The Art of Hunting

A long time ago, hunting was a necessity. Usually men hunted and the women gathered. It was a time that has long been forgotten here in America. Hunting was a means to feed our ever growing appetite. Some Hunters hunt for the sport of a trophy and other's do so for the necessity of feeding their growling bellies. This "necessity" is diminishing.

Some people who call themselves hunters actually buy or purchase their hunting trip. They choose game that is an easy kill and can even be fenced in which prevents any game from escaping. This is just appalling and is not a true hunter. It is foremost considered an art which takes one many years of practice.

First, you have safety. Obviously this is where any adult or youth should start. This teaches a set of rules of conduct or code just like any soldier or boyscout has learned. How to obey limits such as the distance from a road, highway or building. What type of weapon can be used for a particular game or season. States may require that you wear a certain percent orange for easy identification against other possible hunters in the woods.

Learning about hunting takes time and skill to catch a wild and smart animal. You are in its home and it knows where to hide.

This is where tracking and field experience come in. All the joys that make hunter good at what they do. You must study and research what animal's habits are. Obviously each critter has an identifiable track. Each will also leave a noticeable dropping. Yes, that's poop. Not many people learning to hunt will want to tackle this, but it can tell you signs such as location, direction and time that the animal was there. From experience one can tell based on freshness the time of defecation. You must learn how temperature and wind can tell you an approximate time. Direction on the trail can be based on the factors of fresh water and food sources in combination with the time of day and the approximate time the animal was anticipated to be there.

Hunting takes a great deal of thought and patience. Some hunters choose to sit or stay and await for the appearance of their prize. Other's walk many miles to where they think the game is moving to. Sometimes you get indications such as a call or a buck rub on a tree. After taking all of these things into consideration, take note that animals can smell anything that is out of place in its home. This means that if you know you have a "hot spot", you will want to be down wind to avoid being tipped off by your manly stench. There is no real reason to use concealers either. That is unless you want to smell like a doe and you want to be hunted. Reminds me of those hunters being attacked and beaten down by some lonely and confused deer.

Some hunters prefer to go at it alone. Although there is an advantage in hunting with two or more people. This is where the game may be flushed from there rousting or resting place. One or more people will go on ahead and make a large circle to scare and drive them from hiding in the direction where they will be awaiting there fate. This seems to work well on small game, but personally not recommended due to safety concerns.

A few other things worth mentioning. When going on a hunting trip you should always take an emergency kit, flashlight, extra water and a compass to remember your direction in the woods. After a while it can all start to look the same. Even when it is considered to be your back yard, you may want a map to know where fresh water is as well as the terrain of the land and any nearby structures. If you are after larger game. You will want to plan how you are going to get your prize out of the woods. You may need things such as rope, knife and truck for easier removal.

I hope this helps at least the novice become more conscientious to how one must learn and conduct their thoughts and actions to the art of hunting game. Saftey is always most important. Secondly, enjoy the outdoors. Its a beautiful world out there. Good luck, and Happy Hunting!