Hunting Tips - During the Hunt

Effective hunting requires preparation, patience, and adherence to safety and ethical guidelines. These tips focus on what to do when you are actively in the field.

1. Safety First, Always

Prioritize safety to ensure a responsible and successful hunt.

Firearm Safety

Principle	Description
Muzzle Control	Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Action Open	Keep the action open until you are ready to hunt.
Safe Transport	Always unload your firearm before transporting it in a vehicle.
Check Ammunition	Only use the correct ammunition for your firearm.

Field Safety

• Wear Blaze Orange: This is often required by law and drastically increases your visibility to other hunters.
• Know Your Target and What Is Beyond It: Never shoot at movement, sound, or a patch of color. Be 100% sure of your target and what lies beyond to ensure a safe shot.
• Establish a Plan: Share your hunting plan, including your route and expected return time, with someone who is not hunting with you, such as Person.
• Use the Buddy System: If possible, hunt with a partner and always know their location.
• Secure Tree Stands: Always use a safety harness when climbing into or out of a tree stand and while in the stand.

2. Stealth and Patience

Success often hinges on remaining undetected by the game.

Movement

Move slowly and deliberately. Stop frequently to glass the area. The key to successful still-hunting is to take one step, then pause for up to a minute before taking the next.

Noise and Scent Control

• Scent Management: Use scent-eliminating sprays or wash your gear in a non-scented detergent. Avoid wearing clothes that have been near strong odors like gasoline or cologne.
• Wind Check: Always hunt downwind from where you expect the game to be. Check the wind direction regularly using a powder or ribbon.
• Calls and Decoys: Use calls sparingly and authentically. Over-calling can alert game to your presence. Place decoys in clear visibility, aiming for realism.

3. Shot Placement and Follow-Up

Ethical hunting requires clean, quick kills.

Shot Placement

Focus on the vital zone (heart and lungs) for the most humane shot.

Game Type	Ideal Shot Placement
Deer (Broadside)	Just behind the front shoulder.
Deer (Quartering Away)	Aim for the far front shoulder.
Turkey	Head and neck, or the central body mass.

After the Shot

1. Re-Load and Wait: Immediately chamber another round (if necessary) and remain still for at least 10–20 minutes before following, especially for deer.
2. Mark the Spot: Mark the exact spot where the animal was when you took the shot and where you last saw it.
3. Blood Trail: Follow the blood trail, marking your path with biodegradable material so you don't lose the trail.
4. Confirm the Kill: Once the animal is located, approach cautiously from behind and confirm it has expired.

4. Post-Harvest Care

Prompt and proper field dressing is essential to preserve the quality of the meat.

• Field Dress Immediately: Begin field dressing as soon as the animal is secured. This helps the carcass cool down, preventing spoilage.
• Cool the Carcass: Get the animal to a cool, shaded area or hang it up quickly. If you are far from your vehicle, consider how you will move the animal.

Tagging: Complete all required tags and affix them to the carcass according to local regulations before moving the animal.