adapting to Up North

M

mwinter

Joined
Dec 1, 2000
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I'll be moving to Wisconsin soon, and I know from several trips there it's MUCH different than the Great Nation of TEXAS in which I currently reside.
I've read several books on No-Trace, NOLS, military manuals, etc. for cold weather stuff, and about a dozen good books on bears (Herrero, etc) and other critters.
I know it's a bit off topic for a knife board, but I'm adding some gear for survival/defense/recreation and I'd like input from anybody who's used it.
First off, I am acquiring a Ruger 77/.44mag rifle and Redhawk revolver....my girlfriend calls all the time with her neighbors bear-in-the-garbage stories...I know they're usually harmless but better safe than sorry, and my .40SW looks awfully small now.
I have a pair of GoreTex Matterhorn combat boots....very warm but I'd like a second pair of military-style boots that can buck Northern WI temps and snows.
I also have a great GoreTex shell/jacket, but I would like to get GoreTex pants, perhaps mil surplus for snow outings.
Snowshoes and skis...I've seen both in milsurplus catalogs for under 40 bucks...worth the money just for the heck of it? Both were Swiss mil surplus.
Lastly, any tips on jobs up there? I am applying for state DNR game enforcement and other LE jobs at present.
Thanks for any input....feels colder already!
 
Welcome to the great white north.

First off, the .44 mag in a rifle is really a puny bear cartridge. For close range, you're far better off with a 12ga and rifled slugs. For long range >100 yds, .308 and greater is good, .300 win mag is better. The .44 mag pistol is a decent choice for backup.

As far as boots go, try the mil surplus Mickey Mouse boots. They seem to work really well.

For cold weather...remember the adage cotton kills. Dress in multiple light loose layers.
Mil spec polypro long johns work great as a base. Spend a lot of time outdoors as the seasons change to acclimate yourself to the temps. A northern winter's gonna be a helluva shock to a southern gent.

Good luck, y'all.

PS .. Knife content ... 3.5 - 4" blades work great for northwoods critters. Spyderco Wegner, Wegner Jr and a Fallkniven F-1 or Buck 102 take care of most camp chores and dressing duties.
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It's not the pace of life that concerns me, It's the sudden stop at the end.

[This message has been edited by sgtmike88 (edited 01-25-2001).]
 
thanks much....found some Mickey Boots at a good price.
knives...I have a Cold Steel bowie, a Ka-Bar, and a couple of Maringers (though I WON'T be trapsing thru the snow with those...)
polypro I have....wool I need.
I have a Springfield 03-A3 and a Mossberg 590 shorty so I guess I'm alright for Br'er Bear.....but i do like the idea of a rifle/sidearm with matching ammo. CorBon makes a hardcast lead/copper jacket 305gr 44mag I am looking into.
 
Heres my 2 cents of info,
Boots.The Mickey Mouse Boots will work well if you know how to use them and are prepared to change alot of socks,hence the name,Vapier Barrier,they hold in heat,sweat,condincation.A few hours in them and your feet look like they were in a bath tub for a few hours,but they will keep you warm. My advice,go with Sorrells,warm,dry and if you need to you can change the liners. Gaiters,underrated,they keep the snow out of your boots and the good ones will keep the snow/ice off your laces so you can untie your boots.
Clothes.Unless you are going to live in the tundra and hunt seals for a living Carhart makes good cold weather work clothes. Gortex is good but only if you layer correctly underneath. Dont chince out,when you are cold and miserable you will wish that you spent the extra$ and bought the best you could.
Weapons. wait until your up there and then talk to a good local source. If you can't wait a good shotgun will serve well for defence.Bears: 1st round buckshot(hit the face and blind it)2d round slug (break its front shoulder) 3rd buckshot to face again, 4th slug, move to the flank and give the rest into the chest. Remember a bears heart only beats about 6-8 times an min,so dont think you can give it one shot to the chest and think it over. You can blow it's heart out and it will still live long enough to see you die. The .44 is to put you out your misery ,just kidding it will work on a bear.
Buy some hard cast solid lead rounds,no hollow point or any thing like that.
Relax and enjoy,stress will kill you before the bears.
 
Sorrels....m'kay.
i'll be moving to the Sheboygan area most likely; if i get a DNR job though i s'pose they could stick me up in Door County somewhere...
 
Grew up in Alaska. Agree wholeheartedly on the buck and slugs and how to use them. The 12-ga is short and quick to use and throws a lot of lead.

Always liked Sorels and add gaiters if you're going to be in knee-deep snow. Surplus wool stuff is nice and I really like the D3 loves with wool liners. Have spare liners!
 
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