Important Tips For Hunting Or Hiking the High Country
By Ronald Dolzani

For most hunters coming out to Colorado high country from the east is a very different and challenging experience. Here are some tips that will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time here in the mountains.

Before You Go:

First of all you should plan ahead for your trip well in advance. This doesn't just mean to reserve your airline ticket. Planning for a high country trip involves getting physically fit. Although nothing can prepare you for the strenuous uphill and downhill grades or the huge lack of oxygen, the more fit you are the faster you can recover your breath when you do take a break. Always carry at least a small backpack with a few energy bars, water, a flashlight, matches, a knife, and also to carry the clothes that you will be taking off as you go.

It is essential that you layer clothes even in the summer. The high country can be very deceiving and it can feel like it is 90 degrees when the sun is out and feel like it is 30 degrees when that sun goes behind a cloud. I have had snow storms pummel me in July. Although they are usually short lived it is long enough to drop your core body temperature if you are not prepared. Speaking of the sun, make sure you put some sun screen on your face. The high altitude puts you closer to the sun which means you burn a lot easier. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

The Day You Leave:

Make sure at least one person that is not going with you knows where you plan on going. Preferably give them a forest service or topo-map outlining your intended route. This will be key if Search and Rescue has to be called in. If you are going on a major park or wilderness trail don't forget to sign in. Most trailheads have a sign-in log to let the park service know where you are going and how long you will be gone.

Before You Leave Your Vehicle:

This is one of the most important tips in my opinion.

If you are hunting or hiking with somebody alway, always, always, leave the keys at the vehicle. Either with a magnetic hide a key somewhere on the vehicle or under a nearby rock or log. Make sure everyone in your hunting or hiking party knows where the key is before you walk off into the woods. The reason for this is that if the person that has the keys is the one that gets lost or injured someone else can drive for help and not have to walk for it. This can add a lot of time to a critical situation, especially if the injury is the life or death type.

While Your There:

Drink plenty of fluids. The high country is a very dry place even if there is a lot of snow on the ground, the air is still dry. Having a hydration pack is ideal as you can take a few sips every 15 minutes or so. If you don't have one stop every hour and drink up even if you don't feel thirsty. By the time you start feeling thirsty you are already a quart low. Don't take unnecessary chances. Although sliding down that waterfall might be fun back home next to the road any injury here could take many hours or days to get you to medical attention. Its just not worth it.

By: Ron Dolzani
Owner: All Colorado Sports

For more tips on hunting, hiking or anything outdoors visit my website @ http://www.allcoloradosports.com

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Finally Women's Hunting Clothes Designed For The Serious Female Hunter

By: Chris Flynn
August 16, 2009

For too long if you were a female hunter looking for hunting clothing for women you were out of luck. You had to settle for men’s or youth clothes that didn’t fit anyway. The female hunter now has a choice. Prois Hunting Apparel gives you quality and functionality combined with unique features making this clothing line stand out above the rest.

Prois Hunting Apparel was started in early 2008. Kirstie Pike the CEO and founder of Prois Hunting Apparel is an avid hunter and loves the outdoors. Kirstie started the unique Prois hunting line in an effort to provide high-performance, technical huntwear specifically designed for women.

The fabric choice for the Prois clothing is the key to providing quality apparel. The complex, compressed fabrics give wind stopping, moisture wicking, silence and waterproofing abilities to the clothing. The Pro-Edition series has a soft tricot shell, wind stopping laminate and microfleece , which allows controlled warmth without the bulk that is a hindrance in the field. Their Ultra Shirts wick away moisture, which is essential for hot and cold climates. Prois’ Eliminator and Extreme lines offer waterproof/breathable fabrics that are rugged, silent and functional. Their Sherpa garments add plush warmth to any layer. ALL Prois pants are 100% polyester tricot, which makes them silent, soft and snag-resistant. Prois adds the tricot lining to all jackets, vests, and lined pants. Prois Hunting Apparel is for the serious hunter who is looking to stay quiet, warm and dry while pursuing their next big adventure.

