Are you the Predator?

 

In my opinion one of the main reasons why people are not successful when they hunt is because they don’t become a hunter. Picking up your weapon of choice, putting on the “latest and greatest” hunting clothes with the intention of hunting doesn’t make you a hunter; or does it? It may make you a “hunter” but it does not make you what you should be; a PREDATOR!

This is what I mean; a predator knows the land it hunts, has an extensive knowledge of the game in the area, it knows where to find this game in all conditions during the times of the day and times of the year. Hunting the same property for several years will help you in this endeavor.

I think one of the main problems is that hunters do not know the land they hunt. Spending all of the time you can in the off season scouting, planting food plots, finding trails, water holes, fence crossings, etc. will help you learn the land you hunt. No one can teach you the land; they can tell you where things are and the things they have seen but spending hours and even years learning the land you hunt is invaluable. You must also research and learn all you can about the species you are hunting. Having a knowledge about the habitat and where to find your prey in all environmental conditions is a must. You can learn a lot from topographical maps and aerial photos but until you spend time with your boots on the ground you will not have the knowledge you need to be as successful as you would like to be.

Anyone can watch videos and read “how to” articles but I feel personal hunting experiences are the best tools in the bag. Watching these videos or reading an article can help you learn but they do not give you hunting skills; being quiet, sitting still, blending in with your surroundings, scent control and being able to hold it together when the shot opportunity arises. All of these skills need to be sharp and you must have enough self-discipline to practice them over and over. Learning from my mistakes has taught me what and what not to do! Knowing you should do all of these things and actually doing them is what will make you a better predatory hunter.

To be as successful as a predator you have to know;

• Patience
• Perseverance
• Persistence
• The land
• The species you are hunting and their reaction to changing conditions
• Experience hunting the species
• Successful hunting techniques (remember learning from your mistakes)
• Be a good hunter

I hope this helps you in your quest to be the best hunter you can be. I have been in the woods chasing everything from squirrels to elk for almost 40 years and one thing I always do is think and act like the PREDATOR that I have become.

Good luck and happy hunting

Pat McFadden, Indiana Pro-Staff