Hunting can be an exciting pastime for people that are serious about the activity. Unlike swimming, fishing or hiking, hunting is largely a game of wits, of course with the animals. You must outwit their heightened senses and craftiness, after a high level of physical endurance.
Big game hunting is not child’s play, but it can be an extremely rewarding activity. To get your prize, you will need to plan beforehand, and practice patience, and more patience. The following are some of the tips that will prove invaluable.
Find the Right Equipment and Practice
The most important factor that will determine success is the equipment and skills you have. You cannot expect to be successful with a substandard rifle and varmint scope – invest in the best and hunting will not be as hard. It is also necessary to develop shooting skills in different positions.
Invest in such equipment as turkey calls. Occasional turkey calls as you change position instills confidence in deer and reassures them that all is well as they feed.
Good big game hunters can take down a target while crouched, standing or even in a hidden position. Missed shots can cost you a successful hunting expedition, and so it is necessary to practice and practice even more. You will also need to perfect the stalking skills while staying conscious of the wind direction.
Keep in mind that most of the animals in the wild can wind you out even before you have a chance of spotting them, and you’d be left wondering what you did wrong.
Stick to One Species
Among the mistakes that novice hunters make is to go into the hunting ground without a laser-like focus. They go hoping to nab something to pamper their ego among peers. However, lack of a clear objective is a direct ticket to going home empty-handed and with a forlorn look.
Like you would with any other project, plan, and focus on one species at first when big game hunting. If it’s buck hunting, then it should be buck hunting to the end. Such a focus allows you to learn everything you need regarding the species and your chances of success increase.
For example, knowing the feeding habits, natural environment, and mating habits helps you track and outsmart the buck. Remember that these animals survive so well in the wild, with numerous other predators by being smart. Adaptation has given them sharp eyesight, smell, and hearing, and you need be at your best rifle scope to succeed.
Choose Small Hunting Grounds with High Chances of Success
Before you can gain the necessary experience, as a hunter, it is often a great idea to choose smaller areas, where your chances of success are high. Private grounds and game reservations have one thing in common, you are sure of finding and nabbing something.
You will also gain valuable experience by hunting in a more or less controlled environment. However, choose a place that will give you a bit of a challenge. There’s no use shooting an animal that does not have a good space for flight, where is the fairness in this?
Ideally, a good hunting ground should require you to walk a mile or so, tracking the big game.
And while you are at it, you should brush up on some of the basics of hunting. For example, the animal will need to drink water. They have their favorite watering holes, they visit at particular times of the day.
There is also a particular trail they follow to their bedding, or feeding places, away from the watering hole and from so much activity. You will also need to know when a particular species is active. Some are nocturnal while others are active during the day.
Keep Moving
Silent and careful movement is important when stalking or studying the game. If you are already at the feeding ground, study the terrain around you as you take a few steps to where you will acquire a clean shot. Check for anything out of place and let it determine your next course of action.
If you see some of the game scampering, just know they may be the first that saw you. Move slower and check the wind direction. Plan your steps well to keep moving while keeping an eye on the game, and the terrain.
Final Word
Big game hunting can be a very exciting and fulfilling activity, or a frustrating one. To be successful, you will need to develop the right hunting skills and have the right equipment – hunting is not easy, especially if you are a beginner.
Ideally, you should have all the necessary information regarding a particular species at your fingertips. For example, their feeding habits, mating season, the trail they follow to bedding and the waterhole they frequent. If you follow the above tips, then chances of taking a buck home will be easier.
