From Prep to Pursuit: 5 Key Elements for a Successful Hunting Plan

Very few experiences compare to hunting in terms of thrill and adventure. Besides triggering an adrenaline rush, hunting is one of the few pastimes that bring us ever so close to Mother Nature.

But despite its numerous benefits, a hunting experience can turn out to be a smashing success or epic failure. The outcome mainly depends on the levels of preparedness. That explains why experts recommend having some form of a hunting plan before hitting the woods.

Read below to uncover what a hunting plan is and why you need it while planning your next hunting trip.

Introducing a Hunting Plan

A plan, in the context of traveling, is essentially a document that lays out a roadmap for the trip. You’re probably already familiar with terms like travel plan, charter plan, flight plan, or voyage plan. A hunting plan is no different.

Perhaps the question now boggling your mind is – what should a hunting plan include?

Well, a hunting plan basically details the identified hunting grounds and how to get to those locations. The document also tells of who you’re planning to bring on the hunt, the game you’ll be hunting, and how long you intend for the adventure to last.

Expectedly, the details in a hunting plan will vary depending on several parameters. Some of these aspects include your target prey, the terrain of your hunting grounds, and the season you intend to hit the woods. Therefore, it’s essential to plan your next hunt with all the specifics in mind.

Key Elements of a Successful Hunting Plan

1. Gear

The term “gear,” with respect to hunting, mainly denotes clothing. The outfits you wear on a hunt can significantly affect your chances of nailing prey.

First off, you’ll need to understand the prevailing weather conditions in your target hunting grounds to be able to pick the right pieces of clothing.

For instance, a Merino wool shirt would serve you better if hunting in warmer weather. That’s due to its incredibly lightweight and moisture-wicking abilities. On the other hand, a jacket, long pants, and high boots might favor you if hunting in the dead of winter. Don’t forget base layers if your trip coincides with the rainy season.

Color and brightness are other key considerations while picking the right clothing to wear on a hunt.

Dull-colored clothing are excellent at disguising dirt and dust. You’ll need such garments if stalking prey from the ground. You might also consider earthy colors like brown, navy blue, and jungle green. That’s due to their ability to blend into foliage, allowing you to stalk prey within close range.

2. Weaponry

It’s impossible to plan your next hunting experience without factoring in weaponry. So, as you assemble the right clothing, get your weapons ready too.

Ideally, the right weaponry to bring on a hunt will depend on your target prey. And frankly speaking, your choice will mainly come down to a firearm or bow.

Firearms, such as rifles and pistols, are best suited for hunting larger game like bison and reindeer. They’re also more accurate than bows in terms of taking down long-range prey and moving targets.

Bows, on the other hand, are the preferable choice for hunters who wish to hone their archery skills. They’re most effective at hunting smaller quarry (such as guinea fowls and rabbits) at shorter distances.

3. Hunting Grounds and Routes

It’s common knowledge that most hunting typically takes place in the woods. However, it’s best to know the specific habitats where you’re likely to find your target prey.

For instance, deer prefer young forests. Such habitats provide them with their primary food sources, which include fresh grass, green leaves, buds, and branches.

For comparison, bison feed almost exclusively on grass. So, you’re more likely to find them in open grasslands and meadows.

Another way of mapping up your hunting grounds is to identify the safest and shortest routes to your hunting grounds. If possible, conduct a reconnaissance a couple of days before the main trip.

4. The Expected Weather

We’ve already alluded to the importance of knowing the prevalent weather in your pre-identified hunting grounds. But this knowledge isn’t only meant to help you choose the right clothing.

The weather can make or break your hunting experience, even if you’re properly strapped.

First off, the prevailing weather will determine prey activity. Certain conditions may also affect game vulnerability, increasing your chances of taking it down.

Besides, weather elements like hailstorms, flash floods, and lightning can prove too perilous to hunt in. You wouldn’t want to risk your safety hunting in such conditions, even if the prey is literally swarming past you.

5. Hunting Partners

Some people prefer solo hunting, while others would want to invite as many of their buddies to a hunt as possible. The reality is that both options have their perks and drawbacks.

However, the benefits of group hunting far outweigh solo hunting.

Hunting with friends increases your chances of nailing prey. The extra pair of hands means you’re twice as likely to take down any game.

Inviting your buddies to a hunt also provides an extra layer of security. That’s especially if you’re hunting in grounds overrun by venomous serpents or ferocious beasts like grizzlies.

Besides, it’s challenging to lose your bearing in the jungle if you’re group-hunting.

Wrap Up

The details to incorporate into a hunting plan can vary from one hunter to another. However, the above-listed information must feature in any hunting plan to make the trip a success.