Essential Reminders for Safe Winter Hunting
Hunting above the bushline involves some pretty tricky terrain, including open tops, scree and exposed rock faces. Add winter into the mix, with freezing temperatures, snow and ice, and the challenges increase radically. This is an unforgiving environment, where even a small mistake can have serious consequences.
With winter now upon us, alpine hunting requires a greater level of preparation, and the skills and equipment to navigate snow and ice. Careful route selection, with an eye on the weather, daylight hours and the avalanche forecast, are other key considerations for a safe alpine hunt at this time of year.
A lucky few will already be hunting in the Alps, while others will be heading up soon. Consider these safety reminders before you go – and make sure your winter hunt is memorable for all the right reasons!
Go with a mate
You’ll know the saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a friend." Going with a mate allows you to talk through decisions and problem-solve together, and you can help each other out if things go wrong.
Plan your route
Conservative route selection is paramount in winter alpine terrain. When planning your day, consider the shorter daylight hours and that snow can ice over after dark and become slippery. Be adaptable and flexible when selecting a route to recover an animal. It may be best to wait until the next day, if daylight is running out.
Plan My Walk is a great place to start your planning. It includes a custom track option that is ideal for hunters. Talking to hunters who know the area is also invaluable.
Careful on the descent
Once you’re committed to a descent route in steep, high consequence terrain, turning back can be difficult, if not impossible. Take time to seek out routes that you know avoid hazards, like steep drop-offs, where a small misstep could result in a treacherous fall. While it takes time and effort to navigate around difficult terrain, it’s worth it when compared to the severe consequences of a tumble. When in doubt, the mountaineer’s credo is sage advice: only descend routes that you’ve been up first or that you know. To prevent a fall, use plunge stepping in snow, and poles or ice axes as the snow starts to ice over.
Be aware of your mindset
Psychological factors are known to contribute to hunting accidents. Getting complacent, underestimating risks and pushing your limits are all mindsets that get in the way of making the best decisions. Be aware of these traps, and stop, think, assess and talk with your mates about the options before making a call.
Improve your avalanche IQ
In alpine areas, snow and ice are a key consideration in winter, even at lower levels. Storms will blow through, bringing new snow and increasing avalanche danger. You’ll need avalanche training, skills and equipment in alpine areas. Essential avalanche rescue equipment includes a transceiver, shovel and probe.
Always check the NZ Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) during your planning and again before you leave home for the latest avalanche forecast in your area. The NZAA is now forecasting in all 13 regions it monitors across the country.
Remember, animals don’t know about avalanche danger, so don't follow game thinking if they're okay, you are too.
Find Out More
- Find tips and resources for planning a safe hunt in our Learn section
- Watch our Avalanche Tips and Terms video series
PHOTO CREDIT | Points South
This article also appeared in Hunting & Wildlife magazine