-40 C Hunting Gear
- Thread starter gelatine
- Start date
I lived "North of 60" for thirty years. April can be a very nice time of the year. -40 is unlikely, but the weather can do anything. Might get some real wind. You will need good sun glasses, ones that don't have metal contacting your skin. Study B.U.M.'s list.
Now, what are you planning on hunting? Non-resident hunting can be pretty limited. If hunting big game, you will need a licenced outfitter. Do you have one lined up?
Now, what are you planning on hunting? Non-resident hunting can be pretty limited. If hunting big game, you will need a licenced outfitter. Do you have one lined up?
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
It's got to be ox...what else could it be?
In the years of the great depression, the 1930s, when rural northern Canadians hunted, virtually for survival, they had access to the finest footwear ever designed for cold weather hunting. The smoke tanned, buckskin moccasins, the type that wrapped around the ankle and two long leather thongs fastened them to the ankle. Bush Indians made these and sold them to rural, country stores, often in one-store towns. One pair of home knitted socks next to the foot and your feet would feel cozy in the coldest of weather. Those who have never wore them, just can't imagine how silently one can walk through cold snow.
I had my first pair of Indian moccasins when I was eight years old. I have pictures of the eight year old ones, as well as adult size. In fact, I still have two pairs of the genuine buckskin moccasins, made by bush Indians from their tanned moose hides.
I had my first pair of Indian moccasins when I was eight years old. I have pictures of the eight year old ones, as well as adult size. In fact, I still have two pairs of the genuine buckskin moccasins, made by bush Indians from their tanned moose hides.
The Chuchi in the Russian Far East still make and wear double layer caribou parka/pants. The inner set is hide in/hair out, and the outer set is hair in/hide out.
They can sleep with their herds on the tundra in -40C, get up in the morning, shake the ice out of their parkas and their insulation is back to maximum. Try that with a down parka.
Hi,
Thanks to all of you. I learned a lot from here.
Cell is only a backup camera for me. I always carry my film camera with me instead of digital one.
Longwalker:
I have never thought of the difference of glove / mitten. Really appreciate this point.
Yes, Thermos is what I really meant. It's my mistake did not make clear statement.
Folding saw is something different. I'm thinking to build a igloo after the hunting is done.
Hopefully it'll be something interesting I can show off as I'm from the country that most people hasn't seen snow in their life.
Dogleg:
Ammo box can goes with clothes. Got it.
Mikeelliot:
Yes, gun camera bothers me a bit. Still trying to find a way to make battery stay in working condition.
Also, some hard evidence "I DID IT" to show off, isn't it?
LRF should be ok if kept it inside the pocket. But since mil dot in scope can do the same thing, I think I'll delete LRF from the list.
Uiseg:
Heavy rifle means I have only ONE rifle capable to do the hunt.....
Shooting mat at is a good idea, I have never thought of it. Thanks.
Biguglyman:
Zero my rifle at 250M is a bit problem. I don't have any access/time for a range beyond 100M, so I was thinking to go for "cheating way":
"Zero it at 200M by hitting the target 1.7" higher". I did a bit research and found 200M is relatively easy and doable way to zero it.
Beyond 200M, cheating method is not realistic. Still got to have hit on hard target to zero it.
I'll be using .338 lapua. I think its primer is strong enough. But it's something new I have never heard of. Thanks.
Tiriaq:
None metal sunglasses. Got it.
I've contacted an outfitter and decided to go for it. Thanks for asking and sorry I can't book with you.
Yes, BG muskox, what else? Their defence behaviour make things easier to a newbie.
I meant, I used to dream about polar bear long ago, but its too expensive and way beyond my ability.
Walrus? No, I don't wanna a walrus rug hang on the wall. Walrus tusk is nice, but one walrus only two tusks.
Grizzly? Comm'on, Don't have to go to arctic to hunt grizzly, it can be done in the south.
Wolf and arctic fox is super nice bonus if can be harvest. So I decided to go for muskox.
H4831 / Geologist:
I have only seen those buckskin moccasinsin/caribou parka/pants in the meuseum and someprivate collection.
