The excitement in the air. You know it. As summer draws closer, the temperatures begin to rise and with it, so does the desire to be out and about exploring nature’s bounties. There’s nothing quite like the crackle of a bonfire on a balmy summer’s night to get the blood pumping and the flames dancing. But, while we wait for summer to hit, there are plenty of outdoor activities we can engage in now that the temperatures are rising. One of the most exciting is watching animals in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, being out in nature is often fraught with peril, as animals can be more aggressive than usual during this time of the year, especially the apex predator: the honey badger! This is why when the time comes to head off into the sunset, we find ourselves reaching for our rifles more often than usual. It is always more convenient to have someone at hand to watch your back.
But what if that someone is not with you? What if you’re on your own? Well, then it’s your lucky day because we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re an experienced hunter willing to give it a go or you’re just stepping out for a walk, this article is for you. We’ll teach you how to become a smarter, more efficient hunter.
Create A Walking Schedule
One of the things that sets a successful hunter apart from the rest is their ability to walk their prey to exhaustion. The best hunters I’ve ever known are uncanny in their ability to track prey or animals for miles, patiently waiting until their quarry collapses from hunger or fatigue. Setting out on a walk is a great way to familiarize yourself with the area and its inhabitants, while also honing your tracking skills. There are a few things you can do to make the most out of your walk.
Research The Area You’ll Be Walking In
No doubt you’ll be excited to get out there and about, soaking up the atmosphere, viewing wildlife, and taking a walk. But, it’s important to do your research first. Familiarize yourself with the flora, fauna, and terrain of the area you’ll be exploring. As a beginner, it’s best to start off easy, in areas where you know the ground truth. Learning through experience is vital in becoming a successful hunter, but sometimes it’s good to have a map as a guide. Knowing the lay of the land, knowing where the good eating is, and knowing how the landscape looks and feels, is essential in being able to navigate your way around it. There’s a lot more to research than you’d imagine, from flood plains to poisonous snakes, and from black bears to mosquitos.
Dress Appropriately
Make sure to dress in layers, being mindful of the temperature. You’ll be in a constant state of readiness, changing your layers as required, keeping your cool, and protecting yourself from the elements. Dressing in layers also makes you less of a target, as it is harder for a predator to detect, much less catch, a still moving target. Be sensible about your clothing and take your pick from the best hunting brands, being mindful of the climate you’ll be in. Light colors camouflage easily in almost any environment, while the dark colors are better for hiding in the forest shadows and among the trees during daylight hours. If it’s chilly, but not cold, opt for a midweight fleece and fleece pullover to keep your body warm and ready for action. A hat and gloves are essentials for a safe and pleasurable stroll through the woods, while a sturdy watch cap, gloves, and a hood are ideal for keeping off the rain and sun rays during those sudden downpours at any time. If you’re venturing further afield than usual, warmer layers like a puffer jacket and a thick jumper will keep you from overheating.
Bring Plenty Of Water
It goes without saying that dehydration is one of the primary causes of fatigue and discomfort during a walk. The least you can do to avoid this is bring along plenty of water, at least a couple of gallons per person. Be careful not to drink too much water, however, as excess drinking can also cause you to lose your ability to track and navigate. Thirst is one of the principal signs of dehydration, but you can also feel your skin getting dry and tight, as well as suffer from headaches and muscle pains. It’s best to drink when you need it and avoid going through more than a few bottles during the day. This is also a good idea in other walks and recreation activities, like mountain biking or hiking, where you’ll be spending more time than usual out in the open.
Take Your Time
Always remember that wildlife doesn’t wait for you to catch up. They have their own pace and will stay ahead for awhile before stopping, turning, and looking for food. This is why, when you’re moving at a snail’s pace and all of a sudden you spot something, it’s best to stop and take a good look. Sometimes it’s better to stop and let the prey come to you than to rush headlong into a situation and get yourself killed. Animals have a built-in caution system and while they may not always seem like it, they’re usually very good at avoiding humans. Sometimes it’s better to wait and see if the animal will approach you or if it will merely continue on its way. Take your time and be patient.
Be Careful With Snakes
It’s always nice when an animal doesn’t want to hurt you and will co-operate when scared or intimidated. Be careful, however, not to let your guard down, especially when around snakes. They are among the most venomous creatures on the planet and even small ones can kill you. The best thing to do is keep your hands and limbs away from the snake’s head, as they prefer to strike at the neck or the shoulders first. Throwing things at them, like rocks or clumps of dirt, might also frighten them enough to back off, giving you the opportunity to grab something and run for it. If there’s a particular snake causing you problems, then get help from experts. There are ways to identify the type and even the species of snake, which might shed light on why it’s acting strangely or aggressively.
Use Your Gut
When you’re out there in the woods exploring, sometimes the best hunter in the world can’t help you. Sometimes you’ve got to know what kind of animal you’re tracking, know what makes them different from other animals, and use your gut to figure it out. If you’re feeling particularly lucky or adventurous, then take a quick peek at the environment around you and see if there’s anything familiar about what you’re seeing. If so, then that’s your answer. Most times, though, the best hunters I’ve known have had lots of experience and after watching lots of animals in their natural habitat, know what makes them tick, and can quickly identify what they are tracking.
Know When To Run
If you’re a beginner then you might want to take it easy and stick close to home, especially at first. This is when it’s important to know when to run. If you see something that interests you, then take a quick peek at what it is and how you should deal with it. Sometimes it’s better to run and hide, especially if you’re in a place where there’s nowhere to hide. If you’ve ever seen the movie Krull, then you know what I mean. While it’s great to admire these tough, gun-toting hunters from afar, it’s better to stay close to home and be safe.