Stand selection for beginners,
I feel the biggest obstacle for beginner predator hunters is stand selection. A lot of new guys are more wrapped up with the sounds they are making than where they are making them. I’m not saying that sound choice isn’t important, but successful calling has a lot to do with being in the right place at the right time. You can’t call what isn’t there. If you aren’t within ear shot of your target you can call until your blue.
Predators have the same basic necessities that we have. They require water, food and shelter “Habitat”.
Water,
Every living creature requires water from some source, whether it be moisture from the food they eat, or a tank or spring. During drought conditions or in areas where water is scarce, it’s a good bet that there are predators in the area. If you’re going to set up a stand on public land I recommend not setting up directly on the water source, as more than likely it has been called several times prior. I find that I have better success setting up a short distance from the source and calling towards habitat likely to hold animals. Whenever possible playing the wind and sun to my advantage.
Food,
Predators, just like all living creatures have to eat. Most predators are creatures of opportunity, they will utilize any food source available. Sometimes it is obvious what is on their plate other times require a little detective work. It is always a good idea to scout the area for your selected preys food source. Constantly keep your eyes out for sign, whether it be tracks or scat. Tracks will show travel routes, routines and availability of your prey in that area. Scat will give you a good idea what they’re currently feeding on and what they have been feeding on. Fresh scat will help you in deciding good locations for stands. Sometimes scat is used as a territorial marker, so keep your eyes peeled at road intersections, trail intersections, on ridges and in washes. And remember most predators are omnivorous, so don’t discount such food sources as fruit, seeds, bugs, carrion and their typical diet of rabbits, rodents and birds.
Shelter/ habitat,
Can be a lush river bottom or wash to a lone group of trees or bushes. Just like any other animal predators need cover from the elements. Sometimes it is very obvious, a brushy drawl winding down through the prairie, or cover between a few agricultural fields. Other times not so obvious. Once you develop and eye for your preys habitat, stands selection will become second nature. The more time you spend in the field, the greater the acceleration of the learning curve. It will be like a switch being flipped and your success level will rise. Then you will find yourself picking the route they will take to respond, in-turn setting yourself up for the optimal shot.
When you can get all three basic necessities in one area it will greatly improve your odds. Just like hunting any other animal, with trial and error your stand selection will improve and with that your success! But try not to get too picky with your stand choices, they won’t come if you don’t call. And remember, the game is to call them to you, so try not to intrude to deep in their territory. Work on finding that happy medium, one where they are close enough to hear your call and be motivated to respond, yet far enough not to be spooked while you set up.
Two up your odds try picking stand locations with natural and unnatural barriers that will help funnel them into your shooting Lanes and keep them from circling downwind. It can be anything from a rock ledge or cliff, a water source, a roadway or fence. By keeping the wind in your face and you’re back to an obstacle it will detour your prey from circling and help entice them to present themselves for the shot. This technique can also be used with a cross wind situation.
Also another important factor of stand selection is your viewpoint, whenever possible try to set up with an elevated position. While elevated you will be in a good position to ensure you see anything approaching, plus more than likely you will be out of the line of sight as they advance to the call. Also setup with something to break up your outline, you don’t wanna be sky lined, or silhouetted. That will make it much easier for your prey to pick up any movement that you might make. And always make sure before you commit to your stand location that you have shooting Lanes, and remember things always don’t look the same after you sit down.
