There are an almost infinite number of species, locations, and hunt party sizes leading to a wide variety of different hunt strategies. Even with the same area, equipment, and target species different hunters will develop their own preferences and tactics. However, there are some common tactics that are widely used across different species. For the new hunter starting out, here are some basic hunting strategies to help you get started.
Ambush Hunting
Firstly, one of the most popular and common hunting strategies is ambush hunting. This is where you identify an area or feature that is attractive to animals. Once you have identified an area, sit on it until the target species shows up. Tree stands and blinds are popular for this method, although not required. Many deer have been killed by simply leaning against a tree near a travel corridor.
A few aspects to keep in mind when ambush hunting is to make sure you’re on a feature when the animals will be there. If it is feed, most animals feed in the morning and evening. Another important part of ambush hunting is avoiding movement. Animals see movement very well and most prey animals are relatively cautious when going about their daily movements. Finally and most importantly, being cognizant that the wind is moving away from an animals travel corridor is essential.
Still Hunting
Next, the name of still hunting is misleading, because you are actually moving. Still hunting involves slowly and carefully moving through cover where you believe animals to be. Once again, planning your direction of travel based off of the prevailing winds is very important. Most still hunters move too quickly, and still hunting effectively often involves moving painfully slow. For many species pairing rattling or calling as you move through cover can help turn up animals.
Still hunting can be less boring than ambush hunting because you are moving and seeing different areas. However, shot opportunities can be quick when you bump animals in cover and being comfortable shooting offhand or seated unsupported is very useful when still hunting. Shots are typically close. On the other hand, you have less time to get set up than some of the other strategies here.
Spot and Stalk Hunting
Another effective hunting strategy, particularly for mountain hunting or hunting open terrain is spot and stalk hunting. Spot and stalk hunting involves setting up on a vantage point where you can see a large area that can hold game. Using optics, you glass the terrain until you locate an animal that you want to go after. Once the animal is located, you come up with a plan taking into account the terrain, wind, and other animals to close the distance and get close enough for a shot.
Spot and stalk hunting is my favourite technique in areas that are conducive to it. That said, out of all the hunting techniques it is one of the most equipment intensive because quality optics are important and oftentimes expensive. One of the benefits of spot and stalk hunting are the ability to gauge trophy quality before initiating a stalk. This is particularly useful in antler point restricted areas.
Driven Hunts
Finally, driven hunts are another tactic that has seen a decline in popularity but is still used in many parts of the world. Driven hunts involve sending hunters or dogs to still hunt a patch of cover with other hunters ambush hunting along the likely escape routes for game. Driven hunts involve large numbers of hunters. A downside of driven hunts is shots are often at running targets. Also, careful planning is needed to ensure the two groups of hunters are not shooting towards each other.
While driven hunting is mostly used in the Midwest in North America, it is still a very popular strategy in Europe where hounds are used to push moose and boar towards preplaced stands.
Closing Thoughts
There are almost an infinite number of hunting strategies that can be effective. These strategies are a basic framework and can be combined even in the same day depending on the area. Which strategy is the best for you depends on your equipment, experience, and personal preference.