Beyond The Tree Stand: Other Styles Of Hunting That You May Want To Try

If you're feeling a bit restless in your tree stand, why not mix things up and dive into diverse hunting styles? Ever thought about testing your aim with handgun hunting? Or grappling with the intricacies of reloading a black powder muzzleloader? Experience the adrenaline rush of spear hunting or fine-tune your precision and patience with bow hunting. You could even dabble in trapping using snares or body grips. If you're a tech enthusiast, hunting carts and e-bikes can open up unchartered territories for you to explore. Hunting and outdoor adventure sports are not just about sitting silently in a tree. So venture out, try these styles, and you might just stumble upon a new favorite. And guys, there's more where that came from, so stay tuned!

The Modern World offers an updated huge selection of technologies and innovations like digital scopes that will make your hunting more efficient and enjoyable. After all, the latest technologies greatly facilitate the hunting process and change the approaches to traditional and well-known hunting methods. In this way, every hunter can get new experiences, experiment and improve his hunting skills.

I am constantly impressed, intrigued, and amazed by my hunter friends' ingenuity. The true rangers in my circle of friends have progressed far beyond the traditional rifle and tree stand hunting that most of us think about when deer season rolls around. In fact, I still remember a crazy night in Florida when a guy told me about hog hunting with his dog that would chase the pig, lock on to its neck, and hold it down so he could jump on the back and slaughter it with a machete. Crazy stuff!

However, while you don't need to go that wild, there are tons of ways that you can expand this activity that more than 25 million Americans enjoy every year.

Switch Up Your Gun Of Choice 

Switching up your weapon choice can bring in a new thrill and challenge. Have you ever tried hunting with a handgun, a black powder muzzleloader, or a shotgun? Each offers a unique experience that could revitalize your love for the sport.

Handgun

Often overlooked, hunting with a handgun can offer a thrilling change of pace for those accustomed to rifles or bows. This form of hunting demands precision shooting, a skill that can be honed with practice. Handgun safety, of course, is paramount, and I can't stress enough the importance of knowing how to properly handle and maintain your firearm. Concealed carry is another aspect to contemplate, as it allows for greater mobility and stealth during your hunt.

Finally, ammunition selection plays a key role in ensuring your success. The right bullet can make all the difference between a clean, humane kill and a wounded, suffering animal. So why not shake things up a bit? Swap your rifle for a handgun on your next hunting trip. You might just find it's the thrill you've been seeking.

Black Powder Muzzleloader

If you're ready for an even bigger challenge, try hunting with a black powder muzzleloader.

This type of hunting has a fabulous historical context, tracing back to the early days of pioneers. The challenge lies in loading the gunpowder and bullet from the muzzle since unlike modern rifles where you can load the complete round into the magazine, here everything is separate ... requiring careful attention to get it right or the weapon won't fire properly. However, taking safety measures seriously makes it a rewarding experience. Its accuracy might not compare to modern firearms, but it's part of the thrill. Plus, it opens up more hunting seasons for you. Whitetail deer and other game are suitable for this type of firearm. Welcome to the brotherhood of black powder enthusiasts!

Shotgun

Stepping away from the traditional domain of black powder muzzleloaders, let's explore the versatility of hunting with a shotgun. The shotgun's adaptability is unparalleled - it's perfect for a variety of game (depending on the type of ammo used), from birds to big bucks. 

Ditch Gunpowder And Use Your Muscles

Let's talk about getting a bit primitive with our hunting methods. Have you ever thought about ditching the gunpowder and using your muscles instead? From bow hunting to spear hunting, even using a blowgun, these methods require skill, strength, and a bit of patience - making the hunt even more satisfying.

Bow Hunting

Picking the right bow is vital. Bow selection should be based on strength levels and hunting preferences. Not only are we talking about making sure that the bow has the right tension to fit your abilities, but there are multiple types of hunting bows out there, including crossbows, compound bows, and even traditional longbows are an option. Arrow types can make a big difference, too, obviously. 

