38 Nebraskaland • January-February 2021
or other matching vegetation to blend in your blind with its
surroundings. However, don't use phragmites for any blind
construction, as the plant is highly invasive, outcompetes
native plants and displaces some native animals. Also, don't
make too many paths or tire tracks leading to your blind, she
says.
Bisgard gives himself time to scout before hunting. He
takes photos of potential hunting spots and studies them to
camoufl age his boat blind before the hunt.
"If I'm hunting in the Sandhills, I like brush cover. Can't go
wrong with Mossy Oak shadow grass — it's my favorite," says
Bisgard. "I also put a camo vest on my dog to help break him
or her up. Keep the dog still. You don't want any unwanted
motion in your blind."
Other Considerations
Although obvious, make sure to wear enough layers and
take advantage of hand and foot warmers during the late
season. Hypothermia is a real risk. Geiser always checks her
hip boots and chest waders for leaks before hunting. Bisgard
switches to wearing Cordura waders with 1,600-gram
Thinsulate.
"I go for the 4-in-1 jacket — you can always peel off later.
You need that protective outer shell to keep the wind, snow
and rain out," says Bisgard. "I have a pair of rubber gloves
that go up to my elbows to pick up decoys in cold water.
Many hunters make the mistake of choosing gear with a
camoufl age pattern they like, but it's only water resistant and
not waterproof. Spend the extra money on waterproof gear
for when conditions are rough."
As for the gun, Geiser prefers pump shotguns over semi-
auto loaders, which are generally foolproof. Semi-autos can
malfunction if they freeze.
Bisgard checks over his gun before hunting, making sure
the action is free and working. He warns against over-oiling a
gun before hunting in cold weather.
"The oil can get stiff in the cold, and the action won't
work," he says. "Your gun jamming up is the last thing you
want when the birds start come in. For late-season hunting,
I only use a light layer of oil when I need to clean my gun."
Geiser and her husband keep a small hand broom in the pit
to dust decoys off if there is frost on them or if it's snowing.
In extreme weather, bring plenty of food and account for
emergency scenarios.
N
When hunting during the winter, it is mandatory to constantly clean the snow off of the decoys.
