“The reason people take long shots at animals is that they cannot stalk!” Stalking has sadly become a lost art and hunters and hunting are the poorer for it. In ancient times, stalking animals with spears and bows played an important role in the lives of our ancestors. Successful hunting provided meat which was essential for surviving. Their weapons were only effective over a short distance, so skill and patience and determination were required to get close enough to achieve a kill.
With today’s rifles it is not difficult to shoot game at distances 200-300m or more. However, there are very few who have the ability to consistently achieve clean kills at these extreme ranges. True hunting is not just about killing animals. It’s a skillfully exercised art, practiced with dedication and patience. With stalking you use all your skills and senses giving your adversary more than a sporting chance to out-smart you. The challenge is that their sight is equivalent to a 10-power telescope and their hearing and sense of smell are 20 times better than ours. There are 4 basic rules to stalking:
- Sight
You have to see them before they see you. Some species occur in herds and your chances of being spotted increase with the number of eyes on you. If they see you they will probably run. Don’t pursue but take a walk in the opposite direction and try again later. Dealing with one animal is much easier. Using vegetation as cover and standing still can aid you in getting closer. Make slow movements with your body. Good camouflage is essential.
- Sound
Never underestimate an animal’s hearing capabilities. When you knock a stone during a stalk, man can hear the sound 50m away, but an antelope will hear it up to 250m. Slow approach and watching where every step lands can help to limit noise. Avoid treading on twigs, sticks, loose rocks and stones. Good shoes make a difference.
- Scent
Always stalk and hunt upwind. Keep checking wind direction. And steer clear of aftershave and other strong-smelling lotions.
- Silhouette
A problem arises when you are higher than the animal, and the backdrop consist of blue sky. Your silhouette sticks out even if you are camouflaged.
Stalking is an art and to hunt you must also try to stalk.
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