Hunting Location Guide: Advice for First-Time Hunters and Where The Animals Live
How to Choose the Right Hunting Location: Tips for New Hunters
When you're starting out as a hunter, one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—decisions is choosing where to hunt. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel lost when it comes to picking a hunting spot. Whether you’re looking for big game like deer or elk, or small game like rabbits and squirrels, the location can make or break your hunt. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a hunting location, helping you make smarter decisions and set yourself up for success in the field.
1. Understand Your Game: Know Where It Lives
The first step in choosing a hunting location is to understand the habits and habitats of the game you’re after. Different species of animals prefer different environments, so knowing where to look is critical.
Big Game (Deer, Elk, Bear): Big game typically gravitates toward areas with dense forests, brush, or near water sources like rivers, lakes, or streams. These animals tend to prefer areas with plenty of cover and food, so scouting areas that offer these factors increases your chances of a successful hunt.
Small Game (Rabbits, Squirrels, Upland Birds): Small game, on the other hand, often prefers more open areas with plenty of undergrowth, hedgerows, and access to food like seeds and fruits. Upland birds like pheasants tend to be found in agricultural fields or grasslands, while small game like rabbits will thrive in areas with lots of brush and cover.
Understanding the natural habitat of your target species will help you narrow down where to hunt. Do some research on your chosen game and get familiar with the landscape they inhabit.
2. Research Hunting Zones and Regulations
Before you head out, make sure you know the local hunting regulations. Different areas have specific rules regarding hunting seasons, permitted weapons, and hunting zones. You don’t want to invest time and effort into finding a great spot, only to discover that it’s closed to hunting or has restricted seasons.
Most states and regions provide detailed maps of hunting zones, and many also offer online resources that allow you to check regulations by area. Look for:
Hunting seasons: Know when hunting season begins and ends in your chosen area.
Hunting zones: Some regions are divided into specific hunting zones that have their own rules.
Special regulations: Pay attention to any special regulations, like limited access to certain public lands or specific bag limits for different types of game.
Being informed about the regulations not only keeps you legal but also ensures you're hunting in areas where the game is abundant and legal hunting is allowed.
3. Consider Public vs. Private Land
As a new hunter, you may wonder whether it’s better to hunt on public or private land. Both have pros and cons, so let's break it down:
Public Land: Public lands are accessible to everyone, but they can be crowded, especially during peak hunting seasons. The advantage of hunting on public land is that it’s often free or low-cost to access. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities for beginners who don’t have access to private land.
Pros: Accessible, affordable, lots of options.
Cons: Can be crowded, limited or unpredictable success rates, may require more time to scout.
Private Land: Private land can offer more solitude and greater access to game, but it typically requires permission from the landowner. Some private land may also charge a fee for hunting rights.
Pros: Less crowded, often better hunting opportunities, more predictable access.
Cons: Requires permission or leases, sometimes expensive.
If you're just starting out, consider hunting on public land near you to get familiar with the process. Once you’ve gained some experience, you may want to seek out private land opportunities for more exclusive hunting.
4. Scouting: The Key to Finding the Best Spot
Scouting is an essential part of hunting, especially for beginners. It’s the process of getting to know the land and identifying where your target species are most likely to be. Scouting can be done before hunting season, during the off-season, or even a few days before your hunt.
Here are some key things to look for during your scouting trip:
Tracks and Sign: Animal tracks, droppings, rubs (from deer), and scrapes (from bears or deer) can tell you where the animals have been and what routes they’re using. Look for areas where the animals are feeding, bedding, and traveling.
Water Sources: Animals often frequent areas near water, so identifying streams, rivers, lakes, or ponds is a good place to start. These areas provide the game with water and are prime locations for spotting them.
Cover and Food Sources: Look for areas that provide plenty of cover (like thick brush or trees) and food sources (like acorns, berries, or agricultural fields). Understanding the local food chain will help you find where the animals are most likely to be feeding.
Game Trails: Game trails are well-worn paths that animals use to travel between feeding, bedding, and watering areas. Following these trails can lead you to your hunting spot.
5. Consider the Terrain and Accessibility
The terrain of your hunting area can affect both the difficulty of your hunt and your ability to get to the animals. Some things to consider:
Access Points: Make sure you know where the entrance points are and how far you’ll need to walk to get to prime hunting areas. If it’s a long trek, make sure you’re physically prepared.
Terrain Difficulty: Steep hills, thick forests, and rough terrain can make hunting more challenging but may also provide cover for the game. Choose an area that fits your fitness level and comfort.
Safety: Ensure that the location is safe—both in terms of hunting regulations and potential hazards (like difficult terrain or other hunters). Always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
6. Keep an Open Mind and Be Patient
Finally, remember that finding the perfect hunting spot takes time. As a beginner, you may not always have success right away, and that’s okay. Hunting is a learning experience, and you’ll improve as you spend more time in the field. Keep an open mind, be patient, and stay flexible.
The more you learn about your chosen game, the better you’ll become at identifying good hunting spots and predicting where the animals will be. Every hunt is a new opportunity to grow and refine your skills.
What’s Next?
Now that you know how to choose the right hunting location, it’s time to get out there and start scouting! Whether you’re heading to public land or seeking permission on private land, remember that the more you prepare, the more successful you’ll be. We’re excited to see where your hunting journey takes you.
If you have any questions about finding the right hunting spots, or you want to share your own tips and experiences, drop us a message or join our community. Happy hunting!