Winter Hunt: Keeping Warm and Enjoying the Outdoors

Huddling in front of a spruce tree to break the stiff wind, half my body is protected from the elements by a snow pit I have dug. My .257 Magnum Weatherby Vanguard rifle is cradled in my arms protecting the Quigley-Ford scope from the driving snow.

A short while ago, the thermometer in the truck told us it was -38C. Sound cold? Am I warm? You bet I am! Internal heat is maintained in combination of the fact by my specific clothing and the anticipation of having a northern Timber Wolf come into view.

I am hunting with Peter Martin of KapRiver Outfitters in Kapuskasing, ON. It is late February. Peter and his wife Terry live here year round and spend most of their time raising, training and competing with their registered bird dog breeds. In fall and winter, they offer unique niche hunts for Moose, Bear and Timber Wolf. "This deep cold settled in last December and it has not let up" states Martin. "It has made for some cruel behaviours for our motorized equipment". I am assured it is very cold, if Peter is complaining about the weather.

Martins crew of younger lads don snowshoes and trek into the dense forest hoping to drive out wolves. Despite frigid conditions, they emerge soaked with sweat and quickly seek shelter for a change of clothes before freezing up. In contrast, shooters are taken in by snowmobile and dropped off at key crossing locations to wait motionless for up to 3 hours. Knowing this would be the case, I looked into appropriate winter apparel before taking in this adventure.

1kapriver
Quentin Yarie

Quentin Yarie manages a mineral exploration team in northern Ontario. I asked him how he stays warm during the severe winter months. "The idea is to stay dry. You don't want to get too hot and sweat or you will freeze", said Yarie. Start with a heavy Helly Hansen 200 weight base layer covered by a cotton T-shirt and a heavy wool sweater. The base layer will wick any sweat and settle in the cotton keeping your skin dry. Next, a natural wool sweater is still preferred by Yarie.

There are some amazing modern lightweight outerwear products that offer excellent protection from the wind and reflect heat back into your core. Yarie looks to Columbia Omni-Heat branded jackets and pants.

For footwear, Yarie's crew turns to Canadian made Kamik boots. By adding a second insole, it guarantees more thermal protection. The boot liners and insoles must be removed and dried out after every day to ensure they are moisture free. Preferred socks are heavy Merino wool. Use a glove liner and an outer heavy glove or mitten.

1kapriver2
Warm, and ready for the hunt.

I acquired most of what Yarie had recommended prior my departure. I purchased a quality one piece snow suit with a full quilted hood. I also added a full head and face covering of spandex type material and a second covering of a knitted type of head/ face mask. Heat loss is greatest in the head and neck region of your body.

Being plagued by cold feet all my life, I invested in a pair of ThermaCELL brand electric insoles. These particular electric insoles can be shut off and turned on remotely as needed. My wife made me an insulated hand muff with interior pockets which held 2 air activated hand warmers. That proved to be enviable to the other hunters. My ensemble was completed with a quality pair of face goggles.

Following Yarie's advice, I was cozy and comfortable while in the Kapuskasing elements. If I did need to move about on foot, it was easy to remove the wool sweater so I would not build up excessive internal heat. While moving from one location to another on the sleds, it was of the utmost importance to cover all exposed skin and eyes. I failed that yield one time and took a slight touch of frostbite on my face cheek.

What I love about outdoor winter adventures is that I get to be in places and see things that many people do not get to. Many prefer to avoid frigid temperatures by staying indoors. Spending 40 hours sitting quietly on frozen Northern Ontario scapes, dug waist deep into a snow burrow, my mind peacefully wanders. I see the Pine Martin as he pauses in the sunlight and catches some radiant heat. I see the Whiskey Jacks bouncing from tree to tree. A Chickadee rests beside me to share my slight windbreak. And there goes a Lynx following a grouse track... comical entertainment as she stops and stares down, twisting her ear to the snow listening for a hidden mouse below.

Eventually, I get a flash of movement in the forest. Or was it? Is it my wandering imagination or was that the Northern Ghost I am seeking? My gloved hands search for my rifle as the Chickadee watches me now in anticipation. I stare at the narrow forest opening so intensely that my eyes begin to burn.

About Dale Hainer

Dale Hainer, born 1960 into a family of hunters, anglers, trappers and farmers, pursued a career with the Ontario Fire Service at age 19. Throughout his life, he maintained his roots to the land and shared his tales while being a professional outdoor writer, photographer and videographer. Retired at age 50 from the Service, he now spends countless hours creating more adventures to share with you. Member of the Outdoor Writers of Canada.

Recommended Articles

Spectres of the Past: A Ghost Town Field Trip

Follow this trail of abandoned communities on a road trip through the history of Northeastern Ontario

Fish for one of the World's Rarest Species of Trout

Found only in 12 remote Ontario lakes–and nowhere else in the world–the aurora trout is a special fish.

The Vanishing Waterfall

Visit the "new" New Post Falls in Northeastern Ontario

Northern Lights in Northeastern Ontario

5 great spots in The Seven to find the Aurora Borealis.

Complete Guide to Moosonee & Moose Factory Island

12 essential experiences for visitors.

Eat Like It's Easter!

Check out these establishments for Easter specials & events.

Ontario's Secret Lagoon

Discover paradise just outside of Sudbury

An Insider's Guide to Manitoulin Island

12 communities, sights, hikes and experiences that most first-time visitors miss!

A Guide to Mushroom Hunting

How, when and where to go, and what to look for

Sugar Shacks

Northern Ontario's Sweet Spring Ritual

Best Things to Do in Kirkland Lake: The Town that Gold Built

Check out a self-guided gold mine tour, a northern chateau museum, and get some beach time!

Cochrane: Wonderfully Unexpected

One of Canada's top 50 small towns!

Observe the Galaxy Like Never Before

Take in the inky night sky, just outside of the city!

Crossing The Northern divide

You don’t need a passport to hop this border!

Looking for a unique train-in Vacation? We've got you covered.

Check out this list of all the train-in experiences in Northeastern Ontario.

Increase Your Odds

Visitors to the region often wonder, how do I see the Northern Lights?

Autumn's Violent Struggle of Life and Death

The Salmon Run at Bridal Veil Falls

Non-Resident Guide to Ontario's Whitetail

Know before you go.

Stonehenge of the North

Huge boulders aligned with the setting sun on solstice pose more questions than answers.

Explore the Northeastern Towns of Ontario