Filming Hunts in Poor Weather

by: Tom Sorenson

It’s no secret that electronics and water don’t mix well, and it’s equally known that hunting and wet weather frequently pair off as partners. As more and more sportsmen get into the act of filming their outdoor excursions, one problem repeatedly raises its head: what do you do when trying to film in inclement weather?

The answer is not simple, and it’s not all inclusive, but together, with a little luck and timing, you can still capture the moment in spite of mother nature.

Have a Plan

The Boy Scouts know what they’re talking about. The quickest route to success is to simply have a plan. In this instance that means a few obvious details: check the weather report, charge batteries, organize your equipment, and expect wet weather even when the forecast says hot and dry. The big deal here is organizing your equipment so that you have quick access to your gear protection. For us, gear protection is a plastic bag we’ve cut to fit our camera and rubber bands to hold it in place. You may laugh, but we constantly hear people complain about the waterproof case they bought for their cameras…we’ve never had a problem with our model, and what’s more – if ours gets old and worn out, we grab another one from the pantry. Regardless of how you choose to protect your equipment, it is important to have quick access to it in case the moisture comes quick and heavy.

Quality Not Quantity

Under normal conditions, you will want to keep that camera rolling as much as you can – you might think you can re-enact a scene or stage a setup, but the reality is, it is never pulled off with the success the creator thinks. However, when filming in wet weather, priorities have to be restructured, and that means, unless you’ve got deep pockets, you’ve got to be thinking about the care of your camera. Instead of filming constantly, you’ll have to hone in your instincts and focus on getting the necessary shots for the hunt. You might not get the funny joke your hunting buddy told, but you better not miss getting his shot on film. His joke probably wasn’t that funny anyways. Understand that there is a tightrope that you’ll have to walk and it may take some adjusting. Two things happen on wet weather hunts – a camera person is too careless and films too much, thus ruining a camera, or a camera person is too cautious and when the film comes back to the editing room, there’s nothing to work with. It’s not an easy balance to find, and sometimes the best thing to do is exersize the kind of sense that is called common but isn’t.

Communicate

This is important in dry weather as well as wet, but is magnified in wet conditions.  Wet weather is only going to add to the pressure of each situation as hunter and videographer attempt to close in on their prey. The hunter becomes more focused on what they’re ultimately there for, and the videographer is often cussing equipment or the hunter or both for not cooperating. Finding game through a scope in wet weather can be difficult – finding game through a tiny viewfinder on a camera can be downright impossible. This is where communication will be key. As the hunter keys in on making the shot, the videographer will often have to instigate the conversation here – make sure you’re zoomed in on the same animal that is in the crosshairs. As stated earlier, finding your quarry through the little viewfinder is downright tough in wet weather – especially in snowy and/or foggy conditions. In such conditions, you’ll be limited by how far the camera will reach. If you’re on a rifle hunt, there is every possibility that the hunter will be able to see the target through their scope but videographer won’t be able to see it through the camera. Speak up or forever hold your peace. This can add frustration to a hunt, but if you’re serious about getting the hunt captured in its entirety, you’ve got to communicate what’s going on. If the hunter elects to shoot anyway, at least you’ve done your part.

Of course no matter what weather you’re filming in, be true to your goals. If you’re doing it for fun, don’t make it feel like work.

Post sponsored by Base Camp Legends Video Production