Hunting 101: General Hunting Techniques
March 5, 2022

Hunting gives us a sense of freedom, but it also requires precision and carefulness. Though you can get lucky and secure a game, being a good hunter involves mastering specific techniques.

Hunting techniques are skills you can acquire through experience and education. If you’re new to hunting, you may want to get the guidance of an experienced hunter until you’ve developed sufficient hunting skills.

However, you can try the following hunting techniques.

1. Still Hunting

Still-hunting involves walking stealthily in the animal’s habitat and frequently stopping to check for a game. In some cases, your stops may be for long periods. Most big-game hunters use the still hunting technique in unfamiliar environments and areas where standing isn’t a good option.

The general rule for still hunting is spending at least ten times more standing and scanning your environment than working. While still hunting, try keeping a low profile to avoid scaring away game and use binoculars in open areas to check for game movements.

Consider wearing fluorescent clothing to prevent other hunters from mistaking you for a game.

2. Stalking

In stalking, you follow signs leading to a group of animals or a specific game or move to get closer to an already spotted game. You have to identify and follow tracks or morning dew trails if you’re stalk hunting. Some people follow the scents and sound, such as collared peccaries, elk, and sheep. When you spot an animal, you may still need to move a little closer for a good shot.

Stalk hunting needs complete focus because you need to stay alert, remain patient and keep downwind.

3. Posting

You will stand and sit in one spot to hunt game in posting. Your chosen location should give a vantage point or be close to your target animal’s trails. Ensure you opt for a location that allows you to draw your bow or swing your firearm freely.

You can use the posting technique to hunt when you know the direction your game travels every day and when you can’t hunt with a stand or blind.

Hunting with Ground Blinds

Ground blinds are temporary structures on the ground that help conceal the hunter. A ground blind can be a simple natural blind constructed behind a bush, rock, or tree. It can also be a sophisticated, covered camouflage-cloth blind.

While setting up a ground blind, opt for a downwind area, using the regular wind pattern during a specific period. Your ground blind should be away from the sun, in a safe location between the background and foreground.

For your safety, when leaving or entering a ground blind, place your hunting gun away from you, unload the weapon, and put the safety on.

Hunting with Elevated Stands

Elevated stands, usually tree or tower stands, are above-ground blinds or seats that offer hunters above the quarry level. They provide several advantages for hunters, regardless of your hunting weapon. If you intend to use an elevated stand for hunting, ensure you check the condition of the stand and inspect it for insects and other harmful c reatures before using it.

Hunting requires a commitment to master the technique and be successful at it. When you employ the proper hunting techniques, you increase your chances of having successful hunting expeditions. The hunting techniques above will ensure you come home with a game.