Useful Tricks. And Weird Info.

How to hunt

How to Hunt
Hunting is an effective way of controlling the populations of certain game animals that no longer have natural predators.[1][2] It's also, in some cases, a state-sanctioned way of getting fresh meat to feed your friends and family. It is important, however, that you treat this activity with the respect it deserves, as hunting without proper training and preparation can be dangerous for you and others.

Part One of Six:
Researching Hunting
Edit
Image titled Hunt Step 1
1
Decide on your preferred game. "Game" refers to the kind of animal you will be hunting. The game you decide to hunt will influence the methods you employ while hunting, the kind of weapon or trap with which you hunt, and where will be best for you to hunt.[3][4] Some ideas on what to hunt:
Small game, like rabbit, hare, squirrel, pheasant, crow, waterfowl, etc.[5]
Big game, like deer, sheep, moose, antelope, bear, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, etc.[6]
Image titled Hunt Step 2
2
Research effective hunting tools. You won't need an elephant gun to hunt a pheasant, but there are likely a few different guns paired with birdshot that can be used for pheasant hunting. Research the best weapon best suited for the game you have chosen to hunt.[7] Some weapons to consider:
Bow and arrow.
Shotgun.
Black powder rifle.
Rimfire rifle.
Centerfire (high-powered) rifle.
Image titled Hunt Step 3
3
Talk to someone with hunting experience. Ask among your family members or inquire with workers at your local sporting goods store for someone who could answer some questions you have about hunting. You might say:
"I don't have a lot of hunting experience, but I really like nature, and I love the taste of venison. Could you tell me a little bit more about deer hunting?"
Image titled Hunt Step 4
4
Investigate state and local restrictions and regulations. Depending on where you live, how rural the country is, and the local culture, there can be significant differences in the legal definitions of various kinds of game and the acceptable weapons you can use to hunt.
Most locations have a Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Department or similar organization that regulates hunting in the area. A quick online search should help you find the relevant agency charged with wildlife management.
Image titled Hunt Step 5
5
Look into hunting tactics for your game. The right hunting tactic will give you even more enjoyment from the sport by offering you the most reasonable chance for success on your hunt. Some common hunting tactics include:
Deer hunting may be done from ground blinds, tree stands, stalking, or by driving prey from brush or cover with a group. Some areas even allow pursuing deer with hounds.[8]
Upland birds are often hunted with dogs like pointers or setters, which can actually follow the scent of these game birds. Then, these hunting dogs will point out the prey for the hunter to flush and shoot.[9]
Migratory birds are often hunted from blinds, so a successful bird hunter will need to find a feeding area or watering area to hunt. Harvested grain fields, waterways, or other places may offer successful hunts for these birds.
Small game, like rabbits and squirrels, may be hunted using dogs. Beagles are a favorite for rabbits, and some breeds are easy to train for treeing squirrels (or raccoon or opossums).[10][11]

Advertisement
Part Two of Six:
Preparing to Hunt
Edit
Image titled Hunt Step 6
1
Take necessary safety courses. Many states and areas require you to take a mandatory course in hunter's safety before you can be issued a hunting license, especially when hunting with a gun.[12] Be sure you comply with all regulations, or else you could be fined or suffer other legal consequences, like incarceration.[13][14]
Image titled Hunt Step 7
2
Purchase a license, if necessary. Depending on the area in which you live, you may be able to hunt some animals, like small game, without a permit as long as you adhere to your region's hunting regulations.[15][16]
Image titled Hunt Step 8
3
Put together emergency supplies. While you are hunting, an accident might occur that may require medical attention, or you might have to spend the night in the elements waiting for help to arrive. Don't be caught unprepared. Make sure you have:
Extra daily medication (e.g. insulin, blood pressure pills, etc.).
Cell phone or two way radio (in waterproof case).
Appropriate clothing for changeable weather (rain gear, etc.).
Lighters/fire starters.
Metal cup.
Waterproof light source (e.g. headlamp).
Whistle or signaling device.
Emergency shelter (e.g. space blanket).
Survival knife.
First aid kit.
Emergency rations (granola, meal replacement bars, etc.).
Map and compass.
Image titled Hunt Step 9
4
Choose your tactic. There will be different methods for hunting the game you choose to as prey. Ambush hunting, stalking, and hound hunting are popular methods employed to hunt various prey.[17][18][19] You will need to research your prey to decide upon the most effective style.
Image titled Hunt Step 10
5
Practice your hunting tactic. If you plan to hunt from a portable tree stand, you will want to be familiar with carrying and climbing with it before your hunt. The same applies for fashioning a blind, or for the procedure for stalking game.
Image titled Hunt Step 11
6
Choose a location. Your prey will likely have an ideal habitat. Here you will have a better chance of finding your prey while you hunt. Research the ideal habitat of your prey, paying attention to notes about migration and yearly changes in behavior, and find some locations near you where you can hunt your game.
Hunting on public land is legal, so long as it is not in violation of state, federal or regional restriction, you have the proper licenses, and you are following state, federal or other applicable hunting regulations.[20][21]