Chapter 6: Basic Hunting Techniques
Hunting Methods (continued)
Game Calling and Scents
 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.
Chemicals released from an animal's glands or waste
give off scents that communicate to other animals. These
scents are used to:
- Mark territory.
- Attract others for mating purposes.
Non-game scents can be used to mask human odor or attract
game animals.
- Pine or earth scents cover body odor and allow hunters
to get close to game animals without frightening them.
- Odors that smell like preferred foods attract animals to
an area to feed.
Driving
Driving involves a group of hunters, some acting as "drivers" and
others as "posters."
- 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 the 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. By varying
your pace, your quarry may think it has been detected and
be more likely to leave cover.
|
