Effective November 18, 2009, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission changed their guidelines for distance learning. Students are now required to spend a minimum amount of time on each course page before proceeding to the certification exam.

Click here to go to the latest version of the Today's Hunter in North Carolina online course—the official hunter education course of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

The following course material is for reference only. Please go to the new course to complete your North Carolina certification.

Hunting Strategies: Game Calling, Driving & Flushing

Game Calling

Bowhunters calling game by rattling antlers

Calling is an effective technique for most animals. There are a variety of sounds that can be imitated to draw game to you.

Territorial sounds: Deer "rattling," elk "bugle," or a turkey "gobble"
Feeding sounds: A duck's feeding "chuckle"
Distress sounds: Inviting coyotes, bobcats, or foxes to feed

There are hundreds of sounds that can attract all types of wildlife. A skillful hunter uses these sounds to attract animals close enough to him or her for an effective shot.

Driving

Driving involves a group of hunters, some acting as "drivers" and others as "posters."

Three hunters in the field driving game

Drivers spread out across a field or woods and push game out of cover.
Posters take positions at the end of the cover to intercept game pushed out by the drivers.

The success of a drive depends on good organization and being familiar with the terrain.

It is critical that everyone involved in the drive is aware of the position of other drivers and posters. Wear fluorescent orange, and never shoot in the direction of another hunter.

Flushing

Flushing involves using noise, movement, or dogs to cause game to become nervous and leave cover.

Pause frequently when attempting to flush game. When you vary your pace, your quarry may think it has been detected and be more likely to leave cover.