Labradors, like Choco (both Os are pronounced as hard Os), don’t seem to be bothered by cold weather like us humanoids are. Even in frozen vegetation, like pictured, they are there for the hunt. We, though, need all the protective clothing we can find. Read on. (Photo by John Jefferson)

by John Jefferson

A longtime friend from high school and Boy Scouts, Jerry “Pig” Conn, called me last Monday.

“Hey, JJ, it’s a perfect day for ducks. We ought to be out there shooting a few,” he stammered out.

Remember last Monday — December 1? It was a perfect day for ducks, but although my feet are somewhat webbed from growing up in Beaumont, I was not interested in the self-abuse that comes from duck or goose hunting. The temp had dropped into the upper 30s. Slight mist was falling. The breeze had a bite when I arose at 4:30 to see my wife off to the airport. The dogs and I went back to bed.

I figured Pig was jesting. I remembered my first goose hunt with Dan Weston and his father on a windswept prairie near the Intercoastal Canal during high school days. I put on all the cold weather clothes I owned and welcomed the adventure. But if teeth chattering could call ducks, we should have been overwhelmed by waterfowl. My hands and ears wanted to go home!

A few years later, hooded sweatshirts were invented, and it got a little better. I was becoming e a writer and joined a writers’ goose hunt near Altair on the famous Lissie-Egypt Prairie. A friend offered his waders; I accepted.

They were too big for me. Their feet fit OVER my boots. But they kept me dry. And sorta comfortable. The marsh was muddy, and my left foot sank several inches into the mud. When I tried to step, my boot came out of the wader’s foot, but the wader foot stayed stuck in the muck … tripping me. I went face down into the marsh. In dim light, it looked like I had applied “black face” on purpose. Thankfully, there hadn’t been cattle in that field! The others tried half-heartedly not to laugh. I hoped nobody took my picture. I could have lost friends over that!

Nowadays, everything has changed. My Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s “Winter Clothing” catalogue came yesterday. I’ve thumbed through it twice … drooling. It’s a hundred pages of everything you could need to keep warm and dry in the Klondike – from outerwear to pajamas to attractive shirts you’d be comfortable wearing to church. One could even call some offerings “Casual Chic!”

Waders, bibs, parkas, sweaters, hats, boots – even some ladies footwear, and, yes, those pajamas! And fake- fur earmuffs. Gift cards make welcomed gifts, too.

Some clothing is available at Cabelas/Bass Pro Shops near you, but our mild weather prevents some of it from being available except from the Winter Clothing Catalogue. Your best bet in getting a free catalogue is to visit https://www.basspro.com/CatalogRequest.

–Duck Season: North Zone is open until January 25. South Zone opens Dec. 13 – January 25.

–Dark Goose Season: Western Zone is open until February 1. Eastern Zone closes January 25.

–Light Goose Season: Western Zone closes February 1. Eastern Zone closes February 15.

So, bundle up and enjoy hunting — wearing enough clothing!

JJ