For the typical hunting enthusiast, the thought of switching to night time hunting sounds challenging. However, if you want to take your skills to the next level, then you’ll find this a more thrilling experience. Furthermore, most animals come out of their hiding spots at night, which makes night hunting more exciting.
Here are a few tips to make your night hunting more successful.
1. Use the Right Light
When hunting at night, you are more likely to encounter nocturnal animals. Considering how hard it is to see in the dark, the animals will most likely have the upper hand in terms of vision.
What you want is to look for a type of lighting that will help you spot the animals without scaring them away. Tactical flashlights are preferable due to their high power, brightness, and superior optics. Check out this list of top-rated tactical flashlight models for some ideas and shop around to find ones in your price range.
2. Identify a Perfect Location
Since most animals start moving to their homes in the evening, this is a perfect opportunity to intercept them. Your line of sight needs to be good, so it’s essential to look for the ideal vantage point.
Ensure the place you select gives you a proper view of the terrain. The last thing you want is an animal surprising you from the back. Look for an elevated spot that is not too open. In case you are hunting as a group, make sure all of you are strategically positioned close to each other.
3. Use the Right Calling Techniques
Animals are sensitive to sounds. Using the right calling techniques enables you to trick the animals into moving in your direction. Although hand calls work great, you can also use electronic calling to draw the animals near you. The good thing about electronic calling is that it offers a variety of sounds. It’s also louder, hence more believable to predators.
4. Camouflage
When hunting nocturnal animals, there’s a high chance they’ll spot you before you do. The best way to avoid scaring animals away or being attacked is to camouflage. Wear the right gear that is not easily visible at night.
5. Get a Good Quality Riffle
Animals are swift, so you need to take your shot as soon as you spot your target. You might be having a high-quality riffle but not the right one for hunting. For instance, if you aim to hunt coyotes, you are better off using a small gun. Don’t use the same weapon you use for duck or deer hunting, especially if you are doing it in a dense cover. You should also consider a rifle with a scope for easier targeting.
6. Be Patient
Most animals are less guarded during the night. However, this doesn’t make night hunting any more straightforward. Take time to sit patiently until you notice some activity in the woods or field. If there are no signs of animals, try to use mouth or electronic calls every 5 minutes or so. If you are lucky to spot an animal, focus, and wait for the right time to take your shot.
7. Exercise Safety
While hunting is an enjoyable activity, it can also turn tragic. You should always think ahead and exercise the right caution. Although animals most likely want to run when they see humans, there are instances when they can be aggressive. Always wear the right gear, avoid harming yourself with your firearm, and position yourself out of harm’s way.
Bottom Line
Night hunting is enjoyable and more successful when you have the right strategy. Buy the necessary tools, come up with a plan, and exercise all the essential safety measures.