Bowhunting techniques, like stalking or still hunting, depend on the prey and terrain. Regular bow maintenance is key, ensuring your equipment stays in top shape. You also need to be aware of hunting seasons and respect local laws and animal populations. So, if you've got the muscle and the precision, why not give bow hunting a try?

Spear Hunting

Spear hunting might be your next big adventure if you're prepared for a true test of strength and skill. Various spear types accommodate different hunting styles, so pick one that fits your strength and skill level. Mastering throwing techniques is a must, but remember, safety precautions should always be prioritized. 

Blowgun

Moving on from spear hunting, you might want to try your hand at blowgun hunting, a hunting style that relies heavily on precision and breath control. It's a thrilling experience, one that demands your focus and patience. To master blowgun accuracy, you'll need to practice constantly. Dart selection is equally important; choosing the right dart for your target is crucial. 

Your Animal Companions Can Help You Hunt 

Sure, pulling a trigger might seem like the most efficient way to hunt, but have you ever considered enlisting the help of your animal companions? Animals like falcons, dogs, and even ferrets can be trained to assist in hunting or in some cases even become the hunters themselves. This is where the excitement of working in tandem with another living being comes into play and it can be pretty awesome.

Falconry

In the world of falconry, you'll find it's a unique and thrilling form of hunting that involves training birds of prey such as Cooper's hawks, or goshawks to catch prey. Falcon training is a fascinating process that requires patience, skill, and knowledge about the bird's behavior. Vital considerations are also important; you must learn and abide by hunting regulations specific to falconry in each state such as these rules from Ohio. Prey selection is another pivotal aspect, as falcons are trained to pursue particular types of game. Finally, no falconer is complete without their falconry equipment, including a hood, jesses, and a glove. It's a tight-knit community filled with people who share a passion, so don't be afraid to get involved.

Falconry might just be the hunting style you've been looking for.

Hunting Dogs

If you're a dog lover, hunting with dogs might be the next hunting style for you to explore. Dog breed selection is key some excel in tracking, and others in retrieving - others such as my buddy in Florida train the dog to immobilize the prey so the human can finish it off. Training techniques vary, but patience is essential. Your faithful friend will need dog gear essentials like vests and leashes designed for the field. Canine first aid is a must-know, because accidents happen, and you'd want to be prepared. Ethical considerations are also critical, ensuring the hunt respects both the game and the dog. 

Also, remember, hunting with dogs isn't just about the kill, it's about teamwork, the thrill of the chase, and bonding with your four-legged companion. So, let's explore this together, shall we?

Ferreting

Moving on from hunting dogs, there's another animal-assisted hunting style you might find intriguing - ferreting. Ferreting history goes back centuries, with various ferret breeds being used to chase rabbits and other burrow-dwelling game out of their holes. A key part of this exciting hunting style is, of course, ferret care. They're not your typical pet, but with a little love and a lot of ferret training, these nimble, slender creatures can become valuable hunting companions. Legal considerations also come into play, as ferreting is not allowed everywhere due to concerns for local wildlife. So, if you're looking to expand your hunting horizons, why not consider ferreting? It's a fascinating, traditional hunting method that might just become your new favorite pastime.

Trapping Your Prey 

Now, let's chat about another hunting method: trapping. Honestly, for myself I sometimes have trouble with this practice since some traps cause the animal to struggle and sustain injury while waiting for you to return to the spot and either dispatch or release the prey. Regardless, this too is an important part of hunting heritage as well as being a key component to subsistence-level hunting and, of course, critical for population management with invasive species and pests like coyotes and raccoons.

While some people might say that trapping and hunting are different practices, they are generally serving the same purpose, with one critical difference. While hunting with a spear, bow, or firearm is designed to kill the animal ... trapping can be used to capture the prey instead simply. Once captured ... depending on the type of trap ... you can kill the animal or release it. Trapping can be highly effective in catching prey, and it is an art form humans have refined for thousands of years. I'm here to guide you through the basics of each.

Snares

A snare trap is a type of trapping device designed to catch animals by the neck or limbs through the use of a looped wire, cord, or string. The principle behind a snare is relatively simple: as the animal moves into the snare loop, its movement causes the loop to tighten, effectively capturing the animal.

