Never used an Encore hunting here in the cold. But I sure have hunted in cold weather. The worst was -28º degrees. Thank goodness there was no wind. None of us lasted too long that day hunting. It was the last weekend of muzzleloader season here in Northern Wisconsin (last of December). I was using my T/C Renegade and the rifle did not seem to mind the cold. One thing I heard is the point of impact is different in the bitter cold because of the powder and the way it ignites. Whether this is true I could not tell you. I have often shot in the cold, say the 20º range and really noticed no difference in rifle. I would make sure any oil used in the trigger or hammers are able to take that cold temp. It will be interesting to hear how your hunt goes. I had friends that tried that caribou hunt and never saw one close enough to shoot at.