Winter Camping
One of the necessities of elk hunting is winter camping. We experienced evening lows between zero and 20 degrees Fahrenheit. But snow and cold can be done in comfort:
* Use a sleeping bag rated for -20 or lower. Down bags are more expensive than those lined with synthetics, but they are more comfortable and will keep you warm if wet. Expect to pay $200 to $300 for a good winter bag.
* Sleep off the ground, as it will suck the heat from your body. We used simple cots, which can be found at outdoor stores for about $50. At the least, you'll need a camp mat (mats range from $20 to $80).
* Wall tents are ideal for winter camping, as most are set up to handle a small stove. A smaller four-season tent, which has a heavier-weight floor and sturdier poles to handle snow on the roof, will work also. Bear in mind that your heavy clothing and gear will take up lots of space-figure roughly 50 square feet per person.
* Before you set up your tent, pack down the snow, scatter a couple of bales of straw and lay a heavy plastic tarp under the tent. The straw helps keep the floor insulated from the snow, and the tarp keeps your floor dry.
* A heated tent makes the experience much easier to take! You can buy small tin tent stoves that don't hold heat all night. If you can haul the weight, a cast-iron stove is the ideal solution.
* Burning hardwood (typically oak or maple) will provide longer-lasting heat than burning pine.
* Have plenty of water on hand-estimate at least 32 ounces (approximately 1.0 liter) per person per day. Store your water bottle inside your jacket or in your sleeping bag to keep it from freezing.
* Plan on eating about 111/42 times your regular intake. Your body burns lots of calories just staying warm.
* Dress in layers: polypropylene close to your skin, wool or fleece as a mid-layer and a waterproof outer shell. Be sure to bring heavy pacs for your feet, warm gloves and a hat.
* A good source of winter camping information is Outdoor Action Guide to Winter Camping by Rick Curtis on www.princeton.edu/~oa/winter/wintcamp.shtml.