Essential Hunting Skills for Beginners: A Scouting and Stalking Game
Congratulations on passing your gun safety course! It's completely normal to have a mix of emotions - excitement, nerves, and maybe even a bit of fear. Many new hunters view these courses as the foundation of their hunting knowledge, which is true in many ways. They cover critical concepts that are essential for building your hunting skills.
But, let's be honest - you may also have some worries about learning to hunt. It's normal to have questions like:
Am I supposed to walk a certain way in the woods?
What if I get lost or disoriented?
How do I identify which animals are present?
What is the best way to hunt?
What do I do if I actually successfully hunt and kill an animal?
These are all valid concerns, and it's important to address them before heading out on your first hunt. With a bit of practice and guidance, you can overcome these fears and develop the skills necessary to become a successful hunter.
In this blog post, 8 Fans will be your trusty guides, leading you through the wilderness and sharing with you all the crucial hunting skills you need to know. So join us on an exciting journey into the wild world of hunting!
What Should Beginners Hunt
Knowing what beginners should hunt is crucial to successfully testing out and honing your hunting skills. Jumping straight to bigger game when you don’t have previous experience will not only prove to be a challenge, but it could be dangerous, as well. Consider practicing with some easier game instead of diving straight into hunting mule or elk.
Before we learn hunting skills, let's have a look at what beginners should hunt, so here are some great options for what beginners should hunt.
Pheasants
Pheasant is a classic option for hunting and an excellent choice for beginners. Not only are they one of the easier birds to hunt, but they’re also incredibly delicious, providing some great motivation during your hunt.
While some animals are best hunted solo, pheasant is a good option if you’re looking for something to hunt for as a group. Invite some of your more experienced hunting friends to accompany you.
Ducks
Duck hunting is another fantastic option for beginners. Ducks always travel in groups, so with the proper gun set-up and a little patience, you could get more than one duck at a time, which is a big motivator for many.
Another reason this is such a good option for beginners is that duck hunting does not require absolute silence. If you’re hunting with someone, you can carry on a conversation without running the risk of scaring your target away.
Raccoons
Not only are raccoons an easy option for someone just getting into hunting, but there is also some great utility that comes with hunting raccoons. Raccoons are known as being thieves, but they’re not just digging through your trash can. Hunting raccoons is also an excellent way to keep them from destroying bird nests and gardens.
Rabbits
Rabbits are easy to find but very fast, making them a great option for a beginner hunter looking for a challenge. Rabbits are also another easy target to hunt that provides some delicious meat afterward!
If you’re planning on hunting rabbits, you will want to consider bringing a hunting dog along for the adventure. A beagle is a great breed to bring along when hunting rabbits.
Turkeys
Another great option for beginners, you will often find turkeys in wooded areas. When getting ready for your hunt, you will want to dress in camouflage. You will also want to invest in a turkey call; it will make a big difference in how successful you are!
Gear and Tools You Should Carry
It’s likely your standard hunting equipment will work for spot-and-stalk hunting. If you possess a good binocular, semi-lightweight boots or shoes, and an accurate rifle, you can get the job done. That said, let’s take a look at some gear I consider ideal for spotting and stalking.
Binocular
First and foremost, when spotting and stalking, you need good optics to spot your game - so investing in a quality binocular is crucial. A 10x42mm binocular is perfect for most spot-and-stalk hunting scenarios.
Shoes
Heavy hunting boots might not be ideal when you need to move fast. So, opt for lightweight footwear with semi-soft soles to move and work comfortably. Remember to break them in well before your hunting trip.Heavy hunting boots might not be ideal when you need to move fast. So, opt for lightweight footwear with semi-soft soles to move and work comfortably. Remember to break them in well before your hunting trip.
Headlamp
When hunting, the chance of being out in low light conditions or even after sunset is very high. This is where a reliable headlamp comes in. It keeps your hands free for handling gear, climbing, or even field dressing the game. Look for a headlamp that provides a bright, focused light, and also has a long battery life. Models with adjustable brightness settings can help preserve your night vision and extend battery life. Some advanced headlamps even offer red or green light settings, which can be less likely to spook certain animals.
Fire Starter
Despite not being directly related to the act of hunting, carrying a reliable fire starter is essential for any hunting trip. It's a vital part of your survival kit. Whether you need to warm up, cook food, purify water, or signal for help, the ability to quickly and easily start a fire can be a lifesaver.
Hunting Accessories
Apart from all the gear you need on your hunting trip, remember that there are also essential accessories. You can bring rifles, lures, scent killers, and cover scents to support your hunting. You might also need cameras, spotlights, and binoculars. Don’t forget your favorite hunting backpack, knife, license holder, compass, and blind chair.
Scouting: A Walk and Observation in the Woods
No, that’s not just an entertaining book by Bill Bryson (seriously, you should read it if you haven’t). You also need to learn how to read and interpret the outdoors. Not to mention figuring out how to actually move in it.
