Winter observation checklist: gear, safety & setups for cold-weather hunting

As with every season, winter brings its own challenges to the field. In the silence of a frozen landscape, every movement travels much further. As Pulsar Ambassador Joel Henrysson jokes, “Your hunting stand will creak, chairs squeak, and the rustling frozen leaves will make you sound like a bull in a china shop.”

Our Pulsar Ambassadors— Riccardo Tamburini (Italy), Joel Henrysson (Sweden), Andreas Frengstad (Norway), and Vito Cortese (Sicily)—are the experts who understand that poor preparation in winter equals wasted time on the field. They believe it is always better to carry more equipment than needed to handle unpredictable challenges. Read on as these four experienced hunters share hard-learned lessons, saving you from making the same mistakes on your next outing.

“Your hunting stand will creak, chairs squeak, and the rustling frozen leaves will make you sound like a bull in a china shop.”

Joel Henrysson

: Riccardo Tamburini

: Joel Henrysson

: Andreas Frengstad

: Vito Cortese

Choosing an observation spot or setup location

In cold weather, choosing the right spot is about more than just finding animals; it is about managing physics, biology, and the limitations of your gear. Pick the wrong location, and you will likely head home early due to freezing temperatures or gear failure before you even see a target. However, sitting stationary when animal activity is low can be both inefficient and physically draining.

Andreas explains his approach: “I rarely set up for extended, stationary observation during winter. The terrain in the mountainous parts of central Norway is demanding, and animal movement is generally limited. Because of this, it is often necessary to move through the terrain and spot animals along the way rather than waiting for them to appear. Mobility and continuous reading of the terrain are more important than fixed observation points in winter conditions.”

For Vito, the wind is often what makes the cold unbearable. “An environment that is highly exposed to the wind will never guarantee optimal conditions for your winter outings. Finding a sheltered, covered location is essential for this type of activity,” he suggests.

In contrast, Riccardo looks for thermal advantages: “I always prefer a spot that is warmed by the sun during the day. I have a better chance of spotting animals there at twilight, as they often spend the day bedded down in those sun-heated areas for warmth and cover.” If a long wait is unavoidable, preparation is key. “If I know I will need to get close to an animal, I add extra layers before the final approach,” Andreas says. “If I am positioned on a ledge for a while, I take off my pack, add insulation, and settle into a position that allows me to remain warm for an extended period.”

“Mobility and continuous reading of the terrain are more important than fixed observation points in winter conditions.”

Andreas Frengstad

Vital winter safety considerations

Weather awareness is paramount in winter. Wind, plunging temperatures, and incoming snow can quickly impact both safety and visibility. Andreas insists that every hunter must have a clear “escape plan” to leave the terrain if conditions worsen.

Beyond the weather, Joel highlights the physical risks: “The risk of bullet ricochets is much higher when the ground is frozen, and since thermal contrast decreases in snow, having a good backstop is key. This is always important, but takes even more consideration during winter.”

Riccardo stresses the technical side, emphasizing the importance of practicing with your gear before the hunt: “Before starting, it’s best to practice all thermal device functions while wearing gloves. Repeat the movements until you are sure no mistakes will be made when the animals appear. I also check distances around me beforehand so I don’t need to use a rangefinder later, reducing the use of my fingers to a minimum.”

“Before starting, it’s best to practice all thermal device functions while wearing gloves. Repeat the movements until you are sure no mistakes will be made when the animals appear.”

Riccardo Tamburini

Vito adds that during the coldest phase of a hunt, he utilizes Merger series binoculars so that he can observe in comfort, even while wearing heavy gloves. “When I see a favorable situation, only then do I take off my gloves to take action with the Thermion riflescope. Until that moment, I can stay as warm as possible,” he explains.

Riccardo also reminds that ignoring the cold can lead to critical conditions. To minimize exposure, he often uses a more controlled strategy for wild boar: “It involves hard work managing a feeding point, but it allows me to predict exactly when and where the animal will be, reducing unnecessary time spent in the cold.”

Short winter observation checklist (The non-negotiables)

Whether you’re planning your first or sixtieth winter hunt, the margin for error is slim. Here is the definitive list of non-negotiables from our ambassadors.

Adequate warm clothing

For our experts, clothing is a survival tool. Andreas emphasizes that in the mountains of Norway, where temperatures can hit –20 °C, down insulation and wool are his primary choices because wool retains warmth even when damp. However, he warns that managing layers is just as important as the material: “Sweat is one of the biggest risks; wet clothing leads to rapid heat loss once activity levels drop. Managing ventilation to avoid sweating is a key safety consideration.”

Riccardo adds that protecting the extremities is paramount, noting that forgetting your gloves or beanie is essentially the same as forgetting your rifle—without them, the hunt is over. “The head, hands, and feet freeze first,” he says. “Choose the warmest, most technical socks and gloves available. Staying warm is the secret to staying out.” While Vito hunts in the relatively milder climate of Sicily, he is highly sensitive to the cold and emphasizes a layered approach. He combines thermal base layers with fleece, finishing with a wind- and rain-proof jacket to remain warm during long periods of observation. Thermal socks and high-quality boots are also a must for him, because as Vito puts it: “You can be in a room at 100 degrees, but if your feet are cold, you will feel cold everywhere.”

“You can be in a room at 100 degrees, but if your feet are cold, you will feel cold everywhere.”

Vito Cortese

A reliable way to create fire

When the temperature drops, the ability to generate heat manually is critical. Andreas never enters the field without matches or a fire starter and a multi-fuel stove. The stove serves a dual purpose: “It is primarily used to heat water, which helps both with food and with maintaining body temperature during long or cold periods.”

Spare pair of batteries

Cold weather is notoriously hard on electronics. Andreas advises carrying spare batteries close to your body rather than in a backpack, as body heat significantly extends their life. Joel agrees, noting that he always double-checks his power levels before heading out. He also adds a clever safety tip for snowy conditions: “I put a layer of tape over the muzzle to avoid a tragic accident if snow gets stuck inside.”

Headlamps

In winter, light is a safety margin. “Winter days are short, and darkness can arrive faster than expected,” Andreas warns. “Getting delayed in unfamiliar terrain without proper light quickly becomes a safety issue rather than just an inconvenience.”

Navigation tools

Snow and “flat light” can make even the most familiar forest look unrecognizable. Andreas insists on carrying a traditional map and compass as a backup: “They provide an important safety margin if electronic devices fail or the landscape becomes difficult to recognize.”

Food and insulated water

Hydration is often overlooked in the cold because we feel less thirsty, but the physical demand remains high. Andreas suggests a practical trick for the field: “Water should be well insulated in the pack, and bottles carried upside down to prevent the threads from freezing first.”

A reliable way to communicate

Whether it is a satellite device, a radio, or a protected mobile phone, having a link to the outside world is the final, non-negotiable step for any winter hunter. Because, as Vito Cortese says, “Let’s remember that we always go out for positive reasons and never to put ourselves in danger.”

In the winter field, preparation is your best tool for success. Before heading out, plan for cold, wind, and snow by double-checking your gear and packing the non-negotiables. Stay ready, stay warm, and let preparation guide your hunt.