I know there is something like that, but too good to be real to me. If I can find one there, I'll take it as my collection.
BTW, some more questions popped out:
How's the scope? Should I take one with me? I may do a bit LR shooting practice there.
(Well... 500M I think, LR to newbie like me, here in the forum is mid-range only.)
Spotting scope is not very practical for the luggage space, still thinking about it.
Anyone has idea how many hrs in daytime/nighttime around April?
Thanks again, really appreciate it.
Thanks to all of you. I learned a lot from here.
Cell is only a backup camera for me. I always carry my film camera with me instead of digital one.
Longwalker:
I have never thought of the difference of glove / mitten. Really appreciate this point.
Yes, Thermos is what I really meant. It's my mistake did not make clear statement.
Folding saw is something different. I'm thinking to build a igloo after the hunting is done.
Hopefully it'll be something interesting I can show off as I'm from the country that most people hasn't seen snow in their life.
Dogleg:
Ammo box can goes with clothes. Got it.
Mikeelliot:
Yes, gun camera bothers me a bit. Still trying to find a way to make battery stay in working condition.
Also, some hard evidence "I DID IT" to show off, isn't it?
LRF should be ok if kept it inside the pocket. But since mil dot in scope can do the same thing, I think I'll delete LRF from the list.
Uiseg:
Heavy rifle means I have only ONE rifle capable to do the hunt.....
Shooting mat at is a good idea, I have never thought of it. Thanks.
Biguglyman:
Zero my rifle at 250M is a bit problem. I don't have any access/time for a range beyond 100M, so I was thinking to go for "cheating way":
"Zero it at 200M by hitting the target 1.7" higher". I did a bit research and found 200M is relatively easy and doable way to zero it.
Beyond 200M, cheating method is not realistic. Still got to have hit on hard target to zero it.
I'll be using .338 lapua. I think its primer is strong enough. But it's something new I have never heard of. Thanks.
Tiriaq:
None metal sunglasses. Got it.
I've contacted an outfitter and decided to go for it. Thanks for asking and sorry I can't book with you.
Yes, BG muskox, what else? Their defence behaviour make things easier to a newbie.
I meant, I used to dream about polar bear long ago, but its too expensive and way beyond my ability.
Walrus? No, I don't wanna a walrus rug hang on the wall. Walrus tusk is nice, but one walrus only two tusks.
Grizzly? Comm'on, Don't have to go to arctic to hunt grizzly, it can be done in the south.
Wolf and arctic fox is super nice bonus if can be harvest. So I decided to go for muskox.
H4831 / Geologist:
I have only seen those buckskin moccasinsin/caribou parka/pants in the meuseum and someprivate collection.
I know there is something like that, but too good to be real to me. If I can find one there, I'll take it as my collection.
BTW, some more questions popped out:
How's the scope? Should I take one with me? I may do a bit LR shooting practice there.
(Well... 500M I think, LR to newbie like me, here in the forum is mid-range only.)
Spotting scope is not very practical for the luggage space, still thinking about it.
Anyone has idea how many hrs in daytime/nighttime around April?
Thanks again, really appreciate it.
Baker Lake for April: Average high -12.3 Low -21.5. -40 seems unlikely, but it never hurts to be prepared.
Lots of good advice, but be wary of people who offer advice from work experience. I also work outside for 12+ hour shifts and have done so from Fort Liard to Estevan. Since most people move around so much you can get away with pretty skimpy clothing vs a hunter who might sit still and glass for 2 hours.
E.G. what I wear for work in the -35 to -40 range for 12 hours would leave me freezing at -25 calling yotes.
Also, if you plan on hunting a lot I would get a different rifle than a big heavy .338 Lap.
Lots of good advice, but be wary of people who offer advice from work experience. I also work outside for 12+ hour shifts and have done so from Fort Liard to Estevan. Since most people move around so much you can get away with pretty skimpy clothing vs a hunter who might sit still and glass for 2 hours.
E.G. what I wear for work in the -35 to -40 range for 12 hours would leave me freezing at -25 calling yotes.
