3 Fall Hunting Tips
As the season changes, so do the game.
Whether you’re waiting for the right time to jump that turkey in its flock or mark that deer you’ve been stalking in the woods, the preparation is always the most crucial element of the hunt.
Each and every hunter—whether they’re just starting, or veterans at the game—will emphasize the importance of making sure they’re ready to go for every single situation. Otherwise, they may be going home empty-handed, or at worst, in a dangerous situation.
With fall rolling around, the temperature changes, the sun sets sooner, and the wildlife behaviour will change.
To be fully equipped for the game, before and after, here are three tips to keep in mind for hunting in the fall.
Double-Check Everything
Your inventory is crucial, obviously.
You might’ve been lugging your rifle around all morning long, but completely forgot your ammunition in the garage. Or, if you’re looking to skin your catch, string and the hanging material is useless without a skinning knife.
Make sure the bags you bring have been checked more than once, reassuring your ability to hunt without running into any inconveniences.
A step that’ll help organize your inventory efficiently is by categorizing specific bags or pockets to things like “Food & Water,” which could be home to your beef jerky and liquids, or “Ammunition,” or “Navigation,” containing your compass and map.
Listing prior to packing your things will make a big difference, just so when you double-check your pack and something is missing, you’ll know exactly what it is you forgot.
Assess the Condition of your Gear
Simply enough, if you’ve got holes in your boots, you probably shouldn’t be hunting in them.
Make sure you’re outfitted properly to the weather—going into the wild without the right amount of base layers or padding will leave you cold, or left with ugly cuts and bruises from navigating through the trees, bushes, etc.
The patterns and camouflage are important, too. Making rounds in bright yellow, blue and red gear probably isn’t the most effective way to sneak in for the catch. Confirm that you are outfitted with the right camouflage patterns according to the environment—do some scouting of the area before the hunt to guarantee your ability to blend in. Realtree and Mossy Oak are two of the most recognized brands in hunting apparel.
Evaluate whether your jackets, pants, harnesses and other pieces of clothing will last and protect you against dirt, grime, water, and any dangerous areas—wet socks or dirt in the pants won’t make for the most comfortable days, and snake bites are undesirable.
Ask the Experts
Be sure to ask questions about the area, especially if you’re scouting or hunting at that setting for the first time.
Gain knowledge from the residents who live or near the property you’re hunting on.
Aside from scouting the area, asking someone who has lived there throughout the year, including residents who have been there for a majority of their lives, can give you more insight than anything you might be able to find on your first rodeo.
Don’t be afraid to ask: where are the best places to hunt, what are some of the hazardous points throughout the trail, what time of day to they come out, and more.
Being educated in the area will allow you to be more efficient and successful during your hunt, whilst preventing any accidents or bad run-ins.
Leave a comment