Whiteout Whitetails

Hunt deer with a muzzleloader in a blizzard.

- Larry Swenson

More than 30 years ago, I discovered a deer-hunting technique that few hunters capitalize on: hunting in severe blizzards. I’m talking about conditions with up to 50-mph winds and hammering snow. This usually ensues in December in the northern states and Canadian provinces—not necessarily every year—and it isn’t for the play-it-safe hunter.

Hunting deer in whiteout conditions with a smoke-pole in hand is exhilarating, but it isn’t for everyone. The risks and potential dangers must be weighed, much like deciding whether to travel by car or plane.

You can’t predict when you’ll be able to hunt in a blizzard. It seems that a harsh blizzard happens during the December muzzle loader season only about once every five years where I live in Minnesota. You simply must be ready and willing when a blizzard unfolds.

Safety and Caution

Two to 5 miles from your home base is about as far as one should venture out in a blizzard, and traveling even medium distances to and from your hunting location in near zero visibility can be dangerous. If possible, stay within walking distance of home in case your vehicle breaks down. One year after I’d shot a buck only 2 miles from home, my son, Mike, brought my homemade deer cart to haul it out. After retrieving the deer and loading it into the vehicle, the 2-mile drive home took place at walking speed, as darkness was falling and light from our headlights reflected off the snow and back at us. At times, it was nearly impossible to tell if we were even on the road. That part wasn’t fun. This is also why I don’t have pictures of my blizzard-hunting excursions; time is of the essence.