Just because the weather is warming up does not mean hunting season is completely over. Spring hunting season includes ground hog, turkey, bear, alligator and goose. During spring, hunters deal with unpredictable weather and rain, warmer temperatures, longer days and more sun. While spring hunting, you must adjust gear to stay comfortable and avoid sunburns and heat-related illnesses. Here are four essential items for the spring hunter.
Lip Balm with SPF
Your lips are just as susceptible to sunburn as your skin. Lip balm containing at least SPF 20 protects against skin cancer and helps prevent the skin around your lips from thinning (ladies probably are more concerned with that than the guys). I do not know about you, but dry, chapped lips are worse to me than a headache. Keep your kisser hydrated and protected from the sun with Scent-A-Way lip balm with SPF 20 or more.
Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses not only prevents brass, lead particles, bullet fragments and other debris from injuring your eyes, but it also protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. Some might say that sunglasses during hunting are counterproductive. However, ask anyone who has experienced snow blindness how helpful they are. Sunglasses with polarized lenses and anti-reflective lens coatings reduce glare better than regular lenses. Amber lenses further reduce glare and enhance depth perception. Try the Wiley X Wear Rush series or camo-framed AES Outdoor Sniper sunglasses.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
In case a spring storm, rain or even drizzle happens, pack a lightweight rain jacket in camo or drab, dark colors. Even though it is warm outside, getting wet can make you cold and increases the danger of hypothermia.
Concealment
Concealment is imperative, especially when hunting turkey. The Primos Gobbler vest in Mossy Oak Obsession camo has plenty of pockets to hold calls and ammo and includes an attached butt rest. Also in Mossy Oak Obsession is Hunter’s Specialties full head net. Net masks, as opposed to cotton facemasks, are lightweight and breathable. They allow you to stay fully concealed while preventing you from getting too hot. If a full head covering is not your preference, paint your face with camo face paint.
For more spring and summer hunting tips and tricks, read the following blog posts:
What are your spring hunting essentials? Tell us what they are and why they are essential in the comments section.
[suzanne]