How to avoid rookie Hunting mistakes -

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An obvious way anyone can screw up an outdoor adventure is to go unprepared. Want to know how to avoid rookie hunting mistakes–follow some simples steps. Set yourself up for success with proper preparation. Have you ever gotten to your destination only to realize that a vital piece of gear has been left at home? As a result, the day’s plan changes.

Unfortunately, life gets busy and sometimes chaos just happens. Am I right? Case in point: a couple of times I have thought I was ready, gotten on location and discovered that the tag I had was not the right one or simply just my license. Therefore, we had to make a quick dash to town to buy my tag and then return to my site at a less than ideal time. While the day wasn’t ruined, my unpreparedness did cause some unnecessary stress! Learn to prepare for hunting by avoiding rookie mistakes such as mine.

Rookie Move: Forgotten Equipment

More than once I have forgotten to return my favorite Vortex Diamondback binoculars to my gear bag after using them for birdwatching at home. Meanwhile, I am left at a disadvantage on identification at a distance without my best optics. I have separate gear bags for different hunting seasons. So similarly, I really need to invest in multiple pairs of quality binoculars since I depend on them often.

Likewise, one of the most embarrassing times I ever had was the day I forgot my bow release! Talk about frustration! Nonetheless, the lesson I learned is to be certain to grab my release when bow hunting because after you get sat down in your tree stand, it’s too late. That day turned into scouting. Now I have a spare in my gear bag. Plan B can save the day!

Have you ever gotten up pre-dawn certain that you were ready, only to discover that you can’t find your head net or some other item you really need? Don’t get me wrong, I have several head nets, but my Hecs suit one is my go to head net. The panic that ensues at 4AM is regrettable. So we urge you to get organized ahead of time.

Rookie Move: Lack of Practice

Another key to having a better hunt is to practice shooting with the same piece of equipment and the same accessories you plan to use in the field. Several times I have been handed a gun and told that it’s a tack driver, but I have never had a chance to practice shoot it. That’s unnerving and sometimes it works—not always. You need to be comfortable and safe with all of your gear. You can increase your odds by practicing in advance.

Rookie Move: Not in the Know

Study the regulations in your area. Get your hands on the guidebook ahead of time. There are lots of specifics you are responsible for knowing and following. When I first started hunting turkeys, I was naïve and didn’t know the difference between the sexes and ages at all. So when a flock came in, I had no idea which one I was supposed to be aiming for and that certainly messes up all the effort it took to get me there. Regrettable! I should have been asking better questions ahead of time….again.

Rookie Move: Unrealistic Expectations

With time, the learning curve get easier and more enjoyable. One doesn’t have to always fill a tag. The whole experience of being out in nature has many rewards. I watched the most beautiful pair of wood ducks swim around behind me one morning. Another day I enjoyed a family of river otters twist and turn as they swam together. Once pileated woodpeckers spent 45 minutes tearing apart a decaying tree as they searched for insects.

The unexpected sideline shows can be truly amazing! Enjoy them. I had a southern flying squirrel land right next to me. A pair of owls bobbed their heads trying to figure me out early one morning. While the goal was to prepare for a hunt, these moments are irreplaceable. These memories are bonuses that add abundance to one’s life. So Brian and I encourage you to explore the great outdoors! You should try to be as prepared as possible and learn how to avoid rookie hunting mistakes.