Also, if you plan on hunting a lot I would get a different rifle than a big heavy .338 Lap.
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BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Now, not trying to be mean here, but I'm seeing some troublesome issues.
You have a 338 Lapua, obviously a LR rig, but you don't have access to a LR range to do any shooting. Maybe you're extremely accomplished, but with no range to shoot it on you aren't going to be able to practice enough over the next 10 months to consider taking long shots and I'm willing to bet that you'd agree with me. In a situation like this, zero 2" high at 100m and you'll be fine to any practical hunting distance. Remember, you're aiming for an 8" circle so holding dead on out to 300m will still get you a kill shot. That being said, I shot my muskox at about 25 yards and probably could have gotten even closer (if I had been using iron sights I might just have tried that). The other option, and it sucks but it might be smart to consider, if take a different rifle. If you don't have another rifle you might consider either buying an affordable Husqvarna 30-06 from TradeEx for the trip and then sell it on the EE when you're done. Probably end up out of pocket very little. But a used but quality 4x scope off the EE and you're way ahead. This will cut down your weight and you won't start sobbing the first time the komatik flips over and your rifle is dragged underneath or the action on your Lapua freezes shut due to snow blowing up while you ride. When I moved North I bought a Stevens 200 for exactly that reason - so I wasn't beating the snot out of my better rifles in very climate with some extreme conditions. You also won't have to worry if your ammo goes missing in transit...you can buy 30-06 at the Co-op in Baker. Hell, you could even pick up a 6.5x55 from TradeEx for under $300...at that price who cares if you sell it afterwards?
If you want to play around in the wide open spaces afterwards then by all means, do it. But you're restricted in weight so I would pack the real mission critical gear first and if you have any leftover space you can pack it as the weight limit allows.
People #### up shots on muskox all the time due to the hair confusing them as to where the vitals lie. Make sure that you study photos of the animals a lot prior to going and know where to place the shot to avoid missing high or low. The hair hangs down so low that it can be hard to picture where the body actually is.
You have a 338 Lapua, obviously a LR rig, but you don't have access to a LR range to do any shooting. Maybe you're extremely accomplished, but with no range to shoot it on you aren't going to be able to practice enough over the next 10 months to consider taking long shots and I'm willing to bet that you'd agree with me. In a situation like this, zero 2" high at 100m and you'll be fine to any practical hunting distance. Remember, you're aiming for an 8" circle so holding dead on out to 300m will still get you a kill shot. That being said, I shot my muskox at about 25 yards and probably could have gotten even closer (if I had been using iron sights I might just have tried that). The other option, and it sucks but it might be smart to consider, if take a different rifle. If you don't have another rifle you might consider either buying an affordable Husqvarna 30-06 from TradeEx for the trip and then sell it on the EE when you're done. Probably end up out of pocket very little. But a used but quality 4x scope off the EE and you're way ahead. This will cut down your weight and you won't start sobbing the first time the komatik flips over and your rifle is dragged underneath or the action on your Lapua freezes shut due to snow blowing up while you ride. When I moved North I bought a Stevens 200 for exactly that reason - so I wasn't beating the snot out of my better rifles in very climate with some extreme conditions. You also won't have to worry if your ammo goes missing in transit...you can buy 30-06 at the Co-op in Baker. Hell, you could even pick up a 6.5x55 from TradeEx for under $300...at that price who cares if you sell it afterwards?
If you want to play around in the wide open spaces afterwards then by all means, do it. But you're restricted in weight so I would pack the real mission critical gear first and if you have any leftover space you can pack it as the weight limit allows.
People #### up shots on muskox all the time due to the hair confusing them as to where the vitals lie. Make sure that you study photos of the animals a lot prior to going and know where to place the shot to avoid missing high or low. The hair hangs down so low that it can be hard to picture where the body actually is.
I'd be leaving the heavy long range rigs at home; even though I like a long range rig as much as anyone.
The appeal of musk-ox hunting is the journey, a glimpse into a different culture, and a countryside that would have to cheer up quite a bit to be desolate.