Along with fabrics that are durable and functional, Prois adds a few other special features that makes their apparel line a must have for the serious hunter. Prois adds scapular pockets to all jackets and vests, which are designed to carry heat activated packs for added warmth. All jackets and vests also have a lumbar compartment for added gear storage. They have added magnetic snap closures on all pants pockets and the upper arm of the Pro-Edition jacket. These magnetic closures make for easy access and silence.

These unique features combined with high quality fabric choices provide female hunters with an exceptional choice for women’s hunting clothes. Prois is committed to supporting the domestic economy. Their gear is manufactured in California and they work hard to purchase goods that are produced in the U.S.A. when possible. Prois Hunting Apparel is serious huntwear for real women.

Chris Flynn / Owner

West Elk Outdoors

Altitude Sickness also known as Acute Mountain Sickness – Symptoms and Natural Solutions

by: Chris FLynn

August 17, 2009

Each year millions of outdoor enthusiasts travel to the mountains for an adventure.  Whether it be backpacking, skiing, mountain climbing, hunting or other activities, traveling to high altitudes, for some, has its drawbacks.  Many people who come to the mountains in pursuit of adventure often times are coming from significantly lower elevations.  This great difference in elevation may leave some people feeling uncomfortable.  For those unaccustomed to elevation increases it can be downright shocking to their bodies.

The higher we climb above sea level, the less oxygen the air contains.  For people who usually operate below 5000 feet, their bodies aren’t used to working in so little oxygen.  People may begin to experience symptoms of altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Some of the first signs of Acute Mountain Sickness, or AMS, are headache, lightheadedness, weakness, difficulty sleeping and nausea.  In some cases swelling of the hands or feet will occur.  Generally people who are affected by AMS feel the symptoms during the first 3 days of their stay, and often feel better by the 4th day as their bodies acclimate to their surroundings.  More severe symptoms include difficulty breathing, even while resting, coughing, confusion and the inability to walk a straight line.  If you experience these more severe symptoms you should consult a healthcare professional immediately as you may be suffering from a more serious type of altitude sickness.  Symptoms of high altitude sickness may appear within 48 hours of arriving at higher elevation.  The higher the altitude the greater the affects will be.

There are varying degrees of AMS and it can become a very serious illness, but it can also be prevented.  One of the best ways to lessen the affects of altitude sickness is to increase altitude slowly.  If gradual ascent is not possible, especially for those who fly to their destinations, there are other measures that can be taken to ensure health, safety and an enjoyable stay.
•    Avoid strenuous activity for the first day or so.
•    Drink plenty of extra fluids. Acli-Mate® is a unique and energizing mountain sports drink designed to aid in the prevention of altitude sickness AND assist outdoor enthusiasts and hunters in maximizing performance at elevation. The specific combination of natural ingredients including vitamins, minerals, herbs and electrolytes makes Acli-Mate® ideal for mountain visitors and athletes.
•    Limit caffeine as it tends to dehydrate
•    Limit alcohol consumption.  Its effect is magnified at higher altitudes.
•    Maintain a good rest and work cycle before your activities.

Acli-Mate® is effective at reducing symptoms associated with altitude when started upon arrival at your destination. However, increased benefit may be seen by using up to 3 servings daily starting 3 days prior to traveling to elevation. Acli-Mate® is not only beneficial to those seeking to aid in the treatment and prevention of AMS, but is also a great every day alternative to many sports drinks for those who live at elevation.  For active individuals, consume Acli-Mate® 30-60 minutes prior to exercise. You may also mix up a bottle to use both during and after for sustained energy and recovery.

One to three servings daily is suggested. Adjust based upon your anticipated need.Children and individuals sensitive to the energizing effects of B-vitamins should consider limiting the use of Acli-Mate® after 5 pm.

Chris Flynn / Owner

West Elk Outdoors