Essential Layering Strategies for December Mule Deer Hunting with a Bow

December brings unique challenges and opportunities for bow hunters pursuing mule deer. The cold weather, changing deer behavior, and shorter daylight hours require smart tactics. This article shares practical tips to help you improve your chances of staying in the field longer to increase your chances at punching your tag.

The most important thing to stay in the field longer is layering properly. This will keep you more comfortable and hunting harder.

1. Starting with your feet.

   Your feet will most likely freeze first, so just as you layer your body you should layer your feet. Starting with a thin sock thats not cotton as your foots base layer. Next using a heavyweight sock. I am a big fan of the darn tough Over-the-Calf heavyweight socks.

   I personally get too warm in insulated boots, but that is on you to decide what boots work best for you. On that I can guarantee you that everyone needs to run gaiters. Gaiters will help you stay dry and hold heat in your feet.

   
   

2. Hands might be the hardest thing to keep warm.

   With keeping your hands warm while bowhunting bulky gloves don't cut it, when you need to have control over every aspect of your shot process the feel of the riser is important. Down mittens keep you warm when glassing and hiking but you cant shoot your bow in them. You can wear them on the stalk then switch to a thiner pair once you're about 100-150 yards out, but bowhunting can be a few seconds to take action it also can be 4 hours so managing which gloves to wear might be extra stress not needed. Hand warmers are always a great option, but your bow needs to be available so one hand at a time. I have found that the Burton Screen Grab Glove Liners work very well in cold weather. I used them on my late season mule deer in 2024 and my hands stayed decent enough on a 3 hour stalk.

   
   

3. Using a proper clothing system in late season is crucial.

   I am a big fan of merino blends I feel that it keeps sweat off the skin and regulates heat better than any synthetic I've used as a next to skin layer. Weights of layers are your preference, I like a merino base to be from 150-175 gsm. The next layer I use is a grid fleece hoodie, from my experiences in the field grid fleece seems to hold heat while offering breathability. Some hunts thats all I wear depending on if I am using bibs. Using either another heavy 1/2 zip layer or a lighter jacket. Also finding a good puffy with either primaloft or down insulation. Also remember you lose a lot of heat in your neck so 1/4-1/2 zips should be used same with face masks.

   
   

4. Your Lower half has plenty of options.

Bibs with long underwear and good sweats will keep you very warm, so will utilizing good long underwear with a fleece lined pant and gaiters.

Keep in mind these are my suggestions you will need to figure what works best for you. Some people run colder than others and vice versa. Hopefully this helps you on these colder hunts to keep you out there longer. Keep watching our website, we will be dropping our base and mid layers hopefully before bear season!