September 25th, 2021 Twenty Tips For Hunters to Have A Safe and Successful Hunt Today’s National Hunting and Fishing Day is September 25th, 2021. Here are twenty tips to help avid hunters. These tips were compiled by our AccurateShooter Hunting Forum with the help of Hunting Editor Colton Reid, who has been out hunting this month. Some items are essential, such as using maps, sighting in the rifle and improving your physical fitness. Equipment is also discussed. Proper boots, proper GPS for multi-day hunting and the right equipment are all important. Although there are many books on hunting, these 20 Tips can be very helpful for all hunters. These tips will help you have a safer hunting experience and increase your chances of success. These tips are just a few of the many helpful hints you will find on the NSSF website. Preparations before the Hunt 1. Map Your Hunt and Notify Others — Make a plan before you go on your hunt. Tell your family and friends where you are going, and when you expect to return. You can print a Google Satellite map to locate landmarks and trailheads. You can mark the location where you want to park your car and give a copy to a friend or family member. A hunter might injure his self by falling from a rock or slipping in a stream-bed. The hunter may become confused or unable walk after such an injury. Trusted persons should be able to locate you if you become lost in the wilderness. Before you leave for a trip, give a map to a family member or friend. You should show them where your vehicle will be leaving and where you plan to be on your hunt adventure. 2. Licenses and Permits – Make sure you have valid hunting licenses. This process should be started well in advance of your planned hunt(s). The NSSF states that “if you are crossing state or federal borders, you should find out any special considerations you need to consider.” Border crossings may require you to be aware of firearm transport laws and Chronic Wasting Disease-related regulations. 3. You should work on your fitness — Multi-day hunts can involve trekking miles. You must be in good physical condition. You could be in danger if you don’t have the right fitness level, especially if you underestimate terrain difficulty. According to the NSSF, “Failing to adapt to the terrain can make a great experience an agonizing one.” 4. Do your homework — Research the area where you will hunt. Talk to other hunters. Take a look at satellite photos. Get a true sense of the terrain and walking challenges. MAKE A PLAN for a multi-day hunt. According to the NSSF, “Eliminate all surprises.” Learn as much as you can about the place you’ll be staying, the area where you will hunt, and the weather . 5. Rifle and ammo — Make sure that your rifle is sighted in and that your ammo has been tested. You should sight-in your rifle with the ammo that you will use on your hunt. Click HERE to see the 4-Shot Sighting-In Method. After sighting in from the bench, confirm your zero position by shooting from a hunting position (kneeling with your forearm supported on a rock/post). 6. Shooting Positions — Practice the shooting positions that you will use on the field. You can practice sitting, kneeling, or prone positions. You can also practice shooting with shooting sticks. Before you take your shot, make sure you have a steady rest. 7. Back-up Irons — If you can, choose a rifle with back up iron sights. Modern scopes are extremely durable, but they can and do break (glass can crack). Back-up iron sights are a great way to keep you on the hunt even if your riflescope malfunctions. 8. Communication and GPS — If you’re in remote areas, bring a GPS. Although it is a good idea, you might not have coverage if your location is far from the nearest towns. You can also use your smart-phone as a digital camera to capture your trophies. Garmin InReach Explorer+ is a great option for safety and navigation. This high-tech handheld unit has interactive SOS and connects you to the GEOS 24/7 monitoring center for search-and-rescue. You can also send and receive text messages from anywhere via advanced inReach satellite technology. Yes, you can communicate even if your nearest cell tower is miles away. 9. Choose Good Gear — You’ll be spending a lot of time on the feet so make sure your boots are comfortable. A pack with a harness for your rifle may be a good idea to keep both hands free. You should ensure you have enough water and you are warm enough to last the night on a multi-day expedition. Multi-day hunts require backpacking. 10. Make a Gear List — Create a complete list of all the gear and supplies that you require. This includes guns, ammunition, rangefinders, binoculars and proper clothing. A good first aid kit is essential for any wilderness trip. There are many bad things that can happen. You can cut your hand, break an ankle, or do other horrible things. During The Hunt 11. Make a plan — know where and when you will be going. When deer are most active, try to be there in the morning and evening. 