Scouting for Animal Signs
Looking for animal signs is not rocket science, it is just about paying careful attention to your surroundings. The very first step in spotting game is to find a good position for observation. Usually, hilltops, ridges, and high elevations work best. But sometimes, you might find the valleys more suitable for your purpose, especially when hunting above timberline with no trees to blur your view.
Once you have located your position, make sure you're comfortably set up. You won't be able to focus on spotting game if you're not comfortable. Use any object available to support and steady your binocular, such as your backpack, trekking pole, or a rocky outcropping. Serious spot-and-stalk hunters usually carry a lightweight tripod for this.
Now that you are perfectly comfortable and have stabilized your optic, scrutinize every spot that potentially can attract game. Consider what the animal might be doing (sleeping, feeding, etc.) at that time and focus on areas that encourage this predicted behavior. When you have carefully examined everything, go over it again. Often, you'll spot game the second, third, or fourth time over, as animals move around, shadows change, and conditions vary.
Remember, the slower you move, the more you will notice. The final step in learning to scout is to use this information to decide where to hunt. We will cover those details later on. Make plans and get outdoors this weekend to practice this essential hunting skill. By next fall, you'll have it down to a T. When you first start to pick out these details, it will be a real eye-opener, and you'll realize how much exciting activity is going on around you in the natural world that you hadn't noticed before. Scouting for animal signs is one of the most vital hunting skills you will ever learn.
If you do spot an animal, resist the temptation to leap up and announce, "I found one!" Chances are you'll never locate it again. Instead, keep your glass locked on the animal and memorize its surroundings, take note of that particular tree that looks different, the rocky outcropping just below, and the ravine that runs across its left. This way, when you need to re-focus on the animal later, you'll have an easier time.
How to Walk in the Woods
Walking in the woods can be a thrilling experience, especially when you're trying to be as quiet as possible. The key is finding the right balance between moving and staying as stealthy as you can. To achieve that, you need to slow down and walk at a different pace.
One of the best hunting skills to practice is being stealthy in the woods. It's a primal connection to the outdoors that can truly enhance your experience. Here's a helpful tip: start by placing the ball of your foot down first and feel for branches or leaves underfoot. Try to find a bare spot to step on, so you won't make any noise. Then slowly lower your heel and shift your weight onto it.
It's important to look ahead at least a few steps and plot your course, so you can walk while also focusing on the surrounding woods. Be patient and take your time, as moving too quickly can easily scare off potential targets.
However, don't worry too much about walking this slowly if you're only out hunting small game or scouting. You can simply move slower than normal and try to avoid making too much noise. Overall, walking in the woods should be an enjoyable experience regardless of whether you're trying to be stealthy or simply taking in the beauty of nature.Walking in the woods can be a thrilling experience, especially when you're trying to be as quiet as possible. The key is finding the right balance between moving and staying as stealthy as you can. To achieve that, you need to slow down and walk at a different pace.
One of the best hunting skills to practice is being stealthy in the woods. It's a primal connection to the outdoors that can truly enhance your experience. Here's a helpful tip: start by placing the ball of your foot down first and feel for branches or leaves underfoot. Try to find a bare spot to step on, so you won't make any noise. Then slowly lower your heel and shift your weight onto it.
It's important to look ahead at least a few steps and plot your course, so you can walk while also focusing on the surrounding woods. Be patient and take your time, as moving too quickly can easily scare off potential targets.
However, don't worry too much about walking this slowly if you're only out hunting small game or scouting. You can simply move slower than normal and try to avoid making too much noise. Overall, walking in the woods should be an enjoyable experience regardless of whether you're trying to be stealthy or simply taking in the beauty of nature.
Don’t Lose Your Way in the Woods
Before you head out, make sure to pack a map of the area and a compass in your hunting bag. Don't rely on your phone alone because you might lose signal or end up with a dead battery (trust us, it happens). These essential tools will help you stay oriented and avoid getting lost.
If you're not used to navigating in the woods, start by practicing in smaller hunting areas. Choose a point on the map and use your compass to guide you there. Look for a tree or other object in the distance that you can use as a reference point. Walk straight towards it, checking your compass frequently to ensure you're on course. Repeat this process until you reach your destination.
One common mistake when walking in the woods is wandering around obstacles, which can lead to walking in circles and getting disoriented. Instead, try to focus on objects in the distance and keep checking your compass to ensure you're heading in the right direction.
Even if the hunting area isn't huge enough to get completely lost, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Practicing your navigational skills and keeping a map and compass handy will help ensure you don't lose your way in the woods.
Stalking: The Pursuit
Get ready for the hunt! Grab your gear, drink some water, and start stalking. In the beginning, move quickly and aggressively towards your target. But as you get closer and your prey might hear, see, or smell you, slow down and focus intensely. One mistake at this point could ruin everything.
Stalking involves spotting your quarry and approaching it for a shot. Still-hunting requires sneaking around likely habitats in search of a chance to shoot. Whether you're after mule deer, elk, pronghorn, or whitetail, we have some helpful tips, tactics, and techniques to help you close the gap and bring home your prey.
