Archery Hunting Techniques
For those who are just beginning their hunting "careers" choosing a specific hunting technique can be confusing.
You may be wondering which is the best way to hunt, which technique is best for my area, or just what the differences in techniques are.
There are a majority of hunting techniques that you can choose from, and you do not have to stick to any one technique.
In fact learning how to hunt with each technique can give you an edge, especially if you plan to hunt an assortment of terrains.
Here are a few of the most common hunting techniques:
It is important to note that optics are a commonly used item with this technique.
Hunters usually begin to survey an area known to have deer at first light.
Once a deer has been spotted, the hunters will watch to see where it beds down, and usually where there is one deer there are more.
An advantage to the spot and stalk is that a hunter is viewing the terrain from a higher point, thus he is able to plan a route to get within shooting distance of his target.
This technique requires patience and planning, hunters will have to move slowly and carefully as to avoid alerting any animals that may not have been accounted for beforehand.
Stand hunting, or elevated hunting, includes the use of tower blinds, tripods, and treestands.
Elevated hunting gives the hunter a broader view of his surroundings, much like the spot and stalk.
Another advantage to elevated hunting is that the hunters scent is often carried above the ground level air currents, making it harder for the deer to detect them.
The tower blind is usually a permanent structure that is placed at a spot known to have deer.
They also provide the hunter with a bit of comfort while waiting for their target to appear.
Insulating materials and weatherproofing can be used during their construction, and comfortable chairs- even space heaters, can be added after.
Tripods and treestands are portable, meaning the hunter can set up and take down whenever they need.
When hunting from a stand on the ground (the ground blind technique) it is best to find a comfortable spot, deer are very sensitive to movement so you'll want a seat that will enable you to sit for a long time without moving too often.
When setting up a ground stand, you can basically be out in the open as long as you have something behind you to break up your outline.
Sitting at the base of a tree or a pile of rocks, would work fine.
Many hunters choose to make up some sort of ground blind to hide in.
This can be done with the natural vegetation available or by constructing a man made structure.
Commercial ground blinds are available, they are portable and lightweight, and can usually be set up rather quickly.
The styles available range from a single stake and camouflage wrap around system to fully enclosed structures, which are even available with scent-containing fabrics.
These ground blind systems also help to protect the hunter from the environment, yet still be close to his target on the ground.
Still hunting is where the hunter moves through an area known to have deer, hoping to spot a target.
When still hunting the hunter should always move directly or quartering into the wind, as to avoid alerting the deer with his scent.
Another important tip to this technique is to move very slowly, steps should be deliberate and slow- taking no more than two to five at a time.
After each series of steps the hunter should stop and survey his surroundings, after thorough inspection the hunter then moves on to another series of steps.
The slow movement and long pauses are helpful because they mimic the style of a feeding deer.
When still hunting the hunter should try to stay in shadows and wooded areas.
Terrain such as grasslands are not areas where this technique would be beneficial.
Scouting is a technique that is used in the pre-hunting season.
This technique consists of going out and gaining knowledge of your hunting area and the habits of the deer.
This technique is not absolutely necessary, but the more you know about your area the more prepared you will be.
When scouting an area, it is helpful to have a map of the overall area, even aerial maps can be useful, and a compass, or even GPS.
While scouting with your map, it is useful to make notes to record the location of major game trails, bedding areas, rubs, or other indications of the presence of deer.
Repeated trips to scout are recommended.
These repeat trips can be used to pick out possible ground blind or treestand locations, or still hunting locations.
Picking a hunting technique is based on what you think would work best for you and your terrain.
As you learn and master your chosen technique(s) you will become a better hunter.
Just remember to always be safe and enjoy yourself while you're out there.
You may be wondering which is the best way to hunt, which technique is best for my area, or just what the differences in techniques are.
There are a majority of hunting techniques that you can choose from, and you do not have to stick to any one technique.
In fact learning how to hunt with each technique can give you an edge, especially if you plan to hunt an assortment of terrains.
Here are a few of the most common hunting techniques:
- Spot and Stalk
- Stand Hunting
- Ground Blinds
- Scouting
- Still Hunting
It is important to note that optics are a commonly used item with this technique.
Hunters usually begin to survey an area known to have deer at first light.
Once a deer has been spotted, the hunters will watch to see where it beds down, and usually where there is one deer there are more.
An advantage to the spot and stalk is that a hunter is viewing the terrain from a higher point, thus he is able to plan a route to get within shooting distance of his target.
This technique requires patience and planning, hunters will have to move slowly and carefully as to avoid alerting any animals that may not have been accounted for beforehand.
Stand hunting, or elevated hunting, includes the use of tower blinds, tripods, and treestands.
Elevated hunting gives the hunter a broader view of his surroundings, much like the spot and stalk.
Another advantage to elevated hunting is that the hunters scent is often carried above the ground level air currents, making it harder for the deer to detect them.
The tower blind is usually a permanent structure that is placed at a spot known to have deer.
They also provide the hunter with a bit of comfort while waiting for their target to appear.
Insulating materials and weatherproofing can be used during their construction, and comfortable chairs- even space heaters, can be added after.
Tripods and treestands are portable, meaning the hunter can set up and take down whenever they need.
When hunting from a stand on the ground (the ground blind technique) it is best to find a comfortable spot, deer are very sensitive to movement so you'll want a seat that will enable you to sit for a long time without moving too often.
When setting up a ground stand, you can basically be out in the open as long as you have something behind you to break up your outline.
Sitting at the base of a tree or a pile of rocks, would work fine.
Many hunters choose to make up some sort of ground blind to hide in.
This can be done with the natural vegetation available or by constructing a man made structure.
Commercial ground blinds are available, they are portable and lightweight, and can usually be set up rather quickly.
The styles available range from a single stake and camouflage wrap around system to fully enclosed structures, which are even available with scent-containing fabrics.
These ground blind systems also help to protect the hunter from the environment, yet still be close to his target on the ground.
Still hunting is where the hunter moves through an area known to have deer, hoping to spot a target.
When still hunting the hunter should always move directly or quartering into the wind, as to avoid alerting the deer with his scent.
Another important tip to this technique is to move very slowly, steps should be deliberate and slow- taking no more than two to five at a time.
After each series of steps the hunter should stop and survey his surroundings, after thorough inspection the hunter then moves on to another series of steps.
The slow movement and long pauses are helpful because they mimic the style of a feeding deer.
When still hunting the hunter should try to stay in shadows and wooded areas.
Terrain such as grasslands are not areas where this technique would be beneficial.
Scouting is a technique that is used in the pre-hunting season.
This technique consists of going out and gaining knowledge of your hunting area and the habits of the deer.
This technique is not absolutely necessary, but the more you know about your area the more prepared you will be.
When scouting an area, it is helpful to have a map of the overall area, even aerial maps can be useful, and a compass, or even GPS.
While scouting with your map, it is useful to make notes to record the location of major game trails, bedding areas, rubs, or other indications of the presence of deer.
Repeated trips to scout are recommended.
These repeat trips can be used to pick out possible ground blind or treestand locations, or still hunting locations.
Picking a hunting technique is based on what you think would work best for you and your terrain.
As you learn and master your chosen technique(s) you will become a better hunter.
Just remember to always be safe and enjoy yourself while you're out there.