"WATERFOWL NOTES"

Cold Winter Weather

Living in Houston and waterfowl hunting along the gulf coast cold weather isn’t but a few days a year. But, for many years I hunted where ice had to be cut with a chain saw and below freezing was common in December and January. Thank goodness I don’t have those conditions now. US Fish & Game coupled with the different states Game & Fish dictate the waterfowl season, but Mother Nature calls the shots and hunters in the north are faced with zero degree hunts. Over the years the “new innovations” have allowed waterfowl hunters to hunt more and colder days and say in the field longer each hunt. Maybe these tips will help you to hunt more days, more hours and in greater comfort, we certainly hope so.

“Scientists at 3M, maker of Thinsulate, point out that staying warm requires a proper balance between the amount of heat you generate and the amount of heat you lose, 78 percent of which goes through your skin. The remaining 22 percent is lost via perspiration and breathing. If you move around a lot, as you do when walking to the blind or putting out a spread, you generate more heat and need less insulation. Move less like in sitting in a permanent blind or laying in a layout blind your body operates cooler so it needs more insulation for you to remain comfortable.” From an article in Outdoor Life magazine.

Use an inexpensive camo backpack to carry some items into the field. If hunting in a blind, you might want to carry the Boot Blanket Pullovers, Coleman heater, small propane tank, thermos, bath towel, extra waterproof insulated gloves, stocking cap, etc.

When putting out decoys, remove your coat, balaclava, neck gaiter, insulated muff and replace with a skull cap, small bath towel and waterproof insulated gloves. 70 per of your heat goes out the top, around your neck and head. Keep a towel (dark green or brown) wrapped around your neck while putting out spread and a stocking cap on your head. Waterproof gloves to reduce any cold to the extremities. Hunting is not meant to be an ordeal but fun, keep it that way.

There are four items that are a positive for cold weather waterfowl hunting that I wish I’d had in years past. Gore-Tex cloth – waterproof, windproof and allows perspiration to dissipate through the cloth. Thinsulate insulation – thin, waterproof high resistance insulation. Chemical heat packs – hand warmers, foot warmers and body warmers in a sealed plastic bag. The pack is operational after the plastic outer pack is removed and the inner pack is exposed to air. PolarWrap Exchanger – a facemask or complete headcover that capturers heat and the vapor every time you exhale and uses this energy to warm and humidify the next incoming breath – remembering that 22 percent of your heat is lost through breathing and PolarWrap reverses this condition.

Shotgun - Cold and wet weather take a tool on shotguns. The colder it gets, the more lubricants stiffen. After a hunt the powder residue, dust, dirt and grit mix with the lubricants. A clean gun that is lightly lubricated will cycle fine even in below zero weather. Every hunter knows the importance of keeping his shotgun clean but there never seems enough time. We both know there is enough time its just not taking the time is the problem.

What can a waterfowl hunter do that will keep his trusty firearm working in very cold to sub zero weather? Do not use house hold lubricants on the inside of the shotgun – the action, or around the springs or in the magazine. Hose hold lubricants may work as advertised in mild to hot weather but in extreme cold they become stiff. The action on the shogun freezes or doesn’t operate properly and cycle the shells. Don’t use a gun oil; don’t use a powder solvent like Hoppe’s No. 9 or Semi-Auto 9

Bill Bale, waterfowl guide in Michigan recommends that the hunter leave his shotgun in a case in the trunk of his vehicle. Condensation forms on the guns when they are cold and then suddenly exposed to warm air. Later, the guns are again exposed to cold air, they freeze up quickly. Mr. Bale recommends, “That after each hunt the hunter clean his shotgun, case them and put them back in the trunk for the night. This y the gun isn’t exposed to the extremes of heat and cold. If they opt not to clean the gun, they are better off to leave it in the cold trunk.” 

The best lubricant for the shot gun in cold weather is Hornady’s One Shot, a dry lubricant that works to 35 degrees F below zero. Put a small amount of the one shot on the bolt and gas ring tube. The outside of the gun is protected with gun oil, like Rem Oil. Like Mr. Bale says, “If it gets colder than that stay home.”

The gas cylinder that slides up and down the magazine tube on most autos is tough to clean. The heat scorches and covers the magazine with burned on powder residue. Mr. Mike See, the inventor of the Pattern Master choke tube recommends cleaning these parts by soaking the gas cylinder in a cup of automatic transmission fluid for a few minutes. The fluid quickly softens the burnt on tarnish, making it easy to wipe away the build-up with a clean rag.

My Father cleaned his gas operating shotguns by placing a big pot of water on the stove and bringing it to a boil, then placing the shotgun section with the gas tube into the boiling water. In a few minutes the residue would wash out, he would then remove the tube and wipe it dry with paper towels. The boiling water would cause the metal to dry once it hit the air. This successfully cleaned the gas ports and tube.

It will cost more but works extremely well. Installing the SRM Cycling System or Magazine Spring Kit for older or heavily used shotguns. These aftermarket products replace the factory spring that fits in the gun’s stock and magazine tube. They are made from stainless steel to resist corrosion. In most guns cure the, sticky action problem. You can find these products at mail order companies Cabela’s and Mack’s prairie wings.

