So with this influx of cold weather I realized that I am not properly equipped to bow hunt in these conditions. My cold weather gear is too bulky and I honestly do a bad job of practicing with that much clothing on. What are some ideas you guys have to keep warm and cut down on clothing bulk?

I have the same issue. Once its too cold for my late season fleece and fleece pants I just carry a rifle. Hard to shoot a bow in a marshmallow suit.

Better quality clothing you can layer

I wear thin base layers (anywhere from 1-3 depending on temps) then a polar fleece top layer. I cut the thumb & index finger at 2nd knuckle on my right hand glove to allow me to feel my handheld release during shot. Keep my hands in front pocket of pullover so hand warmth even with missing glove fingers isn't an issue. I'm only drawing 62#'s AND I shorten my draw length 1/2in. Minimal effect on tune and speed but a world of difference when trying to draw back or holding at full draw on a 25deg morning. YMMV but it's what works for me.

this and a good sleeve supressor

I just layer up and practice shooting with all of those layers on. The most crucial thing for me in extremely cold weather are hand warmers. I have an insulated Montana Browning jacket that has huge pockets on either side and plenty of room to draw my bow with multiple layers on. I put a couple of hand warmers in each pocket (or use one of those sleeves that snap around your waist) so I can use no gloves or at least lighter weight gloves so I can still easily get my hand in my bow wrist sling and not affect my release/trigger. Doing this keeps my hands very warm for if/when I need to shoot. I can't shoot my bow with bulkier/warmer gloves.

Sitka gear fanatic. Worth every hard earned penny I paid

put a body warmer on both kidneys and a hand warmer in your tobogon

I hunted in Michigan for 5yrs in the cold. My bow poundage was set for cold sits. Some folks that had to work to draw their bow while practicing, couldn't draw back in the crappy weather.
As you know, the muscles get tight sitting extended periods, add in the cold and its worse.

Look into layering. Check out at Cabelas wind shear. Learning how to properly layer is everything when you hunt in cold weather. Defeating the wind affects will help you defeat the cold.

Good arm guard that goes from forearm to bicep.

If you think you don’t need one, put on all of your cold weather gear and go shoot a few arrows and see what your group looks like. Farther out than 20 yards.

I wear the same one all season long to keep from affecting arrow flight.

Just finished 4 days in Illinois where it never got over 15* with snow.

I’ve bowhunted in some dang cold weather and I layer up with several good base layers and a wind proof outer layer. As long as I have hot hands for my hands I can sit in anything. I turned my bow poundage down for this very reason, to be able to draw in the worst possible situations.

I usually have no issues with the layering. Im happy with the system Ive got there. I believe my biggest issue is the wind and that I cant wear gloves ora face mask right now because Im not comfortable anchoring with either. Suppose Ill have to deal with that issue.
Ive looked into the sitka stuff, and maybe one day..... but not at the moment. Any other good wind proof stuff out there? Are the down/ synthetic down vests worth the money?

1. Keep your head, hands, and feet warm and don't bulk up on the upperbody so much.
2. Keep your collars out of the way.
3. An arm guard may help.
4. Have a bow holder and don't hold on to that metal riser very long.
5. Be ready to remove your gloves (unless you practice with gloves).
6. Practice with what you wear.

x2. Got to make sure your string doesn't slam into your clothing.

And this too...
"I turned my bow poundage down for this very reason, to be able to draw in the worst possible situations."

For your hands, get a muff and throw some hand warmers in there. I only pull my hands out when it's time to grab my bow and draw. I wear a super thin glove (I think it's for turkey hunting technically, like that matters...) on my hand that holds the bow.

I practice shooting with my facemask on, so I can't help you there much. Before I practiced with it, I would wear it up until I saw deer coming in, then just pull it down.

bend yer bow holding arm to lessen string slap.

If you have good shooting form and a bow that fits you, there's no reason to use an arm guard.

I wear synthetic base layer bottoms, regular bdu pants, and insulated bibs(wind and waterproof).
I wear an UA synthetic short sleeve shirt, a long sleeve UA shirt, a Smartwool 1/4 zip, Marmot Reactor 1/4 zip fleece, UA heat gear 1/4 zip. If it's really cold, I wear a Drake MST 1/4 zip(wind and waterproof).

I wear an Avery fleece neck gaiter and a Smartwool merino beenie over a ball cap.

I only wear thin cotton gloves(same ones I wear turkey hunting).

None of this gets in the way or affects me shooting my bow.

That’s because you’re weird Brad. . I always were an arm guard while in the stand when wearing long sleeves. Sometimes you can’t hold that perfect form when having to twist to get a shot. Even with perfect form and a properly fitted bow a sleeve may get in the way.

Like everyone else said layer up. I also use vests for my core. Bow is set at 60lbs. I don't care a glove on my release hand because it will make you use a different hole on your release. That makes you anchor different.