Hunting might seem like a simple hobby, and even though there is a lot of gear and equipment involved – the goal is clear.
Score your prized possession and take it home with you. Might sound simple in theory, but it’s definitely harder in practice – especially when you’re on the go.
There is much more than camo clothing, and if you consider yourself a skilled hunter but have always thought to move is your weak spot – this post is for you.
You’ll find how to conceal your movement while hunting, both while on the go and on a stand which will increase the chances of grabbing the prized possession without scaring it away.
Why is Concealing Important?
Hunting from the ground, you’ll be surrounded by the wilderness and you’ll always be in the middle of the action, no matter where you move.
This is the ideal position you always want to find yourself in – but one wrong move and you might scare away your trophies.
Hiding in plain sight is really important, but you should also aim for the balance between safety and camouflage.
However, the hardest thing to do is to conceal your movements while you’re on the go. No matter how quiet you are – there is always a possibility to scare the animals away. And if you need to travel quite some distance – quad bike or any other vehicle won’t do any good for you.
While most hunters don’t think it’s possible to conceal your movements while you’re on the go – believe us, it’s very possible, and it’s an important thing to do.
It’s not how well can you aim, but how well can you put yourself in the ideal situation and preserve your position without scaring the animals away.
How to Conceal Your Movement While Moving
When traveling to or from the stand, you always have to be prepared and think a few steps ahead. Once the animals spot you or hear you – the game is pretty much over for your current stand.
Screening
One of the most common ways to conceal your movement is with the help of screening. The most efficient way to travel to your stand is to block the deer’s view. Everyone has been talking about the screening, but it’s because it works and is really effective.
Whether you plant a screen of trees, use annual crops, or take further action – you should be able to get an effective method.
Terrain Chain
With the help of topography, you are able to visualize broad patterns of deer movement. It might not be easy to analyze the topographic map, but once you get a hang of it – you will build a sense of intuition.
This will also lead to a better ability to predict where deer might be – and of course, that’s important for another reason too. Once you have this information, you will be able to organize your movements around it, to increase the efficiency and improve the chance.
Create Your Path
If something is blocking your closest route to your stand – you shouldn’t avoid clearing your path. Map the best path based on your predictions, deer movement, and topographical knowledge – and create a path which will help you minimize disturbance.
Electric Hunting Bikes
Quad bikes are a very noisy transportation vehicle and electric bikes are the next best thing. They are silent and yet have almost the same power of a quad bike.
There are specific hunting bikes such as Mule eBikes which are designed to help hunters carry their equipment, no matter the trail or route the take.
How to Conceal Yourself on a Stand
Deers are designated to survive, and if you’re not careful how you act on a stand – you will easily scare them away.
Hide In a Box
There is no better way to hide than to box yourself in. A hunting blind is a good way to box yourself in, but make sure you don’t plant it the last minute.
You should install it way ahead of the hunting season so the deer can become accustomed to its presence. Remember what we have mentioned, deers aren’t stupid and they’re designated to survive.
Natural Backing
Hiding in a box is an ideal way to pray for deer, but if you’re sticking out mid-season – you will easily get noticed and no matter how well camouflaged you are, you will scare the animals away.
Therefore, you should create a natural backing inside the hunting blind. The idea is to hide your silhouette against the skyline. Using multi-trunked trees, large-diameter trees, and making tight groupings of coniferous trees is the best way to do it.
Fake Backing
Of course, instead of relying on the natural backing, you could take advantage of the high-quality camouflage netting.
This is ideal for stands where you are in the open without a lot of trees around you, as this will definitely help you outwit the deer.
Use Combinations
However, the best way to go about your camouflage on a stand is to combine both natural and fake backing.
This will help you brush it in well together before the season, and you’ll be sure that your camo’s going to stay just like you left it, for the season.
Dean Patridge of Canadian Whitetail television has some pretty creative methods for combining both natural and fake background.
Move Slowly
No matter what do you, no matter how well you are camouflaged – just move slowly.
Imagine yourself navigating a minefield. This will help you be hyper-aware of your surroundings, but the last thing you want to do is feel invisible.
Camo doesn’t make you invisible – so you should always be careful where you move and how you move.
Conclusion
Moving slowly and wisely is one of the most efficient ways to conceal your movement while on the move or on a stand.
It’s something that’s easier said than done – but trust us, it’s definitely going to be worth it.
We highly recommend checking out some of the best electric hunting bikes which are made to conceal the movement and increase the efficiency during hunting.
