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Do you want to be a more successful hunter? Have you realized there are many things you need to learn to take your hunting skills to the next level? Hunting is an exciting and rewarding outdoor activity. In this article, we discuss 7 tips to help you hunt like a professional.
- Use TechnologyToday, we have a lot of technology at our fingertips that we sometimes take for granted. It is not only useful for entertainment and communicating with friends and others, but can also be used for other activities like hunting.Before you go out to hunt, take advantage of satellite technology and study the area you want to hunt from the comfort of your home. Use Google Earth to focus on the area looking at the topography for valleys, rivers, transition lines, funnels, and areas that could serve as cover for the animals you want to hunt.Additionally, look for possible travel routes, and inaccessible areas that could serve as sanctuaries for the animals when the hunting pressure becomes intense. Take note of the areas before physically getting to the area. Moreover, you can also use hunting apps like onX, HuntStand, or HuntWise to study the landscape.
- Learn To ScoutIf you want to learn how to hunt, spend some quality time learning how to properly scout an area for the animal you want to target. You might need a mentor to cut the learning curve and teach you how to properly scout.Many beginner hunters take scouting lightly and this is a great mistake. It can be the difference between a highly successful hunting season and a frustrating one after many days and nights out in the woods.You want to learn how to study animal tracks, study their droppings, the sounds they make, how to discover their travel routes, how to pattern them, what they eat, when they come out to eat, and when they bed into sleep. It may seem simple, but properly learning how to scout, will help you gather the information needed before the hunting season begins.
- Scent ControlOne of the most important disciplines of hunting that is often overlooked is scent control. Commit to mastering scent control and you will be a more successful hunter. Most animals have a very good sense of smell. It is part of their defense system as well as part of their predatory system to find food.Many hunters take scent control for granted to their detriment. Before you go out to hunt, you should practice scent control at the highest level. The clothes that you will wear when hunting must be washed with scent-free soap and stored in a scent-free sealed bag before the day of the hunt.Similarly, the footwear you will wear must be stored and kept away from the scent in your home, especially food, perfume, and cigarette scent. Make it a habit to keep the footwear sealed up until you arrive at the hunting ground. Then take it out and put it on when you are about to go into the woods to hunt. It may seem very extreme, but the results will prove this is the right approach.
If an animal picks up your scent, it will immediately leave the area before you realize it. You will spend many hours looking for it, not knowing that it picked up your scent many hours ago and is no longer in the area.
Additionally, also learn to determine the wind direction and move downwind of the area you expect the animal to be in that you are hunting. You don’t want the wind taking your scent to the animals.
- State Hunting RulesAlways learn the hunting rules of the state that you will be hunting in with regard to the animals that you want to hunt. States have different laws and regulations concerning hunting animals. You want to know the laws and abide by them to avoid any legal action.
- Local Authorities/Wildlife BiologistsMany hunters simply take this for granted or don’t know how resourceful these professionals are for their hunting careers. Make it a habit to locate the local area authorities or wildlife biologists for the area that you want to hunt.They are experts in their field and have spent their lives studying the animals in the area. They know the age range of the animals, and their migratory, mating, and eating habits.These authorities possibly know the areas where the animals are often located, food sources, bedding areas, and much more information. You can find these authorities on the state’s department of natural resources website.
Find their contact information and give them a call. Inform them of your research via satellites and on- the-ground scouting and then listen to how much valuable information they will gladly give you.
Build friendships with them as you will learn so much in an hour of conversation that would have taken you years to learn by experience.
- Hunting At NightSome animals, like deer, are pretty smart and avoid hunters and human traffic during the day. They spend most of the day sleeping and will come out at night to feed. This habit helps them not only avoid hunters but also other predators. Learning how to hunt deer at night is a valuable skill to have for hunting success.Hunting at night is more challenging than during the day due to the lack of light but can be more rewarding if you learn to master it. You will need night vision scopes and other equipment that may improve your chances of a successful night hunt.Additionally, it is also more dangerous to hunt at night as some animals are more aggressive and territorial during the night and may not hesitate to attack you if they feel you are encroaching on their territory. It is always a safe practice to hunt with friends or other hunters at night.
- ConcealmentTo be successful when hunting, you must learn to conceal your movements and position at all times. Most animals don’t only have a good sense of smell, but good eyesight and sense of hearing as well. They know the sounds of other animals and the sounds of hunters and other predators.When they hear sounds that indicate danger, they will leave the area before you realize it. Learn to walk on your front toes and avoid as much noise as possible. Discipline yourself to take a few steps, and stand still for a while before moving.Additionally, learn to move your eyes and not your head and entire body. When animals pick up your body movement, you can just pack up for the day and return home.
- SafetySafety is very important when hunting, whether during the day or at night. Learn to practice good hunting habits and protocols. Always be mindful that other hunters or individuals may be in the vicinity of you as you hunt.Many hunting accidents occur because a hunter didn’t follow the right safety protocols. Always wear the orange safety vest and follow all of the safety guidelines when hunting. This will not only ensure the safety of others but also yours.Conclusion
Hunting is an exciting and rewarding outdoor activity that allows you to escape daily activities and interact with nature. Additionally, it is rewarding not only for the game meat but also helps to develop other areas of your personality. If you are interested in learning more about hunting, then visit the Hunting Terrain.
