How to Stay Hydrated When Hunting in Summer Heat

I have never been one to let the weather keep me out of the field, so I do have to plan accordingly to make my time out in the field more enjoyable. Staying cool and hydrated in the heat can be the difference between having a great day outdoors or ending up in a bind. 

Along with carrying everything you need to hunt, you also need to think of what you need to stay hydrated in the field. So, whether you're scouting or hunting in summer when the weather is warm, follow these tips to stay hydrated!

Why Hydration Must Be a Priority When Hunting In Summer

At the low end of the range, the average person needs about a gallon of water a day to survive. However, in general, recommendations from health experts say that men should drink 15.5 cups of water per day while women should consume 11.5 cups of water daily.

No matter where you fall in that range, if we don’t consume enough water, we can risk becoming dehydrated. In the field, if dehydration is severe enough, hunters can become fatigued, be at an increased risk of heatstroke, and experience impaired judgment.

On the flip side, being properly hydrated can actually increase focus and stamina. Following that logic, staying hydrated can make you a better hunter!

Hydration Safety Tips: Start By Planning Ahead

So, whether you're heading out to scout or hunt during the summer (or any warm day), following some crucial hydration safety tips can help you have a much better day.

Always plan to carry enough water for the entire hunt while keeping in mind the potential heat and activity levels you’ll be experiencing. You’ll need more water if hiking or still hunting through the woods than sitting in a blind.

I have known hunters who will even pack in and cache jerry cans of water during the summer for future extended backpack archery hunts when conditions are usually still hot and dry.

My Setup

I like to use a multifaceted approach to carrying water that I’ve honed over several years of hunting high desert country. I carry a 70-ounce bladder-style hydration pack so I can easily access water without having to stop and open my pack. I find that I am more likely to drink from its attached hose regularly compared to when I am only planning a break to stop, rest, and replenish.

While I personally have never had it happen, bladder-style packs may be prone to puncture or leaks in hose connection points, so I also carry a 32-ounce Nalgene-style water bottle with a screw lid as an extra water supply in my pack’s side pocket. I also carry a Lifestraw portable water filter in the bottom of my daypack in case I get stuck out longer than planned or something seriously goes wrong.

Water purification tablets or drops can also be a smart and lightweight choice for extended time in the woods with natural water sources when boiling is not an option.

Plan Your Timing and Location of Hunts

To avoid dehydration and heat-related ailments, time your hunts during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, when animals are most active. Target shaded areas or locations near water where animals are more likely to seek solar cover and relief from the heat.

What Should You Drink?

Water (obviously) is the best beverage for staying hydrated in the field. However, you can also add electrolyte packets (like Liquid IV) or similar brands to your water bottle to replenish salts that are depleted and lost through sweat.

Electrolyte powders come in a variety of flavors and are a nice change from the monotony of drinking only water. I only add these to water bottles, as bladder-style packs can be difficult to clean thoroughly. Avoid caffeine or alcohol, as both are considered diuretics and can contribute to dehydration by increased production of urine.

Drink sports drinks or electrolyte mixes, such as Gatorade or Pedialyte, when necessary, as these can contain a high amount of sugar.

Dress for Success

During the summer months, wear lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable clothing that helps keep your core temperature cool while also allowing sweat and heat to dissipate from your body. Many camo clothing manufacturers have patterns and materials suited for summer environments that help conduct airflow.

Make sure you have a good pair of summer hunting boots, too.

Wide-brimmed hats and cooling neck gaiters are a great way to stay cool and keep the sun off your skin. Avoid carrying heavy gear or packs that cause you to exert and sweat more. When possible, opt for multi-functional tools to reduce the amount of gear needed and your pack weight.

Treat the Heat

Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, dizziness, or reduced sweating. Drink small amounts of water consistently throughout the day rather than waiting until you feel thirsty. Pack a first aid kit with rehydration salts or electrolyte powders and know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and how to treat them.

Taking regular breaks at timed intervals and resting in shaded or breezy areas when stopping can help to lower your core body temperature. Use these breaks to rehydrate and refuel with a snack while reassessing your hunting strategy or checking your gear.

Know the Area and Weather

Research your hunting area's climate ahead of time and adjust your hydration plan as needed. Streams, seeps, and waterholes can be fickle during drier months, so always have a backup plan if relying on natural water sources.

One of my best summer hunting tips is to check weather forecasts and the HuntWise app for up-to-date weather insights, including heat advisories or sudden storms that may pop up during the summer months.

Bonus Summer Hunting Tips (Animals Need Water, Too)

If you're out in the heat to hunt or scout, make sure the day is a success!

Remember: Animals need increased amounts of water during warm weather, just like we do. During the hot summer and early season, game animals will typically water up to three times during daylight-hunting hours.

Most animals will go to water:

• Before bedding down in the morning
• Again, leaving their beds at midday
• And then after getting up to go feed in the evening

I’ve had great success hog hunting in the Texas summer heat by sweating it out sitting over water holes in the middle of the day, with most activity from around 11 am to 1 pm.

Pay extra attention to scent control, thermals, and wind direction, as sweating will greatly increase your scent profile. Using lightweight blinds or treestands to get up in the breeze can help to contain, reduce, or direct your scent away from lower-lying areas.

Drink Plenty of Water and Check HuntWise for Summer Hunts

Summer can still be a great time to get out in the woods, but staying cool and hydrated can make it much more enjoyable. I hope these tips help you plan for the water you need while hunting in summer so you can scout or hunt successfully in the heat.

Don't forget to download HuntWise to get hunting and weather forecasts and live radar for your specific hunting location. 
Try it free this summer for your first week.