This is sometimes a phrase that hunters express to themselves, not really meaning it, as they are out in the field during cold weather, and have been in the cold for some time.  Without the proper hunting clothing there could be some truth to the passive statement. Freezing to death is very rare of course in the hunting sport, because most hunters make the proper precautions for even the severest of weather. But there is always a danger of Hypothermia.

Hypothermia is the loss of body heat.  In cold climates or cold, wet windy weather people who are not wearing enough warm clothes can lose the heat from their bodies. This is very dangerous, because often the person does not realize what is happening to him or her. They can become so confused that they will not ask for help or could even die as a result of this loss of heat.

Some of the signs to look for in determining if Hypothermia is setting in, is (1) first of all uncontrolled shivering. (2) Then the speech becomes slow or unclear. (3) The individual begins to stumble when they walk. (4) The person cannot think clearly and (5) they get very tired. Now certainly we all have had some of these symptoms from time to time in the field. The problem enters in when all these symptoms are being displayed, and because a person can not think straight is one of the greatest dangers of hypothermia, in that the person by himself doesn’t realize what’s appending to him. This is why is important that while hunting or engaging in any outdoor sport that you have a friend or companion with you.

(1)  First of all get the person to a dry place protected from the wind. This could be in a grove of pine trees or under some cave like shelters, but it is essential to get them out of the wind.

(2) If their clothes are wet, take them off and cover them with dry clothing, wrap them in dry blankets if possible.

(3) Make sure their feet, head, and hands are covered, leaving enough room for breathing.

(4) Heat some stones in a fire and wrap them in a cloth. Put these stones next to the chest, back and groin.  Be careful to not warm up the person too fast as this could cause heart problems and death.

(5) Do all you can to keep the person warm. If it is a child you may want to lie beside them to have your body heat help to warm them up.

(6) Give them sweet things to eat and drink like sugar, candy, honey, sweet ripe fruit or fruit juice. If you do not have these things, give them starchy foods like rice, bread, or potatoes.

(7) Try to get professional assistance as soon as possible.

If the person stops shivering but still has any of the above signs, or if they are unconscious, their condition is very serious. Keep trying to warm them but get medical help fast.

Raymond Stiner