Autumn is one of the most intense and favorable seasons for hunting. The forest is changing, the beast is actively preparing for winter, and the weather still allows you to stay in the air for a long time. But in order for fall hunting to be successful and safe, it is important to prepare properly – both with equipment and knowledge.
The first thing to think about is outfitting. In the fall, the weather can change literally in an hour: fog and frost in the morning, sun and slush in the afternoon. Therefore, clothes should be layered: thermal underwear, warm fleece, waterproof jacket. Do not forget waterproof shoes with insulated insoles – walking on cold and wet ground in sneakers is a sure way to catch a cold.
As for the weapon – here much depends on the object of hunting. For duck or goose, smoothbore shotguns of 12 caliber with cartridges loaded with shot # 3-5 are suitable. For hare – the same smoothbore shotgun with smaller shot. For ungulates (elk, wild boar, deer) you need a rifled carbine with optics and good ammunition, preferably with an expansive bullet. Don’t forget to take with you a stock of ammunition, a repair kit for weapons, as well as a reliable knife and flashlight.
The search for prey is a separate story. Animals and birds behave differently in autumn than in summer. Ducks gather in flocks and often spend the night on large bodies of water, flying out to feed at dawn. The best time is the morning dawn near the migrations or evening ice. Hares after the first frost should be searched for in thickets where they “lie”, but after snowfall – along fresh tracks. Ungulates are active in the morning and evening hours, and often go to fields or clearings. You can wait for them at a stakeout near solonts, feeding grounds or on the trail.
In order not to miss – literally and figuratively – it is important to practice shooting even before going out. In the fall, shooting can be complicated by wind, humid air, and morning fog. The scope may fog up, the cartridge may react to the cold. Therefore, check everything in advance: sighting, cleanliness of the barrel channel, serviceability of the weapon. And, of course, you should not shoot “on chance” – an aimed and confident shot is always better than an accidental one.
Do not forget about safety. Do not leave cartridges in your pockets with change, always check if your weapon is unloaded, especially when crossing, and do not go alone in an unfamiliar area without a map or GPS. A phone with a full charge and a power bank is a must, as is a first aid kit.
Autumn is the time of real hunting, when you need endurance, observation and respect for nature. By following the rules, preparing for each trip thoughtfully, you will not only not miss, but also get from hunting what it exists for – the feeling of complete freedom, adrenaline and unity with wild nature.