Before you even leave the comfort of your home, check to find out about the animal’s behavior patterns for your area. There’s no use in hunting for squirrel if they’re still hibernating or nesting, for example. If you’re uncertain, or uncertain about the best areas to hunt for your game, call a local hunting store, club or perhaps a ranger for greater insight.

You might as well go armed with information along with bullets. For the most part you can depend on fair weather and sunshine to coax small game out of their hiding spots for a romp. The earlier in the hunting season you go, the better. There’s more to mask your presence.

When you go small game hunting it doesn’t hurt to take a partner. There are several reasons for this. First, it’s simply safer. While no one anticipates any accidents in the woods, if something happens you’re not alone. Second, having another person with you gives you a whole extra set of eyes that can watch for game, and help track it once spotted. Remember rabbits, squirrels, etc. are very fast. What you don’t see, your partner may – making for a more successful hunt overall.

One common trick that small game hunters use is also very simple. Bring some treats for your game of choice and lay them out in a staggered line coming your way. Note: cover your hands with dirt or leather before touching the temptations. Otherwise human smell might deter the creatures from following very far. Damp days are when this approach seems most successful.

Finally, while you’re waiting and watching remember that both you and your partner need to stay as still as possible Small game traditionally are easily startled. If they hear something “off” they’ll dart away even more quickly than normal. Remaining still is only one part of the picture however. You also have to be quiet as possible. To this end, try to have your weapon in reach where it doesn’t brush against bushes or other items that would “sound” an alarm and case off the game.

By following these simple guidelines you should find your small game hunting expeditions yielding better results.

First, there are going to be some things you cannot control when hunting. Maybe the birds just aren’t flying that day. Maybe you landed in an area with a lot of other hunter. Maybe the weather got nasty. You are not going to ever have control over Mother Nature. As for other hunters – either move to a different location or just cope. As the saying goes, don’t sweat the small stuff. Be prepared to adapt with nature and the changing circumstances or duck hunting is not going to be an enjoyable pastime.
Balancing that, there are things under your control and those are the ones to which to pay attention. For example, develop a good duck call, find decent decoys (and layout patterns), and know the basic rules of safety when hunting ducks and geese. Shooting birds has a whole different set of guidelines than other types of ground game, and if you don’t know those guidelines – don’t hunt.

Before you go out to hunt duck, have a good plan in hand. Try and pick a good location in which to hunt based on the weather and winds, but also have a second location in tow. If you’ve thought of that “sweet” spot – there are other hunters thinking of it too, and they might be earlier risers.

While out in the woods its perfectly acceptable to change locations if you find the birds simply aren’t where you are (this makes sense). This can happen because the wind changes, the bird’s flight patterns altar, the birds don’t respond to the decoys, you’re not concealed well enough, or the birds seem to ignore your calls. Unfortunately some hunters get stubborn about their location and come home empty as a consequence. To avoid being one of them – stay alert and watch for those little changes that could help you find a better location.

When you do spot some ducks, if you happen to startle them don’t shoot! Get into a good position, hide and wait. The ducks will return slowly and you’ll have a much better aim. And don’t forget that a pond is not the only place to find ducks. They like grain fields, for example. That’s a nice alternative to marshlands and wet feet! Beyond that, don’t forget the importance of camouflage not just for your boat or gear, but also your face. You want to be able to look up and get a clear shot at your game.

Having said all that, tree stands are not absolutely “perfect.” A good hunter knows the drawbacks of their chosen location too. For example, going up and down a big tree isn’t always the safest of endeavors. You could certainly fall. Also, if you’re not that familiar with this tract of land you could find yourself perched in a tree with little, or no, results (as the saying goes, location is everything!). Depending on the type of tree, there can be weak spots that aren’t easily discernable until you’re already feeling apprehensive (and you have to go back down). Finally, I believe that tree stand hunting can lead to accidents because the hunter gets tired of waiting. There isn’t a lot to do up in a tree but sit tight and make sure you’re secure!

