One of the greatest dangers to hunters or outdoorsman is hypothermia. It is imperative that a person can recognize the symptoms of this silent killer.

Nature can throw everything imaginable at you during the hunt. Weather conditions can change dramatically and quickly. Clouds and trees may block out sunshine. Rain or fog may set in dampening your clothing. Temperatures may drop quickly and fall more than 30 degrees at night.

Rarely will you find game in a few minutes. So one is well advised to be prepared for any thing that mother nature could unexpectedly throw at us by being prepared for harsh weather conditions. I have gotten accustomed to carrying many things that others would consider extra luggage with me as I venture out hunting.   Throughout the years, in fact, I have had hunting companions give me a hard time about how much I carry. Their teasing soon ended when I was able to chase away the cold during a rain or snow storm.

The most important key in dealing with this danger is to dress appropriately. If you aren't dressed properly, you may not be able to stay long enough to tag that large bull. Hunters are advised to dress in layers. Layered clothing helps trap warm air between the layers. And they can be easily peeled off as the day heats up.

Natural fabrics such as cotton and wool insulate better because they allow moisture to escape while trapping the warm air as needed. Wool is warm even when wet or moist. Wool can soak up as much as 30 percent of its weight in moisture before it begins to feel damp. Another plus is that it is quite unlike many of today's synthetic fabrics.

To help keep your feet warm wear a pair of wool socks over cotton ones. Not only is this more comfortable because it reduces friction, but you are also warmer.

For your hands carry two pairs of gloves - a heavy pair when traveling and a lighter cotton pair for when you get near your desired hunting spot.

Wear a hat. Heat rises and much of our body heat is lost through the head. You can save a lot of heat by wearing a hat.

Carry a rain coat or poncho. Besides keeping your clothing dry, these work well for a shelter when needed. My hunting buddy and I each carry an army poncho that, if needed, we can snap together to make a shelter.

In addition, always carry survival supplies in case you are caught in severe weather. Your list may vary according to your own needs. Knife, water and wind proof matches, lighter, trioxane fuel tablets, magnesium, flint & steel fire starter, good compass, water (always carry more than you will need), water purification tables, a poncho, a space blanket, a flashlight, extra batteries, extra food, first aid kit.

I personally carry all survival items and enough extra food if I need to stay out over night. I also hunt with a pack and pack frame and pack made of polar fleece. On most elk hunts it weighs between 25 and 35 pounds. I also carry elk bags and a small tarp, ropes, sharpening steel, red or florescent orange flagging tape.

If you are caught in severe weather hypothermia can set in quickly. During the early stages of hypothermia the victim usually gets goose bumps and starts to shiver. Symptoms of the advanced stages are that a person may stumble a lot, get confused and disoriented. But don't wait until the victim is at this point. Get the person warmed up NOW during the early stage. If you put it off the person could quickly slip into advance stages. Get wet clothing off the victim, provide shelter and get a fire going. Slow rewarming is the best.

Being in the best physical shape you can and drink plenty of water helps keep hypothermia away.