Every experienced hunter knows that if you have the right gear, you'll have a much more successful hunt. You'll be more prepared and won't have to spend a long, long time outdoors. Getting all the help you can get is always a good idea. There are several subtle, yet efficient ways to bring wildlife closer to you during your hunting adventures.
Game Calls
The main purpose of game calls is to attract the game you’re hunting through vocalization. They're also known as hunting calls. These calls are made to sound exactly like the animal you’re hunting and their location calls, mating calls or feeding calls. This way you get the animal as close as possible to you. Some calls have such an identical sound, that animals can’t even make a difference.
Depending on the game you’re hunting, there are several calls you can choose from. If you’re hunting elk, you’ll need a reliable and realistic bugle tube. Elks use their windpipe to create a deep, resonant sound. This knowledge was used as a base to create a game call specifically for them.
This tube is made of strong, lightweight plastic. It can have a straight or a megaphone-shaped end. It's combined with an internal call which gives the same deep-voiced sound that elks make. The newer designs give you more control over the sound. You simply draw air back against the rifling and get a deep and guttural diaphragm sound.
There are also diaphragm or mouth calls. They're made of latex and stretched around a small housing. Once you apply pressure with your mouth, the latex piece vibrates and makes a distinct sound. This might not be the best option if you’re a beginner, but seasoned hunters adore them because they’re a hands-free game call option.
If you’re hunting ducks or geese, you should buy reed calls. They activate when you blow air in the tube. They have a reed inside and once you blow air it vibrates against the soundboard and makes the sound. What kind of sound you get depends on how long you blow, the way you do it and the number of reeds inside the tube.
If you’re bowhunting, there are rattles you can use. They can be a fun way to attract game. Basically, they mimic the sound of antlers clashing while fighting. They're mainly made of plastic and almost always come in a bag so you can rattle them inside. There are hunters that use real antlers for a more realistic experience.
But if you don’t want to bother with any of this, there are electronic predator calls. They're a simple radio-like device that’s simple to use. You can play any hunting call you want with just a push of a button. Hunters mainly use them for bobcats, wolves and coyotes to get them as close as possible. Once you decide what you’re hunting, you have plenty to choose from.
Attractants
Allurements or attractants for hunting can be a useful tool for any hunter to have in their pocket. They draw in game because they mask human odour and create realistic hunting conditions. Once you understand what these scents can do and develop the right strategy, you’ll significantly increase your chance of success.
Attractants are amazing products that will bring the animals your way. Combine them with a bugle tube and the elks will start coming. To make things even better, and hide your human smell, get a concealment scent. They all have pleasant smells like fir or juniper. The animal won’t even know you’re there.
Attractants on the other hand can smell like glands, urine or food. To lure the animals, apply them strategically around the area and they’ll come. Also, make sure your clothes are as odourless as possible. Wash them with a scent-free soap or detergent. Always take note of the wind’s directions before applying the attractants and use them in close feeding areas. Investigate the game’s moving pattern of the season and act accordingly.
Tree Stand
Tree stands are a very practical hunting accessory, just as the elk call. They give you more visibility by keeping you elevated from the ground. A nicer, bigger line of view means more hunting possibilities and more protection. Tree stands also keep your scent away from the animals’ noses. They won’t sense you’re there.
Before buying the stand, make sure the tree area you’re hunting in has large enough trees to hold the stand. You need tall, straight trees with not a lot of branches. But if the trees are bushy and curved, a tree stand won’t be a wise investment. If you’re travelling on foot a lot, choose a lightweight stand that can be strapped to your backpack.
You'll encounter 3 different types of stands, lock-on, climbers and ladder stands. Lock-on ones are very popular because they can fit different types of trees. They're also comfortable, padded and lightweight. Climbers are somewhat practical but you should find a tree that doesn’t have low-level limbs.
Ladder stands come in many sizes and have platforms that can easily fit a bench or a sea. They're great for older hunters. Their only disadvantage is their weight. They can be heavy to carry around by hand. Towers and tripods are also an option. They stand on their own. No matter which one you choose, make sure it suits the hunting area, the game you’re going for and your needs and preferences.
Decoys
Investing in some decoys is a good idea if you want to step things up. They can be quite beneficial to both beginner and seasoned hunters. It doesn’t matter which animal decoy you’re buying as long as it’s as realistic as possible in terms of size, colour and shape. Animals are curious by nature and will love to explore your decoy.
Choose a decoy made of high-quality materials. It should be able to stand up to harsh weather conditions such as long exposures to snow, rain, sun and wind and not fade away or fall apart after a few times in the wild. If you’re moving around a lot, the decoy should be lightweight. This is one accessory that can make a big difference in your hunting adventure, so make sure you choose the right one.