The appeal of musk-ox hunting is the journey, a glimpse into a different culture, and a countryside that would have to cheer up quite a bit to be desolate.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
Take a few packs of chemical hand warmers, they don't weigh much, don't take up much room, but they can prevent a nightmare. Wearing plastic bags between your socks and your boot liners prevents the liners from getting wet; once wet, the liner freezes to the sole of your boot, then your socks freeze to the liners, and then your feet get cold.
I like having a pair of 8X30 binoculars with me. If the wind picks up, you'll want goggles, and if you find yourself travelling in flat light due to overcast, polarized goggles help with definition, or you'll never see the snowdrift that roles you over.
Caribou hides are magic . . . that's the only explanation. You could lay them on the ground on Mars and stay warm; chances are you won't find any in TO, but your guides should have them if you get caught out overnight, it happens even if its not the plan. Snowmobiles break, weather closes in, and springtime is blizzard time.
For shot placement, the tip of the horn is about even with the center of the shoulder, so if your horizontal wire lines up with the horn tip, and your vertical wire lines up with the shoulder hump, you'll make a killing shot taking out both heart and lungs.
I like having a pair of 8X30 binoculars with me. If the wind picks up, you'll want goggles, and if you find yourself travelling in flat light due to overcast, polarized goggles help with definition, or you'll never see the snowdrift that roles you over.
Caribou hides are magic . . . that's the only explanation. You could lay them on the ground on Mars and stay warm; chances are you won't find any in TO, but your guides should have them if you get caught out overnight, it happens even if its not the plan. Snowmobiles break, weather closes in, and springtime is blizzard time.
For shot placement, the tip of the horn is about even with the center of the shoulder, so if your horizontal wire lines up with the horn tip, and your vertical wire lines up with the shoulder hump, you'll make a killing shot taking out both heart and lungs.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Myself I find a toque pretty much intolerable, but I like to keep my ears so, I use two neck warmers in the depth of deep freeze winter temps. One larger than the other.
The thinner smaller black synthetic/woolen one you can find at any Mark's Work Wearhouse, the first under layer. On top of that I place a double layer fleece neck warmer to complete cold weather protection, as the second and most important top layer, at or colder than -30 C.
Important fact! I still have some hair on my head despite my age!
For some bizarre reason, I found out that the German Army WW2 experience at Stalingrad, those veterans that actually living through this horrid battle, they recommended much the same, the double neck warmer, and both have enough material to protect your neck and ears completely. I am of the belief that they did this because strenuous human activity requires a conduit for excess body heat to escape from your head. And a toque or hat prevented this.
These neck warmers absorb lots of moisture, just like your foot wear insoles, and have to be dried out after coming inside a warm shelter.
The thinner smaller black synthetic/woolen one you can find at any Mark's Work Wearhouse, the first under layer. On top of that I place a double layer fleece neck warmer to complete cold weather protection, as the second and most important top layer, at or colder than -30 C.
Important fact! I still have some hair on my head despite my age!
For some bizarre reason, I found out that the German Army WW2 experience at Stalingrad, those veterans that actually living through this horrid battle, they recommended much the same, the double neck warmer, and both have enough material to protect your neck and ears completely. I am of the belief that they did this because strenuous human activity requires a conduit for excess body heat to escape from your head. And a toque or hat prevented this.
These neck warmers absorb lots of moisture, just like your foot wear insoles, and have to be dried out after coming inside a warm shelter.
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BUM and Boomer raised a very important point about muskox: anatomy, study it i may have somewhere in the archive a skeleton of a muskox pictured this is intersting ...
i know someone that wnet for muskox not far from Inuvik and he needed 8 shots on his first one ...
why not grizzly? the one in the north are called barren ground and different than the one we have in the south if i can say we are in the south lol ...
i know someone that wnet for muskox not far from Inuvik and he needed 8 shots on his first one ...
why not grizzly? the one in the north are called barren ground and different than the one we have in the south if i can say we are in the south lol ...
gelatine - ask your outfitter what you should bring, what will be supplied by him, what will be available in Baker Lake.
I would suggest that your choice of firearm is not a good one.