Hunters who plan on using tree stand hunting should check their regional regulations first. Every area has slightly different rules governing where you can tree stand and when. Beyond this, it’s good to train yourself in two things: climbing devices and the types of tree stands you’ll encounter in the woods. The ethical hunter will want to utilize climbing devices that do not harm the tree (and this may be part of your local regulations). For your own safety you should practice with that devise before you go hunting. Once in the woods if your climbing implement seems “off” – don’t use it. It’s simply not worth the risk. In terms of other precautions, you still need a safety harness, a way to pull your bow and equipment into the tree with you (climbing with it is hazardous), and then try your bow once set up to make sure you’re free of hindrances

So, step one is getting to know your compass. If you look at the face of a compass it will have 360 degree notches all around the circumference. It will also have the initials N, S, W, and E for the directions of North, South, West and East respectively.

As you hold the Compass, there is a travel needle. This is the needle that indicates the direction in which you WANT to go. Your other needle should always show where true north lies. So if you want to go South West, knowing there was a road that way, you’d turn carefully in a circle watching the travel needle until it points toward that direction in the compass housing. One word of caution: make sure you’re looking at the TRAVEL needle, move slowly and keep the compass flat in your palm or you might not get good results.

Now that you have a direction you want to keep the compass handy but don’t make it your whole focal point. Instead look to the distance of where you’re heading and find a marker of some sort to work toward, perhaps a tall tree or a rock ledge. Stop regularly as you walk to check the compass and make sure you’re still on mark. By the way, the reason not to keep your eyes on the compass is simple – you’re likely to trip over other items in the landscape.

We strongly suggest trying this in familiar territory before going out in the deep woods depending only on your compass as a guide. Additionally, take the time to look at a map and familiarize yourself with some of the important landmarks locally and the approximate direction in which they lie from your campsite. This allows you to go in better prepared.

Finally, you should be aware that if you’re traveling in a region that has a lot of iron ore your compass might not work correctly. Also check out your gear to make sure there are no other magnetized items so that you can trust your results.

There are simple rules you can utilize in your camping to join this movement. By far your biggest ally will be good planning. Think ahead about things that could cause problems (like a person forgetting medication that then requires a fast exit, the need to pack a small fire extinguisher, or a weather extreme). During this planning process, please make sure you’re obeying the sites rules in terms of what you bring and how many people are in your party. Also think about planning your meals so that you use the least amount of ingredients and have a way of cleaning up after yourselves effectively. Finally, know in advance what each person in your party is responsible to bring and make sure that happens.

Step two is finding the right campsite. The more durable the land (like previously cleared sites with hardened soil), the less likely it is that you’ll kill any vegetation. This also makes for a very sound camping area so it’s win-win. When walking, sticking to trails also preserves greenery. If you cannot find hard packed soil, then move your tent every day to keep from creating that human space. Don’t forget that “leave no trace” also means avoiding putting holes in trees, or moving a big rock for your convenience when setting camp.

Step Three is have a way of removing your wastes. Meal planning will help with the amount of garbage you’ll have to take back out with you. If you have contaminated water (like with dish soap) it should be disposed far away from running water that could be damaged. If possible pack biodegradable (green) soap. Similarly with human waste, if you can’t get back to a camp toilet please dig a hole in the ground that’s away from running water and cover it. This helps keep water from being tainted by bacteria because it will decompose properly under the soil.

Step Four is to avoid being a collector. There are many lands on which it’s illegal to gather items that you find, like an arrow head. You want to leave “without a trace” that means leaving what was there when you arrived just as it was. Take pictures; they last longer!

Step Five: Be very careful with your fire. If you’re traveling in warm weather you may not need one at all – just bring a camp stove and a battery operated lantern to provide a place to cook and lighting. The lantern offers an additional safety margin vs. fire and is very lightweight. If you must build a wood fire, try to use only wood that’s already been downed, and make sure to follow all safety protocols for fire building.

Lastly remember to be considerate of animals and humans alike. Wild animals are WILD animals. Keeping your distance is wise, and if you’re not interrupting their natural movements you’re honoring the “leave no trace” code. As for humans, remember that your party may not be alone out here. Try to think about your noise levels and act accordingly.
Have fun.

