Most people feel like hunting is a game of chance, but that would be the wrong perspective. Hunting is based on skills, paying attention, and knowing exactly what to do when faced with your target so that you can take the shot. Most people lose out on a successful hunt because of a common mistake they must have made. In order to prove your chances of bagging the big one, here are five common hunting mistakes that hunters make.
5 Hunting Mistakes That Could Cost You a Good Catch
1. Failing To Practice With Hunting Apparel
You could have the most durable hunting gear in the world, but if you don’t know how to use it properly, then you’re wasting a lot of time. It’s important that you practice using it so that you know how it feels on your body, how much noise it makes, and how you’re going to shoot while wearing it. It’s good to practice in your backyard while wearing your hunting gear to see how well it works with your aim.
If you have picked up a new piece of equipment, such as a Blowback Air Pistol, for instance, there is no use trying it out once in normal clothes and then taking it with you. How do you know you’ll be able to handle it if you don’t test it out in the appropriate conditions? Testing doesn’t just mean checking compatibility, it also means ensuring you are safe when using it with all your gear.
2. Not Placing Hanging Stands Correctly
One of the most common mistakes is placing your hanging stand too low when you’re in the middle of wide-open skylines. Even if you’re not moving, you can still be spotted by your target if you’re not properly camouflaged behind cover. You’d be better off sitting on the ground behind a bush than placing your stand up in a bare tree.
3. Trusting Trail Cameras Too Much
Trail cameras have definitely changed the way that hunters patrol certain areas. If there’s no evidence of targets being in the area, then there’s no reason to hunt there. However, relying on trail cameras too much can also spell a hunter’s downfall. They don’t provide an accurate picture of what’s happening in the hunting area, since they don’t have 360-degree vision.
4. Walking Through Bedding Areas To Reach Stands
Deer, specifically, are very particular about their bedding areas and know when they’re disturbed. A disturbed bed tells them that something else has been around, which is a warning sign that they need to move on. If you’re walking through a bedding area to get to your stand, then the deer are going to smell your scent and quickly move on.
5. Not Paying Attention
Waiting for game to show up can be a long and boring experience. But if you’re pulling out your phone to entertain yourself while you’re waiting, then you’re missing out on those moments that you should be using looking for game. Game can sneak up at any time, and if you don’t have your gear ready like a Red Dot Sight to improve your aim and targeting reaction upon taking the shot when they do, then you’re easily going to miss out.
Many factors come into play when having a successful hunt, including the choice of equipment, but if you avoid these common mistakes, then you’ve already increased your chances. For those factors that are beyond your control, you just have to make the best of a bad situation.
But for those you do have control over – such as selecting the right hunting gear – make sure that they’re being addressed so that your hunting game is improved. The precision and reliability of your equipment can greatly influence your hunting success, and choosing the correct weapon can be a step towards ensuring a more successful and enjoyable hunting experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, avoiding these common hunting mistakes is essential for maximizing your chances of a successful catch. By practicing with hunting apparel, properly placing hanging stands, using trail cameras wisely, avoiding bedding areas, and staying focused, you can greatly increase your hunting success. So, be mindful of these potential pitfalls and make the necessary adjustments to enhance your hunting experience and improve your chances of a good catch. Happy hunting!