Snare positioning is vital. A well-placed snare can be the difference between a successful catch and an empty-handed return. Bait selection is equally important. The right bait can draw your prey right into your snare. 

Footholds

A foothold trap, sometimes also referred to as a leg-hold trap, is a mechanical trap designed to catch and hold an animal by the foot or leg without causing significant harm. Most commonly this trap is used when the hunter intends to allow for the animal's live capture. This style of trap has been used for centuries in wildlife management, fur trapping, and pest control.

You've probably seen something like this in cartoons when the gnarly-looking metal teeth close over someone's leg. Those traps still exist, but modern ones are designed to be much more humane. The design of foothold traps has evolved over time, with modern versions often including features intended to reduce injury to the captured animal, such as padded jaws or offset jaws that do not close completely.

Body Grips

Shifting our focus from footholds, we're going to explore body grips. Body grip traps, also known as Conibear traps after their inventor, Frank Conibear, are a type of trap designed to kill animals quickly through compression of the chest or neck, leading to rapid death. These traps consist of two rectangular frames that hinge together like scissors and are set with a trigger in the middle. When an animal passes through the trap, it hits the trigger, causing the frames to snap shut with considerable force, ideally killing the animal instantly. 

This makes them a more humane option for many hunters since the animal isn't left attached to the trap for hours, struggling and stressing itself while trying to get free. However, like all traps, it has it's issues. Specifically, the wrong target can sometimes spring the trap and inadvertently kill pets or animals that aren't legally able to be hunted.

Hunting From Vehicles

Let's switch gears and talk about hunting from vehicles. You may be thinking of classic pickup truck with a gun rack, but we're going to touch on some unconventional methods, like using helicopters, hunting trucks or carts, and even hunting e-bikes. It's a different experience altogether, and it's worth exploring to expand your hunting prowess.

Helicopters

Hunting from a helicopter offers a unique and exhilarating experience, taking hunting to new heights. There's a thrill in combining a modern, fast-flying aircraft with the primal challenge of the hunt. Helicopter hunting is most popular for hog huntinghog hunting and several Texas ranches offer this experience. There are also similar experiences in Canada and Alaska where you can hunt caribou from a helicopter.

Hunting Trucks With Stands

Once again, our friends in Texas have taken hunting tech to the next level. Hunting trucks are essentially customized trucks with a stand mounted on the back or over the entire vehcile's body. Sometimes these trucks even have super tall stands resembling a fishing boat's flying bridge.

Hunting EBikes

Shifting focus to something much more stealthy, let us explore the world of hunting eBikes. These are a modern twist on hunting that combines speed, stealth, and accessibility. As a member of the hunting community, you'll appreciate the eBike benefits, which transform your hunting experience into something innovative and exciting. These are more than just battery-powered bikes designed for commuters. Instead, hunting ebikes are designed with wide tires, enhanced suspension, and mounting points for both weapons and various gear.

Think about combining the nimbleness of a bike or motorcycle without needing to expend tons of energy hiking across long distances, while also avoiding the loud engine noise caused by motorbikes.

• Terrain adaptability: eBikes can tackle various landscapes, from rocky mountains to wet marshes.
• Stealth hunting: The silent motor allows you to sneak up on prey undetected.
• Battery life: Most eBikes have a strong battery life, ensuring you can hunt for hours without interruption.
• Maintenance tips: Regular cleaning and timely servicing keep your eBike in top shape.

Conclusion

So there you have it, fellow outdoor enthusiasts. From handguns to helicopters, there's a whole new world of hunting to explore beyond the tree stand. Whether you're testing your strength with a bow or partnering with your loyal four-legged companions, these hunting styles can infuse fresh excitement into your outdoor adventures. It's not just about the hunt, it's about the whole experience and the bond you form with nature. So, step out of your comfort zone and give these unique hunting methods a try. You might just discover a new passion. Here's to thrilling adventures and memorable experiences.

Happy hunting, gentlemen!