When you’re planning your hunting trip, have appropriate clothing for whatever weather forecast you have (but also be ready for something worse). Learn how to build a fire even in the rain, pack a compass, and teach yourself the symptoms of hypothermia and how best to treat it alone. Hypothermia results in shaking, difficult speech, and a intense sense of weariness. You need to get dry and SLOWLY drink some warm liquids. If possible put something warm and dry on your head too.

While you’re at it create a survival kit that’s only used in an emergency. This kit should contain things like basic first aid, extra matches or lighter, a flair or whistle (to signal with), dry rations, pocket knife, flash light with fresh batteries, string, blanket, small pot (to purify water), and even a small tent if you have space. Because it’s plausible that your clothing could become totally wet, a spare set of dry clothes is also a good idea.

Next, take the time to get a map and familiarize yourself with the hunting area. If possible, go to the land before your hunt and explore different areas. This will help you discern spots from which to stay away like steep inclines and cliffs.

By far the biggest rule of survival is to keep a clear head if you’re lost or injured. This isn’t the time to run in circles and panic. Rather, now you should stop and think. Try not to move much. You need to get your bearings before trying any “plan.” Pay attention to staying dry, warm, and as hydrated as the situation allows. Note that if you have traveled with other hunters and told them beforehand your general direction and return time (which is an excellent safety precaution) they will likely be looking for you as well. If you move, you could go further off in a direction they didn’t anticipate.

First and foremost hunting safety means gun safety. This is a very powerful tool that comes with responsibility. No matter where you are, always treat your gun as if it was fully loaded and ready for shooting. That means no pointing at people, even in jest, even if you believe the gun is empty (i.e. never aim a gun at something unless you plan to shoot at it). Numerous accidents could be avoided annually by making this rule gospel. Additionally, remember to keep your gun’s safety “on” until you’re actually ready to use it. If you have to do any sort of climbing, unload the weapon and reload when you’re where you want to wait.

Second know your skill level and be certain of your aim. People’s emotions run high when hunting, which is why other hunters or hikers get mistaken for deer. Look twice; be sure. Binoculars are one good solution. No game is worth potentially hurting an unsuspecting person in the woods because you didn’t look closely.

Third know your weapon and take proper care of it. Like any tool your gun needs on-going care if it’s to work properly. Read the manufacturers recommendations regarding cleaning and oiling, and follow them. It doesn’t hurt to invest in a field cleaning kit if you’re planning on a long hunting trip.

Fourth is to have familiarity with your hunting area. For one, you’ll know if there are homes nearby or campgrounds of which to remain aware. For another you’ll have a better feel for your zone of fire – the direction you can safely shoot without getting into blind spots, etc. When in doubt – stop and look one more time for that “hunter orange” stripe that identifies other humans (you should be wearing this too!).

Fifth is having proper hunting gear, including eye and ear protection. Exposure to gunfire can cause hearing loss over time. Eye protection creates a barrier between you and any possible debris like gun powder.

Last but not least remember to go hunting unimpaired. Drugs or alcohol make handling firearms very unsafe.

What some people do not know is that they may unwittingly break other laws that have to do with protected lands and animals. For example, some lands are posted and restricted due to the sensitivity of a plant or animal in that eco-system. If you miss the posting – that’s considered Poaching (the illegal harvesting of animals). This is not the only instance in which a hunter could find himself or herself in legal trouble.

Hunting without a license or using the wrong weapon on a specific animal is also considered poaching. If you ever sell the animal parts for a profit without the appropriate business licensure – yep, that’s poaching too. Additionally, hunting during “off season” or beyond legal hours or using illegal means of capturing the animal are all Poaching offenses. The time frames within which hunting various animals exist to keep from over-harvesting. And, of course animals on the Endangered Species act may not be hunted or gathered in any way.

One should know that even gathering found animal parts can be tricky. Consider the eagle as an example. Only Native Americans can legally possess eagle feathers, and they must get a permit and prove their ancestry. The application can take up to three years to process being that there are currently over 4,000 people on the waiting list! So while that feather you found might be pretty, it might also be a very expensive mistake.