Calls - Blowing a duck call or goose call in freezing weather takes planning. If left to the weather a call’s reed will freeze. The moisture in your mouth when you blow almost instantly freezes the reed in place. Calling with gloves isn’t good; the sounds are not waterfowl like and will turn most waterfowl away.

Use a waterproof handwarmer muff like Drake 3 in 1 Chest Pack / Hand Warmer. On very cold days place a chemical hand warmer in the muff. Place the calls in the muff, with your bear calling hand (or hands). Pull out the call and bear hand to call and hopefully shoot, then right back in to warm the fingers. There are times that two muffs are advisable, one for the calls and one for the hands. On rainy days keep a hand towel in the muff to dry off your hands.

Extra Body Warmth - If hunting from a permeate blind, boat or layout blind take along an old sleeping bag, slip into the bag and zip it up. When birds show up, unzip the bag and get ready to shot. Then back in the bag.

On rainy days and/or cold days wear your neoprene insulated waders. Wear the moisture wicking socks on your feet, a thin layer of polypropylene, Columbia Excellerator Liner, next to your skin. Attach a chemical toe chemical pack either on top of your toes or the bottom. Then pull on a pair of outer socks of Thermax, other insulating material or wool, of Smartwool Extreme Sock, for the warmth. Be sure the socks do not crow your feet inside the boot. A tight boot is a cold boot because it restricts blood flow. (mackspw.com)

If you are hunting from a permanent blind, boat or layout blind insulated Boot Blanket pullovers like those from Icebrakers are not designed for walking but are perfect to keep your feet warm while sitting or lying. (icebreakerinc.com)
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A waterproof camo bib and insulated rubber knee boots work. Some hunters just don’t like waders when it isn’t necessary to wear them. I haven’t found this to be a problem; the insulation from the bottom of my feet to under my arms is worth any other inconvenience.

Cloths - The outer layer of cloths must stop the wind. If wind cuts through the clothing no amount of insulating undergarments will keep you warm. Gore-Tex and other materials similar stop the wind and breath enough to allow perspiration to escape, but tight enough to stop wind and rain. Do not do as I once did, weatherproof is not waterproof. Always obtain coats, bibs, pants, hats and other garments exposed to the weather to be a camo pattern and waterproof. Ended up with a very bad cold after hunting in the rain on a cold day. My weatherproof coat didn’t stop one drop of water.

There is little that can be added to the advertisements for layering and the cloths that constitute the layering. Start with a loose fitting treated polyester by Coldgear Tee shirt to move the moisture while sweating away from the skin and not have the shirt wet. a hunting shirt like the Cabela’s Waterfowl Guide Shirt and a wind shear wool sweater like the Cabela’s Over/Under WindShear Sweater in camo, this sweater over is `basically thin and warmer than most vests; with out bulking up to change the way you hold your shotgun. A lightweight insulated waterproof coat finishes off the body warmth.

Head & Face

The PolarWrap Exchanger Facemask or Headcover are in both several styles of camo and black. Protects your face and neck with the facemask, the headcover adds the protection of your head. The cost is around $ 50.00 to $65.00 but well worth the cost in very cold weather. A neck gaiter like the Avery Fleece Neck Gator to keep your neck warm plus can be pulled up to cover your face and ears or the camo fleece Balaclave to cover head and neck. (www.cabelas.com)

Gloves

I have never found a pair of gloves in the past 50 years that kept my hands warm through a long very cold morning hunt. I have found that with an insulated waterproof camo muff and chemical handwarmer, my hands are warm and I can call and shoot just fine.

Thermos

Use a stainless steel thermos. Several are made with a camo cover, this is a good idea or you can purchase for less money a shiny stainless steel thermos and spray paint bit with the Kyron metal paint in flat green or brown. A drink or two of hot coffee, tea or chocolate will give you sudden warmth. Thermoses can be found in sizes from 44-oz, 36-oz, 26.4-oz and 18-oz. Avery and GHG.

Heaters

Coleman makes several small propane heaters that e ideal for permeate blinds and boats. Be extremely careful not to use where camo material or dried natural foliage can catch fire. Coleman Black Cat, SportCat, GolfCat and Portable ProCat. (basspro.com)

The locations and exact name of each item is presented as a guide as to the type of cold weather fighter that we feel will work best for the hunter. It is by no means the only item of its kind that will do the job of keeping you warm and comfortable on extreme cold hunts.

HOW ABOUT A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION YOU CAN KEEP - FOOD SPENDING - SAVE

You’ve heard this more times than there are weeks in a year for many years. Rule No. 1. But all of us especially yours truly so often that I need to remind myself: Don’t go food-shopping while you’re hungry – before a meal. Your eyes and stomach gang up on your wallet, and your wallet is no match.

Draw up a budget. Consider how much you usually spend on groceries, divided by the number of members in your family. Example $ 80.00 weekly, or $ 40.00 for two people. If you have a guest, then the budget is $ 6.00 per day. Add a few dollars for special events – birthdays, etc. Stick with this number.

