Experienced hunters will know that hunting methods and techniques vary according to the game you’re after and the environment you’re hunting in. When you first start hunting there are many things you need to consider. What gun do you use for turkey or deer? How do you approach the animal? These are all things you learn with time and experience in the sport of hunting.

Choose Your Weapon

Before you jump right into hunting, you need to have a clear understanding of the law and legal methods you can use. Each country, city, state or province may have very different laws stating how you can hunt, so stay on top of that to avoid any problems!

  • Rifle: A rifle is a common weapon used when hunting and shoots a single bullet at a time with power and accuracy. Each rifle differs and you’ll need to choose one according to the game you’re after! Big game hunting most often calls for centerfire rifles, meanwhile, rimfire rifles are used for small game.
  • Shotgun: A shotgun is typically the most versatile weapon to use when hunting, as it can shoot multiple projectiles. Shotguns can be used to take game of any size from as small as a bird to as large as an elephant. While they are versatile, they are less accurate than other weapons and their range is limited.
  • Pistol: A pistol also has a single projectile like a rifle, only it’s not commonly used in hunting. It’s more of a niche sport used for close-range shots. Using a pistol requires more skill than a rifle and is often not as effective.
  • Archery: Although archery may seem like a lost art form, it’s still used in hunting quite regularly! Traditional bows such as longbows or recurve bows are still used and crossbows sometimes still fall under the archery category. Archery is accepted under the law in more states, so it allows for a wider variety but it requires a great deal of precision.

Traditional Hunting Methods

  • Rifle hunting: If you choose to go with a rifle, you won’t need to take much with you, which is a plus! Besides the rifle, ammunition and a hunting knife for cleaning, you’ll just need to wear an appropriate outfit and you’re set. Compared to bowhunting, it’s usually much easier in general and to take down big game such as bears and elk.
  • Bowhunting: This style dates back to the beginning of hunting and while it’s typically more difficult than rifle hunting, it’s much quieter, allowing you bag more in a day. Bowhunters need to carry a lot more around with them and generally go for larger game. Smaller animals are challenging to hit with a bow and arrow. 
  • Tracking: Tracking is when a hunter actively seeks out the animals they’re looking to hunt, rather than waiting for them to come. Since bowhunting is much quieter than rifle hunting, they often track animals without much fear of spooking them! 
  • Blinds and Hides: If tracking isn’t appealing and you’d rather wait for the target to come to you, you can set up a blind or hide. You’d set it up in an area where the game you’re hunting is commonly found.  It may take some time to set up and you could be waiting around for a while. Keep in mind that there’s no guarantee of the animal showing up. With that being said, you don’t need to be on your feet for long periods of time! 
  • Decoys: Decoys are usually used for waterfowl such as ducks. They’re usually used with a combination of scents and calls to attract them as well. They offer more security that you’ll have a successful hunt and can be used behind blinds or hides.

Alternative Hunting Methods

Outside of the typical hunting methods and techniques, you’ll find a few alternative ones. Some can be easier than traditional methods but are sometimes found to be controversial.

  • Long-range hunting: This type of hunting is when you shoot from much further out. Before attempting long-range hunting you must practice on targets. It’s also important to know if you’re within the kill zone for the game you’re after. It can become unethical if you shoot from too far and wound an animal instead of making the kill. 
  • Deer baiting: This technique is very controversial. It’s when a hunter distributes food to attract the deer to exactly where they want it to be. That way, they can make a clean shot. While some people argue it creates an unfair advantage, others use baiting as a common tactic. 
  • Hunting on food plots: Food plots are when hunters grow food on their land for the animals to feed. While it will attract, it can also scare off the game if a hunter isn’t careful!

Which Hunting Method and Technique Will You Go With? 

With a solid understanding of the various hunting methods and techniques, you’ll be able to choose what works best for you! These underrated hunting tips will also help ensure your next hunt is a good one.

Finding exclusive and private land to hunt on can be a challenge, which is why LandPass connects landowners with explorers on a free app. Learn more about LandPass today and make your next hunt a memorable one!