First Time on Snowshoes

Powerfisher

Powerfisher

New member
So, I needed to go out and hunt and since the snow was so deep, I went and got me a pair of snowshoes...they dont help much in 5' of fresh snow. I was sinking up to my knees and my 3 mile hunt string ended up with calling my first stand and went back home......any advise on days like that? Stay home? Glass the open fields for moving yotes and plan long shots? IDK...I do know that snowshoing up and down hills for 3 or so miles is not gonna happen.
 
What up to your knee's.... 1st of all what size shoes you got ? second How much do you weigh ? because thats just not right... I weigh 270 and i maybe sink 5 inches on my shoes plus i carry a lot of stuff so easly 300 pounds.. If thats your picture on your profile you dont look to awfull large.... get a pair of magnesium (military) snowshoes you will love the winter hunting season....I know i changed my way of thinking when i did this.... you''ll be going 3 miles and not think a thing about it at all....
 
I know this ins't really an answer to your question, but did you make sure your snowshoes were the right size for your weight? Also, how deep is the snow...you said you were sinking up to your knees, but if its balls deep then the snowshoes are doing their job...not saying you don't know this already, just lots of people think that the snowshoes lets them walk on top of any kind of snow, crusted or not, then think the snowshoes aren't working right when they sink down.

In answer to your original question though, i'd be glassing fields and planning for the long shots...at least you get to be out hunting!
 
Originally Posted By: 300magmanI know this ins't really an answer to your question, but did you make sure your snowshoes were the right size for your weight? Also, how deep is the snow...you said you were sinking up to your knees, but if its balls deep then the snowshoes are doing their job...not saying you don't know this already, just lots of people think that the snowshoes lets them walk on top of any kind of snow, crusted or not, then think the snowshoes aren't working right when they sink down.

In answer to your original question though, i'd be glassing fields and planning for the long shots...at least you get to be out hunting!



Whoops, I was typing this and someone already said the same thing ans submitetd it before I was done, I guess great minds think alike...sorry!
 
Quote: get a pair of magnesium (military) snowshoes you will love the winter hunting season

Those look great and can be had for $35!

I agree, this guy's using the wrong shoes. Proper snowshoes will keep you near the top.
 
Those look great and can be had for $35!

Got mine for 60.bucks with 3 pair of bindings Brand new...diffinatly made a huge differance for me in the winter months.....
 
Sounds to me like you got a shoe made for trails and not for the backcountry! (to small)
I have a pair of the military shoes and some Iverson Michigans.
Both do well but I do get a little better floatation with the Iversons but they were also ALOT more money.

Sportmans guide had them for $39.97 but they are sold out. I found some here for a little more but still a good price.

Check ouy Iversons though, they are great shoes if you want to spend the money. They are more quiet in snow with a crust.

 
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I weigh 180 pounds and am 5'9" tall. The fresh snow was at least 5 feet deep and I sunk up to my crotch without them on. The size was 25 and the guy at the shop said I may need a size 30. I will look into the snowshoes mentioned above and see what I come up with. Thanks for the help.
 
I got a old pair of wooden alsakans. Walked through 4 foot of snow and the snow barley made it up over the toes of my boots. I would have to say your shoes are too small for you. Bigger is better.


Those mag snow shoe work good. A couple buddies got them last year after they tried to follow me out on some stands. Worked good for them.
 
For that type of snow you need some that are at least 10x40 or even larger if it were my choice. I am 5'11" and 155lbs without gear and I have the 12" x 46" michigans. I think the military ones are 12" x 47"
 
I wear mine even if it is only ankle deep. They are a great help even in shallow snow. They keep your boots from slipping and rolling in snow while you walk on uneven ground.
 
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These are the best snowshoes I've ever used. They are made by Faber. They also make some fancy new-style shoes too but nothing beats the old wood and catgut. I guess that's why they've been used by trappers for a couple hundred years....
 
finstr thoose look like the ones we used back in the 70s in upstate NY. ours may have been a little rounder, modified bear paw, but wood and catgut. I would think by now with a war in Afganistan the military would have come up with some great new stuff. Powder can be tough but with proper shoes I wouldn't expect to sink that far. I must admit I don't miss those things we were so glad when spring came and we could get around with out them. Trouble was spring on Tug hill wasn't till at least April.
 


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