Hunting Strategies

With eco-activist groups protesting recreational hunting, outsiders looking in often fail to realize big game hunters’ positive role in population control, environmental conservation, and preventing extinction. Unbeknownst to most non-hunters, some light research will reveal that conservation programs are almost funded entirely by the tax revenues on guns and ammo and hunting and fishing licenses. That said, when embarking on a big game hunt, not will you treat yourself to the hunting excursion of a lifetime, you’ll do your part to protect local wildlife for generations to come.

Some hunters believe that all you need to do to harvest a big game animal is show up with a powerful enough rifle and optics, but experienced hunters know that this isn’t the case. Big game hunts are no simple task, and hunters who fail to prepare for the challenge ahead are unlikely to succeed.

To ensure that you fill your tag and stock up your freezer, you will need to prepare physically, mentally, and logistically before heading out.

Give Food Plots a Go

To achieve your big game goals and successfully harvest the buck of your dreams, you will need to think outside of the box. While some hunters choose to hunt and stalk, others have seen great success utilizing food plots. When adopting an unconventional approach,  you’ll need to secure a high-quality deer food plot seed from retailers like Nature’s Seed. That way, you can lure hungry deer and encourage these big game to return to the area repeatedly.

To start a food plot, you will first need to clear an area of fallen trees and brush to create a wide-open path for wandering wildlife. Using this tactic, you can guarantee you’ll have a clean shot.

After clearing these vision-obstructing objects, look for the most open areas where it will be easiest to take a shot. Once you’ve located an expanse with high visibility, clear the path further by removing weeds. Then, add your feed to these open areas to create an irresistible food plot, sure to attract nearby deer.

Do your homework

Too many hunters get a tag for a big game animal and pick an area at random to hunt. With this strategy, rookie hunters wear themselves out hiking and looking for an animal that may not even be in the area and end up wasting their tag.

To avoid flushing your hard-earned cash down the drain, research the areas with the big game on your wishlist and keep your eyes peeled for tell-tale signs that you’ve selected suitable hunting grounds. Some state agencies and biologists will publish info regarding the numbers of herds in an area and their migration patterns.

For those hunters planning on referring to a guide during their hunt, do your homework and choose an outfitter with an impressive track record of experience.

Use the right caliber of rifle

While there is no perfect caliber bullet for all hunting purposes, there are accepted ranges of calibers for specific animals. For instance, even though your bolt action 22lr is lightweight and easy to pack around while hiking in the mountains, it’s likely not powerful enough to bring down big game. Instead, you should be using a rifle that is chambered in powerful calibers, such as 6.5 Creedmoor or 30-06, with the range and power needed to bring down a large game animal.

Have your rifle and scope zeroed

The time to zero in your rifle and test its ability to hit targets from long distances accurately is not when you arrive at the hunting grounds. Instead, zero-in your gun and optics weeks in advance, if not months in advance. Big game hunts commonly require you to make a shot from hundreds of yards away, and if you have not taken the time to zero in your rifle and optics, your odds of an accurate shot are slim to none.

Buy good boots and break them in

Before hitting the road, break in your brand-new hunting boots. Remember, on the run-of-the-mill hunting excursion, hunters spend well over 12 hours each day on their feet, traversing rugged terrain.

For those daring enough to set out on day-long hikes without breaking in your boots, expect blisters and debilitating pain. For best results, start out wearing your boots around the house, and in the months leading up to your hunt, go on hikes with them to ensure they are comfortable enough to keep you going on those physically-taxing days.

Parting shot

Because you miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take, a fighting spirit is, perhaps, the most essential tool you’ll lug along on your hunting excursion. If your best efforts prove unsuccessful, don’t hang your head in defeat. Instead, dust yourself off, and employ these success-boosting strategies during your upcoming hunt.