Did you know that there are specific times of the day when animals are more active? Hunters who know when to hunt and what tactics to use during those times are much more successful than those who don’t.
If this is your first time hunting at night, you should know useful tips that will help you hunt effectively and keep you safe. This article will discuss four tips for effective hunting at night. Read on.
Table of Contents
Equip Yourself With the Right Gear
Night hunting can be a very rewarding experience. You can stalk your prey under the cover of darkness and get close enough for a clean shot.
But none of this can happen without the right gear, such as:
- A good light source: A headlamp or flashlight can help you see in the dark but alert your prey of your presence. Instead, consider using red-dot sight or night vision sights. These devices allow you to see in the dark without giving away your position.
- The right ammunition: If you are hunting deer, for example, you will want to use a heavy bullet that will penetrate through the animal’s hide and reach its vital organs. Alternatively, a lighter bullet will suffice if you are hunting varmints such as rabbits or squirrels.
- Dress for success: Wear dark clothing that will help you blend in with your surroundings, and consider wearing camouflage face paint to further conceal your identity. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as well, so you can remain silent and stealthy while stalking your prey.
Choose the Right Location
Not all hunting grounds are equal. Some areas will simply have more game than others.
When choosing a location for night hunting, be sure to consider the following factors:
- The time of year: Different animals are active at different times of the year. For example, deer are most active during the fall and winter months, while small game such as rabbits and squirrels are more active during the spring and summer.
- The terrain: The terrain can also impact the number of animals present. Areas with dense vegetation are typically good for deer hunting, while open fields are better for varmint hunting.
- The weather: The weather can also play a role in determining what types of animals will be present. For example, cold weather will force animals to congregate around food and water sources, making them easier to find.
Use Scent-free Products
Animals have a keen sense of smell, which they use to detect predators. If you want to be successful in night hunting, you need to ensure you are not giving away your position with your scent.
Several scent-free products on the market can help, such as:
- Scent-free soap: This type of soap is designed to remove all traces of human scent from your body.
- Scent-free laundry detergent: Be sure to wash your hunting clothes in scent-free laundry detergent to further reduce your human odor.
- Scent-free deodorant: Apply this product to your underarms and other areas of your body that produce sweat to further reduce your scent.
Stay Downwind of Your Prey
In addition to having a keen sense of smell, animals also possess a keen sense of hearing. That’s why it’s important to stay downwind of your prey so they cannot hear you coming.
To do this, simply walk upwind of the animal and then circle around, so you are approaching from downwind. This will ensure that the animal does not hear you and bolt before you can take a shot.
Final Word
Night hunting can be exciting, but it requires the right gear and tactics. We hope the above tips will help on your upcoming hunting trip.
