Tips for hunting in rain

[RadSav]

One thing to remember in the NW - Cotton Kills!  Try to avoid cotton at all costs in the PNW when wet weather is upon us.  Early in my hunting career I wore a lot of cotton because it was durable, quiet and archery seasons were generally hot and dry.  After a few close calls when temps at altitude dropped without warning from mid 90's to 50's will hail, wind and lightning I learned real quick...leave the cotton at home. 

A buddy of mine who found himself with no job, four kids and a steep mortgage also joined me in cutting it close on an Oregon back country hunt.  After a few days in a hotel room recovering from the damage of severe leg cramps he headed off to Goodwill and found some dress slacks made of some very fine knit wool.  He may have looked out of place, but those pants were sweet!  Perfect cut, just the right color, wore like iron, attracted very few burrs and amazingly quiet!  We hunted together for the next three years and even after his financial situation took a change for the better he continued to wear those pants.  And kick my behind in the animal harvest totals.

The last time we hunted together we were calling coyotes.  He made one of the best ghillie suits I've ever seen from an old wool sweater he found at Goodwill.  He took a crochet needle and knitted in strips of acrylic yarn (also from Goodwill) in different colors to blend well with the terrain we were hunting.  He said the whole thing cost him about $8.00.  At the end of two days of calling almost 48 hours straight I was a sore frozen mess while he was looking and feeling pretty good!  With a little creativity and planning you don't have to have a deep wallet to perform your best in the PNW.  You just have to be smarter than the average pipe fitter

[PolarBear]

The best tip for hunting in the rain...........  Just do it!

[jonnyboy]

One thing to remember in the NW - Cotton Kills!  Try to avoid cotton at all costs in the PNW when wet weather is upon us.  Early in my hunting career I wore a lot of cotton because it was durable, quiet and archery seasons were generally hot and dry.  After a few close calls when temps at altitude dropped without warning from mid 90's to 50's will hail, wind and lightning I learned real quick...leave the cotton at home. 

A buddy of mine who found himself with no job, four kids and a steep mortgage also joined me in cutting it close on an Oregon back country hunt.  After a few days in a hotel room recovering from the damage of severe leg cramps he headed off to Goodwill and found some dress slacks made of some very fine knit wool.  He may have looked out of place, but those pants were sweet!  Perfect cut, just the right color, wore like iron, attracted very few burrs and amazingly quiet!  We hunted together for the next three years and even after his financial situation took a change for the better he continued to wear those pants.  And kick my behind in the animal harvest totals.

The last time we hunted together we were calling coyotes.  He made one of the best ghillie suits I've ever seen from an old wool sweater he found at Goodwill.  He took a crochet needle and knitted in strips of acrylic yarn (also from Goodwill) in different colors to blend well with the terrain we were hunting.  He said the whole thing cost him about $8.00.  At the end of two days of calling almost 48 hours straight I was a sore frozen mess while he was looking and feeling pretty good!  With a little creativity and planning you don't have to have a deep wallet to perform your best in the PNW.  You just have to be smarter than the average pipe fitter

Awesome! That sounds pretty smart. I have some fleece jackets but I think all my pants and coats are cotton. I'll have to make a quick stop at goodwill.


I understand that to hunt in the rain you wear rain gear and sit out there. I'm just looking for tips for actually hunting deer, or good ideas that can help keep dry without breaking the bank. I could just go out and wear a $2 poncho from walmart (which is probably what I would've done) but I figured I could ask to get as many tips as I can from those more experienced than I am. I'm also new to deer hunting in general. The only deer I've shot was in a chili field across the road from where we lived. I jumped in the truck, drove over and shot it. I'm trying to actually hunt here, which is a learning curve in itself, and then throw in terrain and weather I'm not used to and it's a whole new animal.
I really appreciate all of the info and advice you guys have been giving.

In another 11 or 12 years or so you wont even notice the rain. In fact you'll actually feel out of sorts if it isn't raining. And the sun! The sun will become a mysterious golden orb that you will either involuntarily gravitate towards or recoil from; depending of course on the amount of moss growing on your back. Stars? Forget about them; purely a myth, as well as blue skies; blue! HA. Skies are grey! Hunting in the rain! HA! Hahahhahaahhaahhahahhhhaaaahaaa.   

However, I do admit that this was really funny. 

[turkeyfeather]

My best friend for hunting in the rain is my blind.

[bmccalister]

If your not hunting in a ground blind I would recommend quality rain gear and bibs. Pants allow a gap between your jacket and pants which can cause your lower back to get wet and cold, bids prevent this. I recommend quality rain gear because cheap rain gear wears out to quickly and can become saturated with rain after a while. So spend the money it will be worth it.