Hunting can be a great source of fun and adventure but one that can go bad just by the simplest of mistakes. So, whether you are a pro or a rookie there are a set of guidelines or rules that must be followed if you want to have a seamless experience. Safety should always come first because it otherwise would be pointless to go hunting only for it to go south. In this excerpt, we will talk about ideas that will help you in your hunting activity especially if you are a beginner. Basically, I will give you ideas and explain them a bit to you.
1. Begin with a safety course
Take this course at your own convenience. You can choose to be physically present in an institution or you can decide to do it online but please ensure that you take on a test even if it is not mandatory just to be sure that you have understood everything. After this, you can attend a hunting field day where you will meet real-time hunters on the field and who will practically show you all that is involved in hunting.
2. Find an experienced hunter and go with them
This can be one of the best ways to learn fast all you need is to stay silent and watch and learn. Do not ask for much questions but use your eyes eventually the hunter will let you in on some secrets of great hunting techniques. You can go with him to an area and later on revisit the same place as you will have familiarized yourself with the terrain which is a good head start in hunting.
3. Get some gear
Getting some quality gear is of great importance as this is the equipment that will ensure your safety as well as your survival in equal measure. Research on all the necessary devices needed for hunting, write down a list ask around if you can but in the end, make sure that you know everything that is needed. Be sure to invest in good quality products as it can be catastrophic if your equipment fails to work at the time when it’s most needed.
4. Get to the hunting ground first
Countless roads are blocked these days to limit vehicle admission, allowing only those on foot or on a horse. Hunters normally park at entrances at dawn and cover the rest of the area on foot. Be prompt and be there by midnight. This ensures that you get the best hunting ground before the rest and you also get to choose an elevated spot that will give you a clear view on the game and you will have enough time to clear your line of a shot from branches and any other distractions.
5. Eating anything
After the following everything I have told you are sure by now you will have already made your first kill. Whether you have landed porcupines, rabbits, raccoons, and beavers they can be an outstanding headache to deal with especially when you do not have any experience in preparing them. Be sure to get rid of any fat and musk glands and slice the meat into portions. Marinate in a mild salt solution for 12 hours and boil it in a slowly with ample spices and vegetables if available. Let it boil until the meat falls off the bones. You might be surprised by the end taste regardless of your expertise in cooking.
6. Go slow and stop at the noise
When still-hunting, most of us never stay put and we are always impatient this is one of the biggest mistakes as a little wait would have earned you a great catch. Always decide on a period where you will remain still for say five minutes. You can never be too careful once in a while you may step into something that will produce a sound if this happens to stand still for as long as it takes so that if an animal has heard you it will not be able to know whether you are still there or not.
7. Pick landmarks
When you are tracking an animal by making a big circle and coming behind it you can be easily confused with your location. Pick a unique object on the skyline that you can know from afar like a huge rock that will assist in guiding you to the right spot. Also, try to foresee where the animal will be after you complete your track. Before starting, look at the area long enough to establish its route and rate of travel and pick your destination accordingly.
8. Clear shooting paths
When you first get to your standing point, practice shooting positions from all points from which you anticipate an animal might come into view. After doing that, get rid of branches and other distractions in the line of fire if you can reach them and stay in a location that needs little or no movement for you to turn in any direction. Ensure that your safety strap is protected and permits free movement.
9. Following a trail
One thing that you must do is to move as quiet as possible as you track. Be alert always and if you have other hunters with you communicate using hand signals. Mark each speck of blood with a peg or flagging but ensure you remove them if you no longer need them. Do not give up after a long search if it takes you longer than you expected to start looking for small spots of blood. Go down to your hands and knees, if need be to help keep you get a better view of the trail.
10. Preparing your game
Skin rabbits and squirrels as soon as you can as the skin strips easily when it’s warm. Also If you get rid of the skin quickly fleas present in their skins will not be able to migrate off. When dealing with birds like turkey ensure you keep the wings, breast meat and legs as they make the best soup. Cook them in a pot until it becomes soft and tender and put the boned, chopped meat in a pot with broth or stew ingredients.
Conclusion
Hunting is not as hard as it seems. Follow my advice but also add to your knowledge by doing some research more and you will make a hobby out of hunting. If you are doing this for the first-time tag along with an experienced hunter who will equip you with the much-needed knowledge and secrets to great hunting that will ensure you get the best hunting experience. Remember your safety is paramount and should always come first ensure you have all that is needed and required gears and make sure they are in good working condition. Have fun on your next hunting trip.