Millions of people go hunting every year. The thrill of being outdoors, being one with nature, and the serenity and relaxation you get from being a part of it all are enough to draw many people into the wilderness. But even with all these advantages, it’s easy to slip up and make mistakes that can cost you your life or even hurt others. If you’re going to be night hunting, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
Comply with the rules
Hunters are required to follow all hunting laws and regulations. These laws and regulations include the hours you may hunt, the type of weapon you can use, whether or not you need a license, how many animals you can take, and so on. For example, hunters are required to wear blaze orange clothing when hunting deer during deer gun season in Virginia. When hunting grouse in Pennsylvania with a shotgun, you must wear camouflage clothing or face arrest.
Be aware of your surroundings
When hunting at night, you must be aware of your surroundings. You should never go into unfamiliar territory without knowing exactly where you are going and what terrain you will encounter along the way. If possible, bring a GPS device with you so that if something happens, there is always an emergency backup plan available in case of emergency, such as getting lost or injured.
Don’t go alone
You may not think it’s necessary to bring someone along with you, but if something goes wrong, it will be good to have someone there to help you out of an uncomfortable situation. When you hunt at night, having someone else with you is important. If something goes wrong and you’re injured or lost, it’s easier for a group of two or three people to find each other than for one person alone.
It’s tough to see at night
It’s tough to see at night; you’ll enjoy the trip more if it’s not pitch black. If you can’t see your target well enough to take a shot, don’t shoot! You’ll feel better about your hunt if you have a nice buck in the freezer — even if you had to wait until morning to harvest him. It’s difficult to see clearly at night because our eyes aren’t used to seeing in low-light conditions. This means that even though you can see an animal in front of you, it may not be clear enough to aim properly with your gun.
Take a first aid kit
A first aid kit should always be essential to your hunting bag. You never know when an accident will happen, so it’s better to be prepared. Ensure that your first aid kit has plenty of bandages, gauze, antiseptics for cleaning wounds, pain relievers, and fever reducers.
Stay alert
It’s important to keep your wits about you when hunting at night because things can change quickly in the woods. Always look around before walking into bushes or thick brush; you don’t want to surprise another hunter or predator who may be hiding there!
Don’t drink alcohol before heading out for a night hunt. Alcohol is a depressant, which slows down your reactions and impairs your judgment and coordination — two things that could get you killed out in the woods at night!
Have a source of light with you at all times
If you are hunting in the dark, you must always have a source of light with you. This will allow you to see your surroundings and ensure that nothing is hiding in the shadows. A flashlight or headlamp is ideal as they illuminate an area well and let you keep both hands free. If you have both hands free, it will also make it easier for you to use your weapon if needed.
Be sure of your target
Before firing at anything, be sure that it is what you think it is and not something else, like a deer or another animal that looks similar but isn’t what you were aiming at. It can be difficult to tell whether or not something is an animal when all you can see is its silhouette and not any recognizable features like ears or antlers; therefore, always double-check before shooting!
Check the weather
A big concern for hunters is the weather. It’s important to check the forecast so you don’t get caught in any storms or bad weather. You could also get lost and not be able to find your way back to camp. The weather is a major safety factor when hunting at night. If there is a chance of rain, you should either postpone your hunt or bring extra gear to protect yourself from it. If it’s cold outside, dress warmly in layers — you’ll be grateful for them if you get wet or cold.
Don’t wear bright colors
When hunting, it’s a good idea to wear camouflage clothing to blend in with your surroundings. Bright clothing attracts attention; you don’t want that when you’re hunting at night. Wear dark clothing that blends into the woods and doesn’t shine even in low light conditions. Bright colors can make it easy for other hunters to spot you, which could lead to an accident or injury.
Take care of your senses
Hunting at night requires your senses to be sharp and ready to go. You need to hear every crackle in the woods, see every movement in the distance, and feel every step you take on the trail. If you’ve been hunting all day and are exhausted, it may be best to wait until morning to go out again.
Stay hydrated and bring over-night items with you
You might not think about it much at first glance, but staying hydrated while hunting can be extremely important — especially if you’re going out into the wilderness for several days. You’ll need plenty of water to keep yourself from dehydrating or overheating during your trip, so make sure to bring plenty of bottles with you and camping equipment like tents and sleeping bags so that you’ll have somewhere comfortable to rest when night falls.
Bring a map with you if necessary
Bring a map with you if necessary; ensure someone knows where you are hunting and when to expect you back at camp. If you get lost, stay put, make noise, and then follow the sound of your voice back home.