Make a list when you go to the store after you’ve considered what you’re going to serve over the coming week and what you can spend. Stick to the list – DO NOT MAKE changes.

The more processed food that goes into your cart, the higher that bill will be. The more fresh fruits and vegetables, pasta, and lean meats like chicken that go into your cart, the lower it will be. Always add a couple of short cuts to foods like cold slaw or making a couple of salads at the salad bar when buying all the ingredients would take up too much of the budget, etc. to speed up cooking a meal. But don’t overdo buying foods that you can make yourself. Fresh fruit that you can cut up is far less than precut fruit.

Plan meals that you can incorporate leftovers into one or two following meals. Left over turkey makes for good turkey salad, or left over ham is great in scalloped potatoes and ham or left over grilled goose in stews, soups, pasta dishes, etc.

I’m sure you can think of many more savings, the use of a vacuum sealer for keeping meats, cheeses, vegetables or just portions. They are perfect for freezing dishes in meal sizes.

Use spices both dried and fresh to make the same dish taste completely different.

When have a couple or two over for a dinner or game watching meal and they ask, “What can I bring?” don’t be shy about making suggestions to bring the drinks, ice, desert, etc. Most times the couples that are being entertained want to feel they are a part of the day, left them.

COOKING WATERFOWL

Hors d’ouevres are finger foods that are passed or served informally during the cocktail hour before dinner. The name “hors d’ouevre” comes from the French for “outside the meal.”

Appetizer course is a small serving that is plated and served at the beginning of the meal, as soon as the guests are seated.

RECIPE

GOOSE/GRAPE KABOBS

4 ea snow goose breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Water
Cider vinegar
Canola oil
DNG Waterfowl spice
16 ea seedless red grapes
16 ea seedless green grapes

In a non-conductive bowl place breasts and thighs, cover with water plus 1 tablespoon cider vinegar. Refrigerate, change water with vinegar every 20 minutes or until water runs clear. Pour off, place on a dish and coat with oil. Sprinkle on all sides with DNG Waterfowl Spice. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 4 hours to overnight. Remove breasts from refrigerate. On a flat working surface thread alternately on each skewer meat, grape red, meat grape green, meat, grape red, meat grape green, meat; place skewers in kabob basket. Spray kabob basket with vegetable oil. Then 15 minutes prior to cooking - Gas Grill: Preheat to medium-high, Charcoal Grill: Fire up charcoal. Over a medium hot gas grill or gray charcoal fire grill kabobs about 3 to 5 minutes, turn basket and grill 3 minutes or until medium-rare. Remove to a flat working surface. Allow to rest 5 minutes. Serve hot as appetizers. Yield: party of 12 to 20. Note, add more meat and grapes to more skewers to increase the servings.

RECIPE

SNOWS LINGUINE with ONIONS

4 cup smoked snow goose, cut into bite size pieces
8 oz linguine
Water
1 Tbls Canola oil
2 Tbls butter
1 cup white onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced ¼-inch thick
1 ea carrot, skinned, sliced ¼-inch thick
1 can (14.5-oz) chicken broth
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

In a pot of boiling water, cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a casserole dish. In a large skillet with high sides heat oil over medium heat. Melt butter in hot oil. Stir in onion, garlic, mushrooms and carrots; cook until tender about 7 to 10 minutes. Check every 30 seconds after 7 minutes. Stir in goose bites and broth; simmer for 15 minutes or until meat starts to break apart and liquid is reduced by half. Taste. Season with salt and pepper, cook stirring 2 minutes longer. Spoon skillet mixture into casserole dish, toss to combine. Evenly top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes u until cheese is melted and dish is bubbly. DO NOT burn cheese. Yield: 8 servings

RECIPE

TEX MEX NOODLES & SNOWS

2 cup smoked snow goose meat, cut into bite-size pieces
2 Tbls Canola oil
10 oz vermicelli noodles
1 cup purple onions, chopped course
2 clove garlic, chopped fine
2 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped fine
1 tsp DNG Waterfowl spice
1 tsp DNG Bar B Que spice
1 ea bay leaf
1-1/2 cup tomatoes with chilies with juices
1-1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Salt to taste
Red pepper to taste

In a large high-sided skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add raw noodles, sauté turning with a pair of tongs until golden on both sides, about 6 minutes. Remove noodles to dish covered with paper towels, to drain, and set aside. Stir in onions, garlic, cilantro, Waterfowl spice, Bar B Que spice and bay leaf until fragrant. Add tomatoes, increase heat to medium-high, cook stirring occasionally until thickened, approximately 3 minutes. Add broth and noodles lower the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Break up the noodles with a wooden spoon. Stir in goose bites. Spray an 8-by-8-inch casserole dish with non-stick vegetable spray. Spoon the skillet mixture into the casserole dish. Evenly cover top with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes or until cheese has melted and dish is bubbly. DO NOT allow cheese to burn. Yield: 4 servings

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