Why so much caution? The current estimates on poaching in the US put it at about 10 Billion dollars worth of illegal trafficking. While it’s certainly possible that a hunter might over-extend his or her hunting hours, or accidentally harm something that’s not in season or protected, it’s much simpler and wiser to just learn the rules before you go.

Hunting safety is only one part of the ethics equation. There are also other important guidelines that hunters learn and by which they try to abide. For example, there are game laws that govern what you can hunt and when you can hunt, most of which have to do with protecting wildlife and sensitive lands from over-harvesting. Not following those rules isn’t only unethical, it can land a person in jail or end up in large fines. So step one in good hunting ethics is knowing the laws in your state and following them. If you’re going out of state, get online or call a hunting group that can provide you with important information, such as whether you can bait deer (or not), for example.

Another illustration is the way in which hunter’s pass through an area. The idea is basically to “leave no trace”. For one thing, the more “human stuff” an area has in it, the less wildlife you’re going to encounter. The smell is distinguishable and animals will avoid the area, except for ones with whom you don’t want a close encounter. To illustrate: leaving bits of food in a campsite or on a trail can be down-right dangerous in bear country. Taking care of the land where you hunt is the sign of a good sportsman, and one who also has a sense for our partnership with, and stewardship for the Earth.
Hunters often come under a huge microscope by the public because of the emotionally charged issue that hunting represents. That means the way in which hunters conduct themselves will have an impact on future legislation. By adopting honorable ethics hunters get a two-fold reward. They protect the environment and stay safe.

The first step is to determine what type of camper you are. Do you require a fully loaded recreational vehicle or are you comfortable carrying your tent, bedding and food to a remote location where few other people go?

A tent is the first thing to choose. It will provide you with shelter from the elements and bugs. An important consideration is how many people will be sleeping inside and what type of bedding you plan on using as well as a little elbow room. Headroom is important if you feel claustrophobic or plan on spending much time inside.

Color is important to consider because certain colors handle the ultraviolet rays of the sun better the others do, for example, light colors will reflect the light and bright orange or yellow allow it to be seen easily by rescuers.

Spend time researching and looking at tents before buying one. A cheap tent may develop problems with broken zippers and split seams but if you do not do a lot of camping a cheaper model may suit your needs fine. You want to buy the best all around weatherproof tent that you can afford if you plan on camping year around. One good place to look is http://www.overstock.com; it will have good deals on overstocked camping gear.

Sleeping bags are the next most important item. It will matter if you pay a little extra and get a good one that will last longer with normal usage and will withstand the cooler temperatures. A sleeping mat is a good choice for underneath the sleeping bag because not many camping sites have nice level places to sleep.

The stove is the next thing item of camping gear to consider. Most stoves are fueled by propane or liquid fuel. Coleman stoves were important in World War II and have been used by countless people since. Their website is http://www.coleman.com and it often has deals not seen in sporting good stores. Many public campsites have a charcoal grill set up all you have to provide is the charcoal and the gear to cook with.

Be sure to bring a variety of clothes, a map, because weather can change fast, a simple first aid kit, extra batteries for any lamps and a few favorite items for the kids. A camping checklist is an essential item, it is hard to open cans if you forget to bring the hand can opener. Have fun and be sure to take lots of pictures.

Let’s look at what makes for a good camping space. First you need land that’s relatively flat, and free of rocks. A bed of pine needles in particular offers some nice cushioning (we do recommend putting a tarp over them to avoid any possible pin pricks in your tent). Another good choice is an area with hard packed soil (this offers the extra advantage of giving you good run off in the rain). Don’t go by looks alone, though, especially if you’re in a grassy area. Walk that land watching for unseen dips, rocks, slopes and critters that might make for uneasy sleep.

If you’re in a wooded area look to behind your tent and above it too. Placing your tent with a bush behind it gives you some safety from high winds. Above you there might be loose limbs in the trees that could come tumbling down. Either move those dead branches (possibly using them for your fire) or find another place to set up more safely.

