Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Things you learned along the way...

Great string with many well advised pointers!
My 2 cents:
Nothing wrong with catching a quick nap while out in the woods. Waking up is always interesting, some times more interesting than others. Further, as you get older, this takes on new meaning.
Always, always, always keep at least a couple rounds of ammo with you.
Did you know 550# test paracord is available with a strip of fire starter built in?
I have given up several days of hunting, including an opener or 2, even a tag or 2, to intro some grandsons to big game hunting. Enjoyed every one of those days immensely. Sincerely hoping I have successfully passed on a tradition that I place a very high value on.

One of the hottest fire starters I've used are these chemical cubes from Walmart. If you get them in sporting goods, a box of 6 is about $6. If you go to the bbq and space heater section, they have the same thing in boxes of 12 for the same price.
If you need a fire, you need it NOW and these will do it.

1) ALWAYS carry two compasses and three ways to make fire. These can be life savers.
2) If you sweat like I do, carry a spare hat or cap.
3) Always hunt with a barrel fouled by at least one shot.
4) A dry pair of socks goes in my pack every time.
5) Make sure someone else knows where you will be hunting. If' I'm alone, I leave a note on the dashboard saying where I'm headed.
6) Check your backtrail. More than one deer has snuck out behind me and watched me leaving an area.
7) When still hunting, always move as slow as you can tolerate, and always try to keep a tree in front of you when you stop. It breaks up your outline, and gives you a rifle rest.
8) When you think it's time to give up, stay at least another 15 minutes.
9) Compasses don't do you any good if you don't know how the road runs you need to walk back to. Always take a reading before setting foot in the woods.
10) If you tend to be fidgety, keep your hands in your pockets. Keeps your hands warmer and you have a higher chance of not getting busted by a deer.

The older I get the easier this is.

Same here.

Guilty. More than a few times.


I don't see a need to take quite as good of care of my feet as some of you all. Wearing the same socks for a few days never has seemed to bother me too much when I am hunting, as long as they're dry in the morning. I don't carry an extra pair in my pack. If my boots are completely soaked (which does happen), then having fresh socks won't make a difference.

As far as things I have learned over the years: the biggest is that if the shot isn't right---don't take it. It is way easier to get back onto an animal another day than blowing a herd out of the area or worse; tracking a poorly hit critter all over hell, and a lot less taxing on your conscience.

Good list!

I'll take on a couple of things, the white face can bust you, BUT there is plenty of sky, white, blue etc.. in the woods. Don't let it bother you that much. Movement is the key.

A sharp ugly knife.. I don't own one thats 4 inches long anymore. 3 inches maybe. It doesn't take much. My much is havalon piranha, the fastest easiest to sharpen knife ever. Have taken apart more than one moose with it. Including dejointing every last thing.

Quick second shots... if needed, dump the lever, buy an AR of some caliber.... or a 742 or bar etc....

Camo, is not needed.

Other than the good boot/good socks/take care of your feet issue, this might be the best advice ever.

I can’t tell you how many times “just fifteen minutes more” has saved my bacon. The importance of hanging in there and not giving up no matter what can’t be over emphasized.

Never trust a skinny cook or a man who plays the piccolo.

Never get separated from your gear.

That 2" at 100 yards works. I used to fuss over accuracy and shoot the piss out of a given rifle wanting sub-MOA. It is extremely rare that my first handload doesn't run inside 2" and said loads have never caused me to miss.

Stay in position until dark, don't try to get back to camp before dark. Carry a good headlamp, hand held light and spare batteries.

Resist going back to camp mid day, stay in your spot and outlast the other hunters-tough to do sometimes because of cold temps. etc. but can be very productive.

Learn your area and realize what other hunters do, where they typically go and how they hunt so you can capitalize. Animals will do the same.

Never pass on an opportunity to hunt with your father.

This part I can't quite agree with on two counts. First, I'm old enough that I'd rather not have gutting jobs in the dark, Second, I'll take my chance on having something to shoot at on the way back.

^^^^^^^^

Yes, I don't have to be in a "stand" to be hunting.


Actually, I don't have any stands.

Never forget the toilet paper!

Never forget your flashlight

Never forget some matches

If stand manufacturers had to depend on elk and mulie hunters for sales, they'd go broke in a hurry.

Pigs have better noses than deer!

Study and learn how to take quality field pictures.

And has been mentioned by others, quality time with your kids in the field, is the best time.

7 Rem mag is the best cartridge out there!

In my first year hunting elk. I bumped five cows near the top of a ridge. We all met on top. One cow stopped and looked at me long enough for me to put the crosshairs on her and decide not too shoot. My "young" reasoning.
"This is the first day, and I'll find a bull." Never seen another elk the rest of the season. DON'T PASS UP A LEGAL ANIMAL, Unless you are willing to eat your tag.

Who you hunt with is important too.