January 2023 - 23

disposable hand warmers inside keep hands
warm when not shooting.
Insider info: Stand with one foot comfortably
ahead of the other, then balance over your
front foot. Watch the target with both eyes as
you mount the gun to your cheek and shoulder,
then move the barrel of the gun through
the target as you shoot.
Where: Local gun club.
8. HUNT RABBITS
Why: You can hunt rabbits when other species
are out of season, and it's a fun way to
introduce kids to hunting.
With what: Rabbits often seek shelter under
heavy brush. Briar-resistant pants, coats and
gloves prevent unwanted pricks. Wear eye
protection and hunter orange for safety. Use
an air rifle or a shotgun with a short barrel with
improved chokes for adequate shot density and
pattern. Remember to get your small game
license before heading out if you're looking
for small game.
Need to know: The worse the weather, the
more likely a rabbit will hole up in heavy cover.
Look for the rabbit's eyes which are easier to
spot. Walk slowly, pausing frequently.
Where: Any bramble patch and overgrown
ditches.
9. GO ICE SKATING
Why: Gliding on the ice feels liberating,
improves your balance and leg strength and
tones your butt.
With what: Skates, of course. That's about it.
Down-size your skates a half-size compared
to your street shoes and wear one pair of thin
socks for more control. Sharper blades provide
more accurate tracking.
Insider info: Lace up snuggly for better ankle
support. If you skate on a pond, the ice should
be at least 4 inches thick across the entire body
of water if it's clear and 8 inches thick if the
ice is cloudy. Avoid skating on rivers. Even if
the surface is frozen, moving water underneath
can create unsafe conditions.
Where: Your local pond. Many towns have
community rinks such as the one at Homesteader
Park in Cody. Teton County maintains
four outdoor rinks: Owen Bircher Park, Rodeo
Grounds, Alta Park and Powderhorn Park.
Outdoor winter wisdom
Most people know to dress in layers during
the winter and can judge what to wear based
on the weather, but here a few more tricks to
ensure you stay warm and have a great time:
* Stay dry: Wet is not only cold, it can be
life threatening. Carry a down jacket and a
dry base layer in your pack. If you stop to
rest, put on the jacket to stay warm, and
if you're sweaty change your shirt. Change
your socks, too, if your feet are wet.
* Wind sucks away heat: In addition to the
ambient temperature, pay attention to
windchill on exposed skin to avoid frostbite.
*
Avoid cotton: Cotton absorbs perspiration
then holds it next to your skin, which can
lead to hypothermia. Wear layers made of
wool, which is warm even when wet, or
synthetic, wicking fabrics.
* Drink warm liquids to rehydrate: A thermos
is your best friend outdoors in the
winter.
* Stock up on disposable hand and foot
warmers: Use them to keep your hands
and feet warm, of course. But also stick
them to your lower back on the outside of
your base-layer shirt which will keep your
back looser and your core warmer.
* Keep moving: The quickest way to get cold
is to sit still for periods of time.
- By Lisa Ballard
Wyoming Wildlife | 23
Rabbit hunting is a good way to introduce kids to hunting. (Photo by Wes Uncapher)
January 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2023
