Deer stalking is super important. It’s difficult to sneak up on an animal that can smell you from 400 yards away, sight you from 3-4 mile away, and hear the slightest snap of a tree. This type of feat requires a high level of competence.
The goal of stalking is to shoot an animal to get a proper view before it sees you and then develops an approach strategy for a solid shot opportunity. This method is most commonly utilized in Deer and elk hunting, horned lizards, and mule hunting in the west meadow and hilly terrain.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our top 11 strategies for getting close to a large game on the ground.
- High Elevation Point
This is not something that can be done everywhere. Glassing from a high point, on the other hand, can be beneficial. It will show you the layout of the land. Other hunters that may be in your path will be visible to you. Most importantly, you will be able to make an informed decision about your strategy.
- Play with Wind Direction
Keep the wind at your back. Knowing the angle of the wind would prevent animals from getting your scent as you arrive. To prevent being noticed, stay downwind (the breeze is in your face).
Hunters have taught this for thousands of years and, Lord willing will continue to do it for thousands more. At the very least, keep the wind in your face. When sneaking up on unsuspecting animals, have crosswind on your side.
- Lose the Shoes
Remove your footwear for the last 100 yards or so. Walking with socks is much quieter than walking in hiking shoes or knee-high rubber boots. This is a simple yet powerful thing you can do to boost your chances of success.
- Rangefinder
This will greatly make your life easier. Sure, you should be able to estimate yardage. However, there is no alternative for using a rangefinder.
- New Track
Search for fresh tracks and indications by walking a few steps at a time and halting regularly to survey and investigate the environment. Always be ready because that is the first rule for being out in the wild.
- Match the Camo to Your Terrain
Bow hunting camo is key. Make sure it’s appropriate for the terrain you’ll be hunting in. There are no more excuses these days. A real tree provides high-quality camo patterns that will keep you hidden no matter what the landscape.
- Move Through the Landscape Silently
Avoid stepping on twigs and other debris that might make a noise and alert predators to your presence. Moist or damp conditions are better for stalking because the terrain becomes quieter as leaves, cedar bark, and other wood wastes become moist, squishy, and less fragile.
- Clothing
Wear comfortable smooth, quiet, odor-free clothing that allows you to move easily and quietly.
- Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Pay attention to all the noises in the surroundings. They may provide information on the whereabouts of an animal. Sparrows chirping, ravens spitting, elk shouting, and elk huffing all are signs that other animals are conscious of your existence.
- Analyze Pathways
Observe the shapes, colors, and motions indicating the presence in your environment. Eye vision is vital or seeing what is on your borders as you approach it, as animals run often at the border of the vision of a hunter.
- Keep Silent and Gathered
Deer hunters who spot a pursuing animal do not instantly have a shot. It is important to get a clear sight of the animal before the bow is released.
Stalking may take up a lot of time on instances but patience is the sot important characteristic of a bowhunter.
Tags: hunting, outdoors