A basic hunting rifle with a first quality scope in a readily available caliber is what you need. Once you go out on the land, your rifle is going to be frozen, and is going to stay frozen. Variable scopes may or may not be variable. Scope adjustments may or may not adjust predictably. Even though much of Keewatin is barren land, long range shooting isn't the norm. If the critter is so far away that you feel the need for a range finder, the critter is too far away. Did I mention a first quality scope? It doesn't hurt to have iron sights on the rifle in addition to the scope; as a matter of fact it is a good idea. You are going to be spending a lot of money on this hunt.
Your guide is going to try to get you close. He won't know whether or not you are a good shot, and he isn't interested in a wounded animal that has to be run down.
In April there will be more daylight hours than in the GTA.
I would suggest that your choice of firearm is not a good one.
A basic hunting rifle with a first quality scope in a readily available caliber is what you need. Once you go out on the land, your rifle is going to be frozen, and is going to stay frozen. Variable scopes may or may not be variable. Scope adjustments may or may not adjust predictably. Even though much of Keewatin is barren land, long range shooting isn't the norm. If the critter is so far away that you feel the need for a range finder, the critter is too far away. Did I mention a first quality scope? It doesn't hurt to have iron sights on the rifle in addition to the scope; as a matter of fact it is a good idea. You are going to be spending a lot of money on this hunt.
Your guide is going to try to get you close. He won't know whether or not you are a good shot, and he isn't interested in a wounded animal that has to be run down.
In April there will be more daylight hours than in the GTA.
Hi,
Thanks again to all of you. Really appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Cam1936:
Yes, I did a bit research after my post. -40 seemed unlikely unless add up strong winchill.
Still, be prepared will not hurt. Thanks.
BigUglyMan:
It's ok, I understand it's not practical to take such big gun, and I totally agree your point.
I really cannot afford another one since I put all my $$ in for this hunt, I'm totally out of $$.
Yes, I did start to do some research of anatomy. Thanks again.
Dogleg:
Yes, that's another part to enjoy of hunting trip. Indeed, when my friend asked me about WHY, I replied:
"You can:
1. Step into Arctic circle,
2. See aurora,
3. See a lot stars and milky way,
4. Ski whole day long, well... snowmobile whole day long.
5. Play GUNS,
6. Hunt,
7. Some good trophis,
8.........
9..........
and WHY NOT？" :-D
Boomer:
I always have problem to see things when flatlighting. Thanks for your advise.
I'll leave the caribou hide behind 'cos seemed I unlikely to have a chace to hunt a caribou within next few years, but I sure will try it if I have a chance to.
About shot placement, I got the same book as yours. I found an easy way to aim for it:
About half way (2/5 - 1/2) from top of the hair to toe of front leg.
The problem is their defence behaviour: Always face to face. (Head shot?) :-(
Sometimes its just not that easy to take a shot from the side. Your method seemed to be more logical than mine.
Brutus:
Layers of neckwarmer. Got it.
Medvedqc:
I did a bit research then realized:
There ARE different species！
Gotta to admit I don't know about it. Thanks for point me out.
Tiriaq:
Thanks for your comment. Yes, I'll check with my outfitter about it. He's temp out for another team to Australia hunt.
I really don't have other option than this big heavy rifle.
It is good to know about "variable scope" may not variable. I have thought of bolt, trigger, but totally forgot about scope.
In case if it's frozen, what magnification would be capable for this hunt?
BTW, how's the trigger? Is trigger mechanism also needs to be graphite-lubbed?
Found more questions.
Anyone tried "Dry film lube"? It contains PTFE. It announced that can operate at -30C.
It's ok for me to use graphite. Just hate the cleanning work afterwards. By using dry film lube, it can be easily removed by brake cleanner or carburetor cleaner.
Thanks again, really usefuly comments.
Thanks again to all of you. Really appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Cam1936:
Yes, I did a bit research after my post. -40 seemed unlikely unless add up strong winchill.
Still, be prepared will not hurt. Thanks.
BigUglyMan:
It's ok, I understand it's not practical to take such big gun, and I totally agree your point.
