Yes—there are grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain lions in our area. While they can sound intimidating, we’ve never had one ruin a client’s hunt.

What has stopped hunters in their tracks is much more common:

Improper foot care.

The terrain we hunt can be steep, rugged, and unpredictable. Add changing weather and long days on your feet, and the wrong boots can quickly lead to blisters, bruised toenails, sore feet, or rolled ankles. The right boot setup keeps you hunting comfortably and safely.

 

Buy Your Boots Early (and Break Them In)

• Purchase your boots as early as possible so you can break them in well before the hunt.

• Wear them on hikes, hills, and uneven ground—not just around the house.

• If they cause hot spots now, they’ll cause blisters in the mountains.

Choose the Right Socks

We strongly recommend merino wool socks because they are:

• Breathable

• Moisture-wicking

• Odor resistant

• Durable

Bring multiple pairs so you can rotate and keep your feet dry.

Pack Weatherproofing

• Always leave room in your luggage for weatherproofing wax.

• Even “water-resistant” boots benefit from an extra layer of protection before the hunt.

What to Look for in a Hunting Boot

When selecting boots for our hunts, prioritize:

Must-haves

• Strong ankle support

• Water-resistant (or waterproof) materials

• Harder soles for steep, rocky terrain

Recommended

• Boot weight: under 2 lbs per boot (lighter boots reduce fatigue over long days)

Insulation Recommendations (Match Your Weapon & Season)

 

Choose insulation based on your hunt style:

Archery Hunters

• Non-insulated to 200g Thinsulate

Rifle Hunters

• 200g to 1000g Thinsulate (depending on expected temperatures and how cold your feet run)

 

Final Tip: Don’t Gamble With Your Feet

Your boots are one of the most important pieces of gear you’ll bring. If your feet go down, your hunt goes down—so choose wisely, break them in early, and show up ready.