Six Methods of Hunting

I. Searching

As the name suggests, searching is quietly traveling through the habitat of the prey, stopping now and then for a period of time to watch and listen for movement. Typically, hunters of big game use this method in unfamiliar, as well as unsuitable or prohibited, places for erecting elevated platforms.

Generally, it takes at least ten times longer to remain still and watch than to walk. Bend over as much as possible to remain concealed, as the silhouette of a person can spook many prey. Use binoculars in open areas to properly identify suspected prey movement.

II. Tracking

The difference between tracking and searching is that when you track prey, you purposefully follow signs to find a specific species of prey or group of animals before slowly approaching the target prey. Searching is more passive, while tracking is more active. Tracking usually involves following the tracks left by your target prey to find the prey you're following.

You can follow footprints on a dirt road or follow the trail of morning dew through fallen leaves and bushes. You can also follow the sounds or scents of prey, such as horse deer, pan sheep or reproducing hogs. Or you may just need to sneak up on your prey to get a better shooting position.

Tracking requires total concentration, as you must remember to stay downwind at all times, stay quiet, stay alert, and stay patient.

III. Crouching

Crouching involves sitting or standing at a point which provides a vantage point or is located in the path of the prey. There is a proven strategy for crouching when you know where the prey will show up on a daily basis and the local area does not allow the use of cover or elevated stands.

Hunter Tip:The key to finding a vantage point is that the position allows you to freely carry your gun or draw your bow.

IV. Using Cover

Bunkers are temporary structures located on the ground that are used to hide hunters. Ground shelters can be as simple as building behind a tree, shrub, log, or rock to blend into the surrounding side natural environment; or you can use a professional tent-style camouflage shelter.

You should place the bunker:

1. Downwind, based on the direction of the prevailing wind at a particular time of day, such as in the morning
2. With your back to the sun
3. Ensure that the front and back of the bunker are the safest possible
4. To be safe, when you enter or leave the bunker: keep the muzzle pointing in a safe direction and make sure the rounds are unloaded and the safety on the firearm is on

V. Using Elevated Stands

Elevated stands (pylons or tree stands) provide a very big advantage to hunters in hunting, especially bowhunting. Pylons are seats or shelters above the ground that hide the hunter in an elevated position. Treestands are iron frames fastened to the trunk of a tree that allow the hunter to sit or stand. Remember...you should check the condition of your elevated stand periodically. In addition, check for insects, owls, and other small mammals on the stile as you climb it.

VI. Hunting in a Circle

Encirclement hunting requires a large group of people, some acting as 'repellers' and others as 'hunters'.Repellers spread out in a field or wooded area in order to force the prey out of the woods.The hunters, armed with guns, intercept the driven prey at the exit positions.
A successful encirclement hunting depends on good organization and familiarity with the terrain of the hunting area.

Most importantly, everyone involved in the roundup should know where everyone else is. Wear fluorescent orange and don't shoot in the direction of other hunters.