The idea of a night hunting trip can be exciting and daunting at the same time. The fear of the unknown only gets greater at night. You can well imagine how it can make you feel when you are in the middle of nowhere. Even seasoned hunters may feel apprehensive about being out in the wild after dark. Yet it is worth trying for the sake of a new experience. The good thing is that you can do it without worrying about safety, even as a first-timer.
Common sense and experience give you a head start, but it does not mean that only skilled hunters should try it. After-dark experiences can work for newbies too because it is more about smartness than anything else. Everything boils down to taking the apt precautions as you need to think beyond the basics. Here are some tips from experienced night hunters to help you stay safe during your first stint.
Know the area well
Knowing the terrain well is the first rule in the outdoor rulebook, but it becomes crucial for night hunters. It makes you feel safe and confident even after the sunset. Moreover, it is essential from a regulatory perspective. Some states have restrictions on nighttime hunting, while others do not allow the use of some kinds of lights.
Start by gathering your facts about rules in the area because you will not want to face legal issues with the authorities. You can get helpful information on the internet or seek guidance from experts. Once you are sure about the rules, explore the trail during the day. Have your maps and navigation clear before returning after the dark.
Avoid going solo
Seasoned hunters love the thrill of going solo, but it isn’t a great idea for night adventures. First-timers should not even try it. There are good chances of losing your way in the dark, and being alone increases the risks further. It is a serious concern as fear can get the best of the bravest people when they are alone.
You may even trip or fall, and not having someone around can land you in deep trouble. Whether it is your first night-hunting or you have experience, do it with a group of people you know. Taking along a guide who knows the area well gets you a step ahead with safety. Ensure that they have some experience with night hunting as well.
Have your gear at hand
Day or night, you need your hunting gear for a safe and enjoyable experience. You need to have a checklist so that there isn’t a chance of missing out on anything. Make sure your guns and ammunition are at hand so that you need not stress about finding them in the dark. Wear the right kind of clothing with belts, holsters, and pockets to carry your gear as you go.
Do not forget to wear your bulletproof vest because the possibility of shooting accidents is greater after dark. Also, have a carry bag for essentials like lights, batteries, knives, and ropes.
Choose the right lights
It is essential to follow the regulations about lights for night hunting in the first place. Also, you must steer clear of white light in any case. It isn’t the right choice for night hunting as it will spook potential targets. Animals will not come close enough when they see white light, so you may have to return without getting a single shot. Talk to an expert while selecting the light for your trip.
Choose a red lens as it minimizes the brightness of the white light and illuminates the eyes of the animals. Make sure you never shine the light directly at the game. You can use a head torch or mount it on the gun to keep your hands free for shooting. The torch should be small and lightweight, but it shouldn’t compromise brightness.
Be patient and watchful
Hunting is a sport of extreme caution and great patience, and you have to double on both while hunting after dark. The perils and challenges of night hunting require you to be extra patient and watchful. Don’t expect targets to be visible easily because they have better ways to hide in the dark.
Patience is the key to success, so wait quietly until you get your chance to take the aim. Being vigilant is equally crucial as it gets you better chances of hitting the target. At the same time, it helps you detect the hidden dangers in the surroundings and be safe from them.
Conclusion
Night hunting is challenging, but you will love the thrill of the sport even more in the dark. All you need to do is go the extra mile with safety precautions. Follow these tips and stay one step ahead of the covert threats.