You always want your next bird hunt to be more successful than your last. Unfortunately, the results can seem unpredictable. Only through proper planning and execution can you maximize the possibility of your most fruitful hunt yet. So, what are a few ways you can increase your chances of success on your next bird hunt?
Research Thoroughly Ahead of Time
Some hunters may insist on changing up their typical hunting grounds to improve their odds of success. Before doing this, ensure that you’ve done all of the necessary research about your new location. By knowing the environment just as well as your enemy, you can more easily spot ideal locations to set up your blind. Additionally, those who have hunted this area before may be able to provide you with invaluable tips you wouldn’t know just by visiting the area yourself.
Bring the Correct Gear
The right gear can make or break your whole hunting excursion. Ensure that your gear is all camouflaged to mimic the surrounding environment which you’ll be hinting in. Items like a waterfowl hunting backpack can be invaluable to easily carry everything you should need, ranging from extra ammunition to plenty of snacks to keep you focused throughout the day.
Stay Up to Date on the Weather Forecast
The weather can greatly affect the way birds will interact with their environment. A windier day will cause your targets to move faster and in a different pattern than a calm morning. To stay on top of this, be sure to check your favorite weather forecast for a couple days leading up to your big hunt. This will allow you to make proper adjustments to your gear and strategy before ever heading out into the field.
Practice in the Field
Shooting on a range and shooting out of a blind are two very different experiences. A blind often has far less visibility than a range. To ensure you are successful, try to simulate your hunting environment as much as possible when getting in some target practice. This can include anything ranging from time of day to simulate the lighting conditions all the way to the angle at which you are shooting. Ideally, you can even practice in similar wind conditions although this is notably hard to consistently recreate. This way, once your practice is complete, the real thing will feel like second nature.
Any day of bird hunting is better than any day at work but it’s always more fun when you can bring home a truly trophy worthy kill. To increase your odds of success, be sure to properly prepare yourself.