Speaking of safety if you notice animal trails it’s a good idea to steer clear. For one thing this honors the environment. For another, it decreases the likelihood of an unwanted visitor at night. Check any nearby rocks and logs for signs of sneaks, and watch out for areas that are known for poison oak and ivy. Overall using an established campsite is a good idea. Most of these are away from water (avoid flash floods), have a spot for a safe fire (if one is permitted), and have already been placed with “safety-first” in mind.

Those considerations aside don’t forget about what you want in your camp site. If possible, look for a location that offers you plenty of visual appeal. Also consider how much privacy you’re afforded – it’s hard to feel “outdoorsy” when the folks in the next camp site are playing boom boxes. To avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes and no-see-ems avoid still water and tall, damp grass.

Finally, learn about the regulations of the camp where you plan to stay. Plan ahead of those inevitable unexpected moments (always pack one set of dry clothing in a sealed plastic bag, for example), and try to leave no trace of your presence when you go. This insures that others can enjoy the land and helps protect animals from potential harm.

Nearly everywhere you hunt there will be guidelines about how to field dress game to decrease waste. It’s important to follow these guidelines and properly tag your catch. Specifically you’ll want to get the organs and intestines out as soon as possible. This improves the flavor of any game meet (but not all game is treated the same when it comes to field dressing regulation).

The next step is to make sure that whatever game you’ve caught has the opportunity to cool. Keep it out of direct sun and try to expose it to a nice breeze. Try to avoid getting any part of the creature wet and keep it as clean as possible considering your setting. Some hunters claim that treating freshly dressed game with pepper helps keep bugs away. Bay leaf and fennel are also options that are easily carried in the woods without adding to your weight significantly.

If you have not done field dressing, but plan to start, it’s good to create a basic kit for yourself. Almost everything you need can be purchase relatively inexpensively at any hunting shop, specifically a folding saw, cloth bags to keep the game meat clean, and rope. Additionally you may want a sharpening stone for your hunting knife. Bear in mind this whole process comes under the “dirty jobs” category. It’s not a process for the faint of heart.

There are some hints to effective field dressing that helps you avoid spoilage. For one thing never cut open a creature’s entrails and avoid all scent glands. Either will make for very nasty and potentially hazardous meat. Once the entrails are removed, you can prop open the creature’s carcass to allow cooling as discussed earlier. This is the time to clean out the body cavity and potentially also skin the animal. Note that those who plan to have any part of a catch mounted this is the best place to stop field dressing. Afterward make sure to dispose the entrails in whatever manner your region requires.

* water jugs with clean water * cooler
* pot holder * pans
* lighter * utensils
* charcoal or propane * work surface (folding table)
* sharp knife – utility knife * plastic service ware (plates, forks, glasses etc.)
* bottle & can opener * garbage bags
* aluminum foil * water proof bags / food storage containers
* dish soap & pan * paper towels
* first aid kit * fire extinguisher

Now, those are just the basics and the list will change a bit depending on how you plan to cook your food. Camp stoves, for example, require propane, butane or kerosene. Charcoal requires a safe burning area (like a metal ring) and fire starter. Wood means knowing how to build an effective cooking campfire, etc. Additionally this list may be changed depending on what you plan to cook.

I strongly advocate making a complete meal plan before you go. Pre-prepare what you can and freeze it. The more frozen items you have in your cooler the longer they’ll stay frozen and keep each other cold (and block ice stays frozen longer than cubes too!). One really neat trick is putting meat or vegetables into your favorite marinade and freezing the entire mix. As this defrosts it also slowly tenderizes and flavors your meal. We use a meal-sealing system that offers a vacuum (and without air that food bag takes up less space too)

Make sure to label your foods with indelible marker so you know what’s what. Put the most time-sensitive items on the top of your cooler to be use first. Avoid storing things in glass containers unless absolutely necessary. They simply do not travel well.

