What you wear on your back as a hunter can make the difference between a comfortable day in the woods and a downright miserable day. For the deer hunter who gets “turned around” and is forced to spend a night in the woods, clothing can spell the difference between misery and comfort.

Even life and death.

Of course, when it comes to clothing, climate and weather are determining factors. For Maine deer hunters, especially those who hunt the arboreal forests of the North Woods, the old Boy Scout motto applies: “Be Prepared.” That means, dress as though you expect the worst. In November, Mother Nature is as unpredictable as a sow bear with cubs. Mornings can start out sunny and mild and, by afternoon, turn to driving rain and plummeting temperatures. Then, just when you think that the weather is as bad as it can get, it gets worse. If you have ever been miles from your truck in a cedar swamp at 3 p.m.when the downpour transforms itself into a Nor’easter with fine, wind-driven snow and whiteout conditions, you know the puckery feeling. I have. But the warm clothing on my back, and the day-pack I carried loaded to the gunwales with survival necessities, offered some comfort.

As a young hunter, I dressed light and travelled light. A lighter, a candy bar, and an extra compass constituted my “survival gear.” In those days, when I was immortal, the prospect of getting lost and spending a night in the woods was just not part of the equation. But time and experience has a way of “rounding out” most outdoorsmen. Some humility sets in. You soon learn how easily even the most adept deer hunter can get confused and lost in the woods.

It’s a personal thing, depending upon how badly you want to be comfortable and how irritable you are about cold feet or a chilly torso. When it comes to hunting clothes I’d rather have too many layers than not enough. You can always take off a layer and stuff it in your day pack.

Here’s my take on how to be a properly attired deer hunter, especially in the woods of Maine.

CLOTHING

1. A good quality fanny seat, preferably the kind that inflates and deflates.

2. Rubber pacs with some insulation. Spend the money for good ones that have inner sole support. (Too much water in the Maine woods to wear leather boots.)

3. Long underwear. Wickaway is good, but pricey. In cold weather, I wear two sets, light long johns against my skin under heavier long johns outside.

4. Woolen trousers. Buy a waist size larger and the good ones with big pockets and inner buttons for suspenders. (Suspenders help keep your trousers from giving in to the weight of knives and ammo belts).

5. A light woolen jacket at least an extra size larger than you would normally wear..

6. A fleece liner for under the jacket on colder days.

7. Compact rain gear (for your day-pack).

8. Woolen gloves and an orange woolen stocking cap for your pack.

9. Hunter orange vest, hat , and large handkerchiefs.

10. Extra pair of woolen socks for the day pack.

Next week: A hunter’s survival gear. What are the minimums and maximums when it comes to assembling a well thought out day pack or survival kit.

V. Paul Reynolds is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide, co-host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network (WVOM-FM 103.9, WQVM 101.3) and former information officer for the Maine Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. His e-mail address is [email protected].