How To Hunt

Knowing how to hunt is genetically engrained in all of us. Of course, some of us are better than others when it comes to hunting, but it is a skill that can definitely be improved. Ask any hunting enthusiast and they'll tell you that you have to become one with nature or some other rather mystically vague statement. The truth of the matter is, we are a part of natural world which makes us a part of nature. Hunting is very much still apart of us, it's just that the majority of us have decided to let that element of our beings go. Not to mention the fact that modern technology makes everything readily accessible to us. We used to need to know how to hunt to survive. The majority of us out there today are only hunting for sport. If you're itching to learn how to hunt, then let the games begin.

1. Know your surroundings. One of the most important elements to hunting has to be knowing the area. Really knowing it. It's very important to understand the ecosystem you're hunting in. If you're hunting deer, you're not going to go hunting in an area that doesn't provide the right kinds of foods that dear go after. You also want to know what predators (besides you) are in the area. Wild animals or other hunters could be in the area, in which case you better be careful. Or you may wind up with a pellet or a tooth in your ass. If you're into camouflage, it's good to know the setting of the place so you can dress accordingly. All of these things play a part in how much game will be available to you.
2. Your equipment. Your personal safety should always be of the utmost importance when you're hunting. Make sure you always have an emergency kit on you for injuries. Take a water proof cell phone and flares as well. A bottle with fresh water, lighter, matches and a whole host of other things should always be on your person just in case. Your hunting weapons are totally up to you. It would help you a lot to have a trusty hunting knife, but as far as guns or arrow or what have you, that's totally up to you. It's better to be over prepared and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
3. Baiting your prey. Again, this is one of those elements to hunting that require you to have knowledge of the surroundings and particular animal you're looking for. Let's use deer as an example. You know for a fact that the deer you're looking for likes a certain type of leaf. Then you know that your chances of finding the deer greatly increase near trees that have these types of leaves. So, your best bet is to get to areas with that type of leaf. Hell you could even set a small portion of those particular types of leaves out near a popular deer area. Your goal here is to be near an area where you know the deer dwell. But, this in know way means you're ready to jump the deer quite yet. 
4. Stalking your prey. In order to get to the animal in question you have to understand two things. One, most animals sense of smell and hearing are much more developed then our own. This is why outdoor companies have created sprays to confuse animals sense of smell. Also, animals (more specifically the deer) pick up on subtle movements around them. This means you can't go running through the woods making a bunch of noise drawing attention to yourself. Learn how to stalk by walking toe to heel. It's a lot lighter than our normal stepping. It's also important to be loose as well. Your aim here is to get as close as possible without startling your prey. This will take a little practice. Look at it this way, we have it easier than the hunter cats out there that have to pounce. You only have to get close enough to use your projectile weapon. Also, don't forget to adjust to the wind when firing.