As you’re cooking outdoors take precautions against bugs and dirt. Putting a lid on a pot, or covering food with aluminum foil are two serviceable and safe ways of achieving that goal. Also, whole bay leaves deter flies. If you’d like to keep other “pests” away (like raccoons and bears) keep food put away when not in use (perhaps in a trunk) or hang it in a tree.
For dry goods, which are a camper’s best friend since they travel well, provide fast nourishment and don’t have the strong aroma that attracts unwanted guests, have a water proof box. Simple, functional and it can hold a lot of your cooking gear too. Hint: always keep matches in another water proof container INSIDE this bin. It will help deter dampness that can come from over-night dew. You’ll also want a cooler just for beverages. This keeps the lid on your food cooler, which in turn keeps that food fresher longer.

The most important rule in camping with your pet is KNOWING your pet. How does the animal behave in unfamiliar surroundings? Can the animal be restrained should other people or animals appear? Is the animal well trained? Does the animal get defensive or odd under specific circumstances? Knowing all these things will help you choose the best possible camping area considering your animals disposition.

There are some precautions you can take to prepare your animal and yourself for this adventure. First things first. If your pet has never been away from home on a camping trip start small. Take that creature out for a few hours a day to some place new. Observe them in that environment and let them adapt. You may even want to set up a tent so they get used to being inside one.

Make sure that the area where you’re planning to camp is pet friendly. Many are, but others may have restrictions on where you can set up your camp if you have an animal with you. Also call your vet. Your animal may love being outside but won’t like the fleas and ticks that come in a forested setting. Your bet can give you pre-treatment and even heartworm medication if they feel it’s warranted. If any vaccinations aren’t up to date they should be administered before travel.

Next, pack for your pet. Bring the animal’s license, enough food, a leash and/or crate, and a first aid kit suited to whatever animal you have. I strongly advocate having a good collar with identification just in case the animal wanders off. And don’t forget a scooper to clean up any feces as you go. If you’re planning this trip during hunting season it’s a good idea to have a bright collar for your pet that identifies them to hunters easily.
Finally, remember that ultimately a pet is your responsibility. If you know you have an aggressive dog, or a dog that wanders off, seriously consider leaving the animal at home with a sitter. You’re not doing the creature any favors by putting it at risk for your enjoyment.

Obviously the answer to that question depends somewhat on the children’s ages, interests and behaviors. However, there’s one commonality. Any camping trip with children needs to have activities of some type regularly. Whether you’re fishing one day, watching game on another, or hiking yet another, just sitting around looking at trees is not going to be welcome. In fact, it’s a recipe for trouble. Bored children may wander off seeking their own adventure.

One of the most important things during your initial stages of readying for camping is to simply make sure you have what you need to insure a child is well cared for and feels secure. You want a good sleeping bag, extra blankets, their favorite pillow, and maybe even that silly teddy bear. Hey, bears live in the woods – and a youngster with a beloved stuffed animal will NOT want to leave it home just “because.” In younger children, sleeping is one of the most difficult aspects of the camping experience because of all the new noises. So, the additional benefit to packing those few extras is that it provides your child with a familiar comfort zone that will help them settle into the whole camping experience more quickly.

Secondarily, try to keep from making the preparations for camping and setting the camp itself into a dull chore. If you nag and rattle off orders, by the end of the day your family “crew” will want to quit. Come on; Get excited! Talk dynamically about how the various parts of your camp kitchen go together while you’re preparing it (and what kinds of foods you’re going to make together later), for example. Or, maybe teach them about fire safety and how to build a good camp fire while you gather wood. The more they see, the more they directly experience, the more involved children are in the whole process, the more likely they’ll be to have fun (and indirectly learn a few things too!). Remember your enthusiasm is contagious.

Don’t overlook the little things either. If this is a child’s first trip, that wooly little caterpillar could be an interesting diversion for a few minutes! Speaking of which, this is supposed to be a vacation. Release your need to plan everything out. Children are far more organic in their approach to nature than adults. They’re going to want to have a certain amount of freedom to jump in puddles, skip stones, or what ever else even if it wasn’t on your agenda at that moment. When this happens, don’t just stand there being frustrated – join them and have some fun!