those available from Fieldsheer, can be a game-changer in freezing conditions, keeping your hands warm without sacrificing mobility.

Socks

Keeping your feet warm is essential for staying comfortable during long hunts. Start with a moisture-wicking liner sock to keep sweat away from your feet, then add an insulated wool sock for warmth. 

Heated socks can also provide additional warmth, especially if you’re going to be sitting still for long periods. Fieldsheer’s heated socks are designed for extended outdoor use and can be a great addition to your cold-weather hunting gear.

For a more detailed guide on dressing in layers for hunting, check out this article on how to dress for hunting in coldweather. 

Final Thoughts

Cold weather can provide some of the best hunting conditions, especially when you understand how it affects the behavior of your target species. Whether you're after deer, turkey, ducks, or pheasants, cold temperatures can either improve or hinder your chances, depending on how well you prepare.

Staying warm is key, so make sure you have the right cold-weather hunting gear, including jackets, pants, gloves, and socks. Check out Fieldsheer’s heated clothing options to ensure you're ready for whatever the weather throws your way.

Keep in mind that knowing how to hunt in the cold and wearing the right gear allows you to stay comfortable and increase your odds of success during the colder months.