Spot Your Prey
Use the best binoculars or scope you can afford, find a good spot to watch from, and let your eyes do most of the work. With good glass, you can spot more animals, cover more ground, and disturb less of the territory than you would by walking around. Once you spot your target and study their body language, you can begin your approach.
Plan Ahead
Before you start your stalk, make a plan. Look for landmarks, identify a good shooting position, and plan the route you'll take to get there. It's easy to get disoriented once you start moving, so plan carefully and use your landmarks to guide you.
Stay Hidden
The key to a successful stalk is staying out of sight. Use the terrain to your advantage by staying low and out of sight. Hills, rocky outcroppings, and ravines all work well. If you need to move through open areas, use vegetation to conceal yourself. Heavy brush, tree lines, and tall grass can all help you stay hidden.
Use Bait
In certain circumstances, such as stalking pronghorn across short-grass prairie, a decoy can render an otherwise impossible stalk very doable. I’ve used a folding cow (of the moo variety) decoy to close within pronghorn under those very conditions. I’ve also used folding elk decoys with good success while bowhunting elk, and I’ve hid behind my saddle horse and closed the distance on elk when hunting in mustang country, where the elk are used to seeing horses. The key is to blend in, seem like part of your quarry’s daily surroundings, and move like a cow, elk or horse, rather than like a hunter hiding behind a decoy.
Follow the Wind
It's also important to keep your scent from reaching the animal, especially if you're bowhunting. Pay attention to the direction of the wind and plan your approach accordingly. Early morning or late afternoon can be good times to stalk animals, as the wind and environment are more stable.
Be Aggressive
I’ve often watched novice hunters begin a stalk with the utmost care; moving slowly and stepping quietly while the animal they’re stalking is still a mile or more away. That’s silly. Your first task when stalking from long distance is to close that distance as rapidly as possible. If you don’t, that animal will likely be gone when you get there. So get out of sight, and then close in aggressively. Once you’ve closed within a couple hundred yards, then it’s time to slow down and stalk carefully.
Be Patient
It’s been said that a hunter’s biggest attribute is patience. I agree. Once you’ve closed to within earshot of your prey, it’s time to slow down, become part of the environment and drift closer for a shot. Pay critical attention to cloud movement and shadows, wind gusts and air movement, and other factors that can conceal or reveal your presence. Blend in, move in concert with nature and relax: Prey animals can feel a predator’s intent, so don’t study them with a hard gaze, and don’t covet those backstraps sizzling on your evening campfire just yet. Just stay calm, work your way into position and make a steady shot. Then you can celebrate.
Stalking is the final, adrenaline-filled phase of the hunt. It's a test of your patience, perseverance, and physical conditioning. It involves moving stealthily and getting close enough for a clean and ethical shot without alerting your prey.
Land the Shot
Congratulations, you've spotted a buck or bull, planned your approach, and successfully executed your stalk! At this point, your adrenaline may be pumping through your veins at unprecedented levels, but don't let it throw you off your game. Stay calm and take some deep, slow breaths. Try to re-spot your target, which may not be visible from your current position. It may be necessary to wait for the animal to stand up or move before you can spot it again. Alternatively, you may need to choose a different shooting position now that you're at ground zero.
Once you've sighted your prey again, take your time to settle into the best shooting position possible. Get steady, aim, and press your trigger. By making a good shot, you've achieved one of the most challenging and rewarding hunting experiences on earth. Well done!
3 Tips for New Hunters
Hunting is an exciting and thrilling sport, but if you’re a beginner big game hunter, you may need a few tips to get you started. Having learned some soptting and tracking techniques for hunting, I will share some tips to help you gain better experience in this exciting game:
Safety First
When it comes to hunting, safety should always be your top priority. Unlike many other sports, hunting has a higher risk of serious accidents due to various factors such as weapons, wildlife, weather, and rough terrain. Therefore, it's crucial to take necessary measures before heading out to hunt, such as obtaining your hunter safety card, knowing your firearm, and being aware of potential risks.
Perfection Through Practice
Don't be discouraged if you're not an expert hunter right away. With practice comes experience, so dedicate some time each week to practicing your shot. Consider getting a range pass and taking advantage of a few hours each week to practice.
Gear Matters Greatly
Your equipment can make or break your hunting experience, so make sure you have the best gear possible. Your clothing and boots should be appropriate for the terrain and weather, and your binoculars and rangefinder should be up to par. With the right gear, you'll have more confidence as you head out to the hills and track your game.
Conclusion
Entering the world of hunting is both an exciting and a learning experience. As a beginner, understanding and mastering the basic skills such as scouting, tracking, and stalking game are the initial steps to becoming an adept hunter. With patience, dedication, and practice, these skills will soon become second nature, enhancing your hunting experiences and successes.
Remember, hunting is not just about the pursuit but also about respecting the environment and the wildlife. It's a process that deepens our understanding of nature and our place within it. So gear up, head out, and happy hunting!