Cold weather camping / hunting

Cali4x4 · Jul 24, 2015

We have a cold weather hunt planned for this fall. At least we hope it is because it is a 3rd season hunt in CO. I have been on several cold weather hunts in the snow so it is not completely new but not the norm.I have two questions and any other tips would be appreciated. We will be camping out of a truck in a tent.

We used a Mr Heater last time and it worked OK. Just don't leave unattended or when sleeping. Our tent is far from air tight so carbon monoxide is not a big concern.

Questions:
#1 How to store drinking water without it freezing?
#2 How to keep ice from getting in the barrel of our rifles?

mntman · Jul 24, 2015

we use our mr heaters over night on low and also keep our water in the wall tents. Never had an issue with them freezing. Maybe a skim on top but nothing to worry about in a 5 gallon jug.

Never had an issue with ice in the barrel. The only time I had a similar problem was getting on the track of a bull after a few inches of snow and it was right at freezing, throughout the day I didn't realize it but snow collected around/behind the trigger a little. When I finally caught up to him in his bed at about 40 yards or so, I couldn't squeeze the trigger. Had to jerk it and I nearly missed him. All ended well with a hit to his spine though.
I suppose you could put tape over the end of barrel.
Mntman

"Hunting is where you prove yourself"

sageadvice · Jul 24, 2015

Being you're camping from the truck, keep your water in a ice chest to keep it from freezing.

Once i shot at a buck with snow in my barrel, you couldn't see it with your eye but it wrecked, slightly bulged the rifling, the end of that barrel. Lots of guys, me too, use tape around the end of the tube if snow or weather is possible.

Joey

"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"

MaineFlatlander · Jul 25, 2015

Define cold. I've had cans of Pepsi freeze and burst open while in a cooler so if its cold things will freeze inside a cooler.

We never keep the wood stove going overnight. That's what going sleeping bags are for. The battle is to see who gets up first to start the fire.

missalot · Jul 25, 2015

I use a down bag inside a cotton bag and can sleep in my underwear so I never need to keep the heater going at night. I keep it close enough to the bed so I can light it without getting out of the bag. Regarding water, it would be easy enough to build an insulated crate to keep the water in. Just use the pink foam on the inside a nd use a double layer. No way it freezes (with an insulated lid).

mntman · Jul 25, 2015

I think you are getting too worried about temps. It can get cold but it will most likely be well above freezing during the day. in recent years 3rd season in many areas of CO has had temps around 70 for a high!

Mntman

"Hunting is where you prove yourself"

sageadvice · Jul 25, 2015

MaineFlat said, "...so if its cold things will freeze inside a cooler."

Define cold?

sure, everything has it's limits. The better made cooler works better in extreme cold but we're talking a hunting trip here not exposed to minus 30 for weeks. I live in and been in some cold places, coolers have worked for me and are easy to have on hand to boot.

Joey

"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"

HiMtnHntr · Jul 26, 2015

Hunted lots of late seasons. The average 3rd season won't cause much worry for water freezing. Stick your jugs in a truck over night or in the tent/camper if it gets super cold. You may have to clear your water bladder hoses if you use them so they don't freeze. As for the barrel, I use the finger of a latex glove and put a little duct tape wrap on the bottom. Seems to stay on longer that way in snowy weather.

Califelkslayer · Jul 26, 2015

Unfortunately, my 3rd season experiences are usually 20s at night, 65-70 during the day.

Pray for cold and snow.

I've had more snow during 1st season elk at 10,000 feet than my 3rd season deer hunts. I always burn a fire all night "IF" fire danger isn't too high. If so, I use the Mr. Heaters, on low all night if necessary.

Cali4x4 · Aug 4, 2015

Thanks for the responses. As far as a hydration bladder I have had the tube freeze so I do not use them in cold weather.

HiMtnHntr · Aug 5, 2015

You can stick your hydration bladder tube down into your pack against your back and that will keep it thawed out in all but the coldest weather.

cabinfever · Aug 5, 2015

It don't matter whether it's hot and dusty or below freezing temps, I tape the end of my barrel. A stick or dirt that unexpectedly finds it's way into your barrel will have the same effect as ice. I use black electrical tape. It has zero effect on accuracy as pressure blows the tape off the barrel before the bullet exits.

heartshot · Aug 5, 2015

+1 on the latex glove finger over the barrel. I do that all the time.

BLooDTRaCKeR · Aug 5, 2015

Just drag a trailer in and turn on the heater LOL! That's what I'll be doing.....

BeDawg · Aug 5, 2015

For the barrel, go to your local pharmacy and pick up some finger cots. They are tiny latex finger condoms for cuts that work great for keeping stuff from getting into barrels.

BPKHunter · Aug 6, 2015

Not sure when 3rd season is in Colo. Here in Idaho, I have hunted week before thanksgiving outside of Arco(Eastern) and have always(4x), had temps down to mid single digits, and 20mph winds. Everything freezes, including trailers with heaters.

Mostly, water bottles inside ice chests during cold and outside when heater is on works great though.

Muley · Aug 7, 2015

To keep moisture out of the barrel I use Saran Wrap, and a rubber band. Then just shoot through it.

In testing anything heavier can change the POI, but that was with a muzzleloader.

upsidethehead · Aug 7, 2015

In a primitive cold un heated camp. Draw water in small quantities and put in small containers. Place in sun during day store in sleeping bag at night, along with boots or you won't be able to pull them on if wet when you take them off the night before. Never get your gun warm if possible, hang upside down under a dense tree at night. During heat of the day unload and dry shells, dry bolt and lugs thoroughly as well as magazine/ box/ area as best you can. Do this and you should be good for a week of subzero.

DW · Aug 7, 2015

I have a bag of small black balloons for putting over the end of the barrel. I use them more during muzzy season to keep the powder dry from september rains. The advantage of takein a couple older scoots huntin with you is one of em's always gettin up to answer nature's call in the middle of the night and they can throw another log in the woodburner!