16 Nebraskaland • November 2022
IN THE FIELD
Preserve your hunting season by taking care of your feet. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
Sore feet have kept many outdoor enthusiasts, myself
included, from getting out of bed. Follow these tips to have
more time afield and less time making excuses why you
can't go hunting the next day because you're convinced
the "I can't go because my feet hurt" response won't play
well with your buddies.
Start with non-cotton socks as a base layer. Cotton
absorbs moisture and its fibers can put microincisions on
the foot. On a Pine Ridge hike in 2006, I butchered my feet so
badly wearing cotton socks that I had to try something new.
At the time, I went to full synthetic or wool socks and most
recently I started wearing CEP's Hiking Light Merino socks
almost exclusively because they are super comfortable,
prevent blisters and reduce swelling in my feet.
Wearing high- or low-tops boots is a matter of
preference, but they must be waterproof. Even if you're
upland hunting or don't plan on walking far or into deep
cover, dew-covered ground makes for soaked feet.
If the temperatures are colder, place a pair of foot warmers
in between your base layer of socks and a wool or synthetic
outer layer. The days of three and four pairs of socks are
over. The toe warmers keep your extremities in good shape,
and this combination of materials keep my feet warm in
sub-zero temperatures ice-fishing each winter.
If and when your feet get wet, immediately change
socks and boots. I carry a pair of thick cotton socks to
soak the moisture from my feet and then reapply the same
steps: Merino base, toe warmers and wool outer layer.
Then, after your adventure, make sure to have a pair of
cotton socks and sneakers in the vehicle to change into.
The cotton will soak up any moisture your feet have taken
on, and the sneakers provide lighter footwear to go to the
diner or driving back to the house.
Plus, this re-sets your feet for your next challenge —
tomorrow's adventure.
N
Visit Cepcompression.com.
By Jeff Kurrus
HUNTING FEET
