Summer brings with it hot days. How can you prepare for a hunt on a hot day?
Shade Sources Are Critical
If you’re going to be hunting on a hot day, shade is your friend. Get out of the relentless sun if and when you can in order to cool down. Rather than hunt with absolutely no shade, for hours on end, plan to spend some of the day under some trees in order to get out of the harsh sun. Keep in mind that it’s cooler in the mornings and evenings, so if you can hunt then, do so… and if the sun is high in the sky in the middle of the day and it’s extremely hot outside, that’s the time to take a break from hunting and/or get under some shade trees if you can.
If you find yourself hunting in an area where there’s little or no shade available then you can create your own shade! Bring a small tarp with you on the hunt and use it to create your own shade when needed. You can also buy a small umbrella that attaches to your tripod for glassing. And if you get desperate, use a piece of clothing tied off to tripod legs for shade.
Choose the Right Scented Sunscreen
Should you wear sunscreen, even though scent matters when hunting? Yes, you probably should wear sunscreen when out hunting– like SPF 50 or so… Even if you just put it on your face/forehead, tops of your ears and the back of your neck, it’s a good idea in order to avoid developing skin cancer later down the line. When you can cover up your skin with clothing, that’s a good idea to avoid sunburns. Many hunters smartly wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and a hat rather than short-sleeved shirts, shorts and no hat.
Stay Hydrated
Whenever you plan to hunt in the heat, it’s vitally important to be well hydrated. This means drinking a lot of water before you even go on the hunt, as well as bringing water with you on the actual hunt. Make sure to drink as much water as possible. You should be sweating while hunting in heat– this is normal and good. If you’re not sweating, that’s a sign you need water! Basically, you want to stay well hydrated so you don’t suffer from heatstroke. If possible, drink something with electrolytes, like Gatorade, too. Thinking of scheduling a summer hunt?
Call Tioga Ranch and see what hunts are available: 570-835-5341.