Hunting Tips - Use Natural Barriers to Your Advantage

Smart hunters don't just chase game — they predict movement. One of the best ways to do that? Leverage the terrain.

• Rivers and creeks
• Thick brush or blowdowns
• Steep ridges or cliffs
• Open fields with no cover
• Fences, roads, or man-made structures

These features shape how animals move through their environment. Game animals prefer the path of least resistance and will often follow edges or funnel through pinch points created by these obstacles.

• Set up along funnels: If two barriers come close (e.g., a steep slope and a creek), animals often pass through the gap — a perfect ambush spot.
• Avoid predictable trails: Deer and elk may skirt right around open areas or sharp terrain changes. Scout those subtle travel routes nearby.
• Access quietly: Use terrain to approach your stand or blind out of sight. Dips in elevation or thick brush help you stay hidden.

Pro Tip: Use satellite maps or topo maps to spot potential barriers and funnels before even stepping foot in the woods. Then confirm on foot with boots-on-the-ground scouting.