Hunting requires a certain amount of patience. There are times where you’ll need to keep completely still or move very slowly. Animals have a terrific sense of hearing, so one snap of a twig or the sound of crunching leaves could cause your game to flee and for your hunting trip to end abruptly.
You also have to have patience because animals will travel the trails at certain times. There could be days where you don’t spot any deer on a certain trail, only to discover several deer the next day. You might also have to pass on the opportunity to shoot at a smaller doe while waiting for a larger buck.
Other times, you’ll need to wait for your game to get into a good shooting range. Shooting at an animal too soon could cause it to flee, which could result in the shot merely wounding the animal instead of killing it.
If you want to have a successful hunt, you’re going to need to find a way to stay patient.
Have the right expectations
Particularly if you’re a new hunter, you might have unrealistic expectations of what it means to be a successful hunter. If you’re hoping to shoot only the biggest and the best, you could end up disappointed and frustrated if you’re unable to shoot a big game animal.
Know what to expect before starting to hunt on certain trails. This will allow you to know what you are likely to find while hunting. You can scout the area or use trail cams to get an idea of what the area offers. You can also check the wildlife stats in your area for harvest statistics.
Another way to develop the right expectations is by talking to other hunters in the area. While they aren’t likely to reveal their best hunting location to you, they might give you some tips on what they’ve found and how their hunts are going. Taking the time to talk to people could also lead you to find a hunting mentor.
By setting the right expectations for yourself and for the area, you’re less likely to grow frustrated while hunting. You don’t want to give up too soon. Setting some goals for yourself based upon reasonable expectations can make for a more enjoyable hunting trip.
Find a way to entertain yourself
Hunting is a process, and sometimes during that process, you’re going to have periods where you’re sitting around waiting. If you’re the type to get bored easily, you’re going to need to find a way to keep yourself quietly entertained.
You could try fully immersing yourself in the outdoors. Observe all the animals around you and think about their behavior. This will give you something to think about while you’re waiting.
Or, if you’re able to multitask, you could bring your phone along. You could text a friend or play a game. If you have earbuds, you can listen to a podcast or some music.
However you decide to entertain yourself, you’ll still need to remain aware of your surroundings. It would really suck if you were too far invested in a YouTube video to realize there was a big game animal right in front of you.
If you can find a way to pass the time, however, you’re far more likely to remain patient.
Have the right equipment
Bringing the right equipment is vital when you’re hunting, especially because some equipment can help you remain patient while you’re waiting. Staying still all day can be uncomfortable, which can cause you to lose focus. You’ll want to find a way to stay comfortable and alert. Here are some tips on equipment that will make your trip more comfortable.
Food & Water
Minutes can feel like hours if you’re too hungry or too thirsty. Bringing snacks and water can help keep your nourished and comfortable. Getting too hungry can also cause you to lose focus while you’re hunting.
A Chair
You don’t want to spend hours sitting on the ground or sitting on a metal stool. Uncomfortable seating can cause you to fidget and move. Investing in a chair for hunting will make your trip much more comfortable. You’ll want to find a chair that is durable and easy to carry.
Comfortable Clothing
It’s recommended that you wear layers. It’s always easier to remove clothes during your trip if you get too hot than to be stuck in a predicament where you’re too cold. The right selection of clothes also helps make you more inconspicuous while on the trails.