Gun Dog Forum

Headed back to Kansas day after Christmas. Looks like current forcast is for temps ranging from about 14-15 for lows and maybe getting into the mid 40's for the high. Any recommendations or precautions for dogs and hunters on those cold mornings. Thanks

Sure.
Hydration is important in cold weather.

Where in Kansas are you headed? How did you do the first time 'round?

Sounds like perfect weather for a gundog! Have fun!

hettmoe wrote:Sounds like perfect weather for a gundog! Have fun!

Second that, hunting in 20s-30s is about as good as it gets. The dog doesn't get too tired, the hunter doesn't sweat too much (or sweats a ton if overdressed), everybody is happy.

Perfect temps for hunting. I'm from northern minnesota though, and i like it about 15 with little wind if I'm walking. Get the dogs water like usual, they'll enjoy the cool air. As for humans, layer up. A Base, insulating, and wind breaking layer are all you should need. You'll be worse off if you dress too heavily though so go light if you're unsure.

MNeric wrote:Perfect temps for hunting. I'm from northern minnesota though, and i like it about 15 with little wind if I'm walking. Get the dogs water like usual, they'll enjoy the cool air. As for humans, layer up. A Base, insulating, and wind breaking layer are all you should need. You'll be worse off if you dress too heavily though so go light if you're unsure.

+1...If you're a little cold the first 5 minutes you know you're dressed right.

If it is damp bring some old towels, this way you can dry off your dogs on breaks or when changing out dogs. Things will be froze up so water is critical. If it gets real cold or cold and damp I like to feed a small snack at lunch time. I will often mix warm water with the dry kibble at night to help with hydration and to get them to eat.

Thanks for the good information. I've just got to know you guy's from Minnesota and ND have plenty of experience with that kind of weather. Stoneface..headed to the Stockton area. Did pretty good on quail last month around Lincoln. Saw pheasants flush wild, never got a shot a one.

Went out today and it was 4deg with 6-12" of snow + 10mph wind - cold! Probably should have booted him as his paws got pretty cold. He only lasted about 20 mins in the first field. Let him out again when it was 18deg or so and he did much better. 15 shouldn't be an issue - maybe get boots just in case?

Just checked in at russel. Going to try and get a couple birds in the snow.

How did this trip turn out?

Im not the governing body of what is cold and what isnt....but wouldnt most mutts do fine in 40 fahrenheit? Isnt that like 4 degrees celsius? id consider that extremely warm for anything during hunting season.

iv hunted in south dakota in january for the last 6 years straight. hydration is very important for you & the dogs.,second will b keepin the dogs warm at night the heated dog beds are great. if there is snow watch for ice/snow build up on their paws(between the pads also). you wont need as many layers to stay warm as you think you will either.

I hunted western KS in Dec 2011. Did great with the pheasant. Didn't see quail.

I had to cancel our trip there this past 2012 season due to the lack of birds from the draught.

AlbertaChessie, it may be warm for a chessie, but my scrawny pointer would be just perfect when hunting in that temp and need a blanket when finished. LOL

Regarding hydration, I use Elements R and the dogs drink like W.C. Field and get their glycogen restored too. Elements R makes a huge difference in the ability to run the dog several days in a row.

http://elements-nutrition.com/