Here are some tips for helping outdoorsmen and women stay safe during a nasty stretch of winter weather:
Avoid overexertion when dragging out a deer or shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack — a major cause of death in the winter. Stretch well before attempting strenuous activities or climbing treestands.
Do not attempt to climb into treestands if climbing steps are icy or covered with snow.
Keep dry. Invest in waterproof gear, because wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Frozen tree bark, particularly in hardwoods, is much slicker than normal. Take extra care when using a climber stand or avoid them altogether.
Walk carefully on snow, avoiding slick logs, steep grades, rocks and frozen puddles — even watch out for icy walkways when leaving your house.
Use your cellphones to text, and organize a buddy system for keeping tabs on hunting partners.
Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities. Leave woods and seek medical help immediately.
Know signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.
Get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.
Prepare your car or hunting vehicle
If a winter storm is coming, stay at home. Refraining from hunting and driving as severe weather approaches is the safest thing you can do.
Some 70% of winter storm deaths are auto-related — 1 in 4 the result of people caught in severe weather.
Prepare your car or hunting vehicle for treacherous conditions and super-cold temperatures — and know what to do if you find yourself stranded in your vehicle.
When the temperatures start to drop:
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your plans and your schedule; avoid back road shortcuts and get to a main highway as soon as possible.
Top off antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, gas, oil and other fluids in the fall.
Make sure your tires have enough tread before winter comes. If you do not have an off-road vehicle, consider snow tires.
Keep a folding shovel and bagged salt or sand in your vehicle for digging, extra traction and to melt ice.
Always clear snow from the top of the vehicle, headlights and windows.
Program your auto club, insurance agent and towing service phone numbers into your cell phone.
Keep a cold-weather kit containing a blanket or sleeping bag, gloves, hard candy, trail mix, bottled water, folding shovel, first aid kit, flashlight and car cell phone charger.
If you find yourself trapped in your vehicle:
Remain inside. Rescuers are more likely to find you there.
Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes every hour. Clear any snow from the exhaust pipe to reduce your chances of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Move around periodically to maintain heat.
Use extra hunting clothes, maps, floor mats and seat covers for insulation.
Take turns sleeping. Someone should always be awake to alert rescuers.
Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
Turn on the inside light at night so rescue crews can find you.
If you’re stranded in a remote area, stomp "SOS" or "HELP" in the snow.