Winterseed Preps

[fyrediver]

Here I am, contemplating a Winterseed shoot and wondering what lessons learned do others have to share.

I've got lots of cold weather clothing as I am an avid skier, cold water diver, snow shoer etc; however, that doesn't necessarily translate to shooting effectively in the cold.

What gloves are people using that work well?  Any other suggestions or problems you'd like to share?

Thanks in advance,
Brian aka Fyrediver

[Rimshot]

I actually don't alter my load out much for Winterseeds.  Coat, hat and longjohns of course.  I stocked up on Hot Hands a while back when the store I work for was clearancing them out.  They make the difference between a chore an a fun shoot IMO.

Around here, we frequently see shooters with tarps under their mats, or using the inexpensive smooth foam sleeping pads as mats.  These are HUGE problems on top of snow, not only for shooters trying to get up after a course of fire but also for RSOs clearing the line.  I carry my spare Midway mats as loaners for these folks.  You might also look out for shooters over lubricating their rifles.  As the temps drop below the mid-20's even Rem Oil gets viscous enough to slow a dirty rifle.

[nemohunter]

a small propane heater can make a huge difference as well. catalytic heaters is what they are called. both mine a coleman brand and run off the small propane cylinders. the bonus is since they are cat. heaters they are safe for indoors as well. no flame etc. great for in tent use. i have a blackcat and a sportcat both.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=coleman+catalytic+heater&_sacat=See-All-Categories

getting the side walls for my eze up shelter will also make a huge difference i'm sure.

[desertrat144]

A few ideas since you'll be in static positions long enough to mess things up a bit.  Keeping out of the wind or breezes is a biggie.  Rig  a small trap, at an angle (to 'dump' wind pressure) at a right angle to the wind or breeze if possible. 

Just as a breeze of a few knots speed can effect a shot, it will drop the air temperature, now if the temps are starting to get down there and there's some Sun out, a Mylar type cheapy type Space Blanket used as a reflector is a decent temporary reprieve; just remember to put Duct
Tape on corners and edges before punching 1/4 in. or so holes for tying down or securing.  Remember, you are making a 'mirror', so what works for you may be blinding the next guy down as the Sun changes positions.

Drink Hot or Warm Beverages between relays.  You know what works best for you in the cold, be it coffee, soups, bullion, &c., while doing this be aware that your hands are contaminated with chemical residues, so Nytrile Gloves will allow a degree of cleanliness while allowing conductive heat transfer.  Check around for videos of how O.R. Techs don gloves while remaining 'sterile', it's an easy technique, just requires some practice.

Tom