12. Take your time — Don’t get too excited if you spot a deer. Slow down and take it easy. Wait for the animals to relax and go slow. Next, determine the best way to approach your prey. Don’t miss your chance! 13. Glass More, Walking Less — Let your eyes do all the walking. Get good binoculars and start using them. Deer/elk can see you better than you because of their enhanced senses of smell, hearing, and smell. You are likely to be spotted by your prey if you are frequently walking around. 14. Riflescopes are not binoculars. Never use a riflescope to replace binoculars. It is tempting to do this, but it is a dangerous practice. Binoculars that have built-in rangefinders are a favorite of ours. If you are looking at long distances, consider supporting your binoculars with your pack. 15. Before you shoot, be sure to know your target. Every year, whitetail season forces farmers to spray-paint their cattle. If they don’t confirm the species in their sights, hunters will “harvested” them. Hunters suffering from “buck fever” are more likely to make mistakes. Don’t shoot if you are unsure. 16. Know when to unload — After you have finished hunting, unload your firearm and return to camp. Before you attempt to climb a steep hill or travel on slippery ground, unload your firearm. 17. Wear hearing protection — You’ll need full sensory use of your ears while you are pursuing and stalking prey. When you are ready to fire the shot, make sure to slip on hearing protection. A shot from a large-caliber hunting gun can reach 170 decibels. Permanent hearing damage can result from unprotected exposure of noise from a single 170+ dB shot. Source: ASHA.org You double the noise risk if you make a second shot. Hunters who hunt with a rifle that is not suppressed should have hearing protection. A pair of quick-insert earplugs can be kept around your neck with a cord. You can also get lightweight neck bands with earbuds such as the Howard Leight Quiet Band QB2HYG or 3M Safety Band. All have a 25 dB Noise Reduction rating. These lightweight bands can be worn around your neck for quick deployment when you are shooting. “Once a hunter has achieved success, the real work begins.” — Colton Reid 18. Harvesting the Animal — Be careful when you are dressing your animal. Sharp knives are essential. Some hunters prefer knives that are easily replaceable and razor-sharp. Don’t rush. You must ensure that meat is not exposed to moisture or dirt. Heat, moisture, and dirt are the three main spoilers of meat. 19. Pace Yourself when Packing Out — If your goal is to bring down a big buck, how will you dress the animal and get the meat out? Always be ready to carry extra weight when you hike out. If you’re successful, don’t waste the meat that you worked so hard to get. You need a pack that can carry a heavy load. This is no small feat. You could be carrying 60 to 100 pounds more than your other gear. Take your time. Take your time and rest when you need it. Do not harm yourself. 20. Enjoy the Hunt — Colton Reid, our Hunting Editor, offers this wise advice to novice hunters: “Have fun and appreciate your hunt, regardless of whether you bag a trophy buck.” It’s a privilege to be in the wilderness and get away from the city. It’s a great place to be. Keep your spirits high. It is normal to feel tired. But, remember that fatigue is part of the territory. You may feel exhausted at the end of the day. You may feel the need to go home and quit. Keep positive and stay focused. It’s worth it to be patient.
CLICK HERE to find Hunter Training/Mentoring programs State-by-State. Kristy Titus explains how you can prepare for your hunt in the Tips & Tactics video series of the NRA. Titus is co-host of Team Elk TV and has hunted all over the world. She grew up outdoors, riding pack mules in Oregon and was a part of her father’s outdoor activities. Kristy demonstrates field positions that can help during hunts and discusses fitness training. Kristy explains that hunting can take you to some very steep and rough terrain. It is important to train your body and mind to deal with the elements and rigors associated with hunting. If you are planning on going on a mountain hunt, you should get out there and train your body. Train with your firearm. Have some fun and get off the bench. Positional shooting is a great way to have fun. If you want to add stress, you can have someone set a time limit. Visit WhereToHunt.org This is a great online resource that allows hunters to find game locations in their state and make sure they have the appropriate permits and tags. WheretoHunt.org has an interactive map of the nation. The NSSF has information for all 50 states about hunting licenses and permits, where to hunt and hunter education classes, laws, regulations, and more. You’ll also find links to required applications and license forms for each state. Click Map to See State-by-State Hunting Information
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