I really cannot afford another one since I put all my $$ in for this hunt, I'm totally out of $$.
Yes, I did start to do some research of anatomy. Thanks again.
Dogleg:
Yes, that's another part to enjoy of hunting trip. Indeed, when my friend asked me about WHY, I replied:
"You can:
1. Step into Arctic circle,
2. See aurora,
3. See a lot stars and milky way,
4. Ski whole day long, well... snowmobile whole day long.
5. Play GUNS,
6. Hunt,
7. Some good trophis,
8.........
9..........
and WHY NOT？" :-D
Boomer:
I always have problem to see things when flatlighting. Thanks for your advise.
I'll leave the caribou hide behind 'cos seemed I unlikely to have a chace to hunt a caribou within next few years, but I sure will try it if I have a chance to.
About shot placement, I got the same book as yours. I found an easy way to aim for it:
About half way (2/5 - 1/2) from top of the hair to toe of front leg.
The problem is their defence behaviour: Always face to face. (Head shot?) :-(
Sometimes its just not that easy to take a shot from the side. Your method seemed to be more logical than mine.
Brutus:
Layers of neckwarmer. Got it.
Medvedqc:
I did a bit research then realized:
There ARE different species！
Gotta to admit I don't know about it. Thanks for point me out.
Tiriaq:
Thanks for your comment. Yes, I'll check with my outfitter about it. He's temp out for another team to Australia hunt.
I really don't have other option than this big heavy rifle.
It is good to know about "variable scope" may not variable. I have thought of bolt, trigger, but totally forgot about scope.
In case if it's frozen, what magnification would be capable for this hunt?
BTW, how's the trigger? Is trigger mechanism also needs to be graphite-lubbed?
Found more questions.
Anyone tried "Dry film lube"? It contains PTFE. It announced that can operate at -30C.
It's ok for me to use graphite. Just hate the cleanning work afterwards. By using dry film lube, it can be easily removed by brake cleanner or carburetor cleaner.
Thanks again, really usefuly comments.
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electrical tape for barrel condoms, i like my heated insoles, and lots of the toe warmer packs. i prefer the toe warmers because of the sticky side they have on them. i find myself getting cold often, so i stick a couple to my back where the kidneys are, and a couple on my neck where your main artery's are. and of course they can still be used for your hands. i find this helps heat the blood up and keeps me a lot warmer.
REALLY GOOD BOOTS are a must. and as stated before mitts, ones where the top can come off so you can still pull the trigger.
a lot of what you bring is going to determine how well your camp is outfitted and what type of hunting your gonna do. are you walking and stalking or sitting in a blind or stand? will you have access to a vehicle close by with a heater?
REALLY GOOD BOOTS are a must. and as stated before mitts, ones where the top can come off so you can still pull the trigger.
a lot of what you bring is going to determine how well your camp is outfitted and what type of hunting your gonna do. are you walking and stalking or sitting in a blind or stand? will you have access to a vehicle close by with a heater?
I worked on a fly drill (core drill) as a driller helper near a small Inuit settlement vary northern tip of Quebec we wear about 75 miles from the artic circle it was one of my best trips your going to love it
I would have love to had the opportunity to go hunting up there have fun
I would have love to had the opportunity to go hunting up there have fun
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Hi,
I finally got info about luggabe weight. Luckily I'm not that tight on weight limitation.
Really appreciate to all of you. Save a lot time / $$ / weight for me. I now have enough room to bring a lot of ammos there.
Nate18: Yup, toe warm pack is what I really need. I also been told to get SANITARY pad in the boots to absorb humidity..... :-S
Well.... I think I'll stay with toe warm packs. Thanks.
Again, lot of thanks to you all.
I finally got info about luggabe weight. Luckily I'm not that tight on weight limitation.
Really appreciate to all of you. Save a lot time / $$ / weight for me. I now have enough room to bring a lot of ammos there.
Nate18: Yup, toe warm pack is what I really need. I also been told to get SANITARY pad in the boots to absorb humidity..... :-S
Well.... I think I'll stay with toe warm packs. Thanks.
Again, lot of thanks to you all.
