Woodsman603:
Best thing with boots is to just try a number on. For me, the warmest are the Lacrosse rubber insulated type....waterproof and warm. For walking, goretex lace ups...tough to find a good compromise. Just a thought to put ahead of ya, for when you need to gut that deer...
It is super easy (expected for me) to nick myself. ok, usually more of a slice or two gutting / field dressing the critter, either on your knife or a piece of bone. No need for a bowie knife for the job...my preferred knife is only a 3" fixed blade. watch those fingers, I would be a hurting unit if I had a bleeding disorder! (just a thought....I am pretty sure you can get anticoagulant powder at drug stores....might be a good idea to keep in your hunting parka/ pack. But then again, you probably have more experience with that than me!