That means you have a great hunting spot.

I don't believe there's anything on the face of the earth that has a longer shelf life than Pop Tarts.

Well.....I'd be the first to say that Deep East Texas richly deserves any 'bad raps' or stereotypes that exist.

That said, there are a few of us that possess a modicum of common sense and have managed to live into our senior years.

On the subject of open flame combustion heaters (in enclosed areas), they can be used safely....but certain precautions must be adhered to.

It is wise to ALWAYS provide ventilation. I believe the minimum standard is 1 square inch per 1,000 BTU (output) of the device being used.

I recommend using a heater such as the Mr. Heater (Buddy) heaters. They have a couple of important safety features.

1. Tip over shut off. If the unit tips over or is significantly canted....it will automatically shut off.
2. Low oxygen shut off. IF the unit detects a low oxygen condition it will automatically shut off.

Propane (the fuel used with these heaters) does not produce significant amounts of Carbon Monoxide WHEN there is proper and full 'combustion'.

Propane is capable of achieving a state known as 'Ideal Burn' 4 parts propane and 96 parts air (1:24). So...at this ratio, no significant production of Carbon Monoxide to begin with.

BUT....let us imagine a scenario where the mixture was not ideal (but still burning) AND the Low Oxygen shut off feature failed. This is where the practice of using VENTILATION will prevent you from going to sleep and never waking up.

Carbon Monoxide is Odorless, Tasteless, Colorless...so obviously you can't see it. You don't want to be exposed to large amounts of it. It has the potential to kill you.

Trouble is: Not everyone is aware of this, or if they are....may not take it seriously. Tragically....lives are lost every year because of this.

Heaters are not dangerous to use IF you take a couple of simple precautions. USE ventilation and buy a cheap $10.00 'CO detector' and put in your enclosure (tent/blind/camper/etc).

10 year battery

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Kidde-1...bon-Monoxide-Detector-21029714/203728675

^^^^

IDK......'Twinkies' might give them a run for the money.

Lord only knows what they are made from, but they last a LONG time.

Advances in food science allowed Hostess to extend the snack cake's shelf life to 26 days, and today's Twinkie can last a whole 45 days before it goes bad……


I wonder if thats an under estimate on purpose

most freeze dried meals are 30 years

Yes. It's a lawyer driven expiration date.

If there is ever a nuclear apocalypse....I am convinced that Cockk-Roaches, Twinkies and Canned Spam will survive.

Well, I think I'd eat the cockroaches before the canned spam...just sayin.

And Keith Richards.

For the buddy heater, I bring a small fleece blanket with me. I have shelves right beneath my windows, so I’ll hang one end of the blanket on the shelves, the other over my shoulders, to keep the heat from the buddy heater trapped. Then I can keep my windows open while keeping the heat inside the blind.

Well, first of all, I have a blind box. For years, I just had tree and tripod stands that were open to the elements.

Catalytic heater for the winter
USB powered fan for the summer.
Wasp spray
Padding for the folding chairs
Sand bags
Then I usually have an audiobook going in one ear

still remember my dad talking about using a propane heater in a closed space ... he would say "open up a window or you might wake up dead". just one of his little quirky sayings

I may have my Little Buddy heater this year. Beyond that I am pretty Spartan.

Okay now that I think about it I have a stadium seat with a fleece blanket I carry.

Other than something to drink, I carry very little. I used to carry a book, but once I checked my camera and saw a buck had come by while I was reading I leave those at home.
I have started carrying a sleeping bag for the days when is is really cold.
I do carry my phone for safety but leave it on vibrate.

Coffee for sure in the AM with an occasional Lil’ Debbie Christmas Tree snack. Have a small radio and a good book for the slow times.

Binocs, paperback Western book

On most Mr. Heaters you can take the gaurd off, turn it over and the bottom prongs will insert in the top and make a flat grill area to warm foods up!

These are pretty handy. Have them for all my heaters that are in box blinds.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304738555739

I don't do much blind hunting since I'd rather glass, spot and stalk. But if I am going to be in a blind there will be a thermos of hot coffee in there with me. You can be certain of that!

What? No one has mentioned a nice, dry red and a well-prepared charcuterie board heavy on the dry cheeses???

Right. May need something to round out the hotdogs from the grill. Maybe some music to complete the mood.

That doesn't sound to bad at all.