10 Traditional—& Successful—Hunting Methods

Hunting is a long-standing activity that has been done for millions of years to kill animals for meat or remove dangerous predators or pests. Over time, it has evolved to become a beloved pastime for many outdoor enthusiasts and competitors. Many established and accepted hunting methods have stood the test of time and continue to prove successful for hunters today. When done safely, ethically, and respectfully, hunting can be a rewarding experience and opportunity to enjoy time-honored traditions. Here are ten traditional— and successful—hunting methods experienced and new hunters can follow to partake in this sport.

1. Blind Hunting
Whether you prefer to hunt with firearms or bows, blind hunting is a common technique used for hunting both small and big game. Hunting blinds act as cover devices for hunters on the ground or in a tree canopy. They range from simple setups to increasingly complex designs, depending on what type of animal you wish to hunt. Some types of blinds include portable, pop-up, deer, and bird blinds.

Whether you purchase pre-manufactured blinds or prefer to craft DIY blinds, the key to blind hunting is finding the right location. It’s important to stage your blind in an inconspicuous spot where animals are likely to pass through when looking for food and water. This could include areas with trees and bushes with berries, fruits, or nuts; the outskirts of agricultural spots like corn and soybean fields; and near watering holes, such as creeks, ponds, or lakes.

2. Stand and High Seat Hunting
One of the leading hunting methods, especially for big game, is stand or high seat hunting. Like hunting from a blind, you do a lot of sitting and waiting for animals to wander by. However, instead of positioning yourself on the ground, you set up camp on a raised platform or in a chair affixed to a tree. And, much like blind hunting, location matters here, too.

By doing your research ahead of time and using tools like trail cams, you can better understand what areas animals frequent before mounting your high seat or stationing your stand. It’s also imperative that you take your safety and the safety of others into account by ensuring your high seat or stand faces away from buildings, roads, and livestock.

3. Rifle Hunting
When it comes to gun hunting, hunting with a rifle is another traditional means of hunting. However, there are restrictions around where you can rifle hunt. Rifles are long-range weapons that require extreme accuracy and some experience to find success. Because of how easily they can penetrate structures, their use is primarily limited to woodland areas and other remote locations where no neighboring homes or buildings could be shot. Rifle hunting can also be noisy, so, if you miss a shot, you’re bound to scare off the animals you are after. If you hit your target, you are more likely to kill your game in a single shot without the mess a shotgun can leave behind.

4. Shotgun Hunting
Much like rifle hunting, hunting with a shotgun is another widely used method. Shotguns have significantly less range than rifles but also don’t require as much accuracy. When fired, these firearms shoot dozens of pellets that scatter as they exit the barrel. This can result in stray pellets, which is why it’s best to steer clear of property where people or buildings could be impacted.

These small projectiles can make it an effective hunting method if you hit your target anywhere near its heart, as the shot’s spread tends to tear up whatever it hits. When you don’t get a clean shot, this can mean you have to dislodge the pellets, or you may end up getting an unpleasant bite when you chow down on your kill.

5. Muzzleloader Hunting
Muzzleloaders are rifles loaded from the rifle’s muzzle, or the barrel’s open end, and they are fired using flint and black powder. This form of hunting harkens back to pioneer times and is the oldest firearm available. Muzzleloader hunting can provide a unique hunting experience, but it’s not without its downsides. If you can’t take down your target in one shot, you’ll have to reload before you can even attempt a second shot. By then, usually, too much time has passed, and you’ve lost your window of opportunity. They also tend to be the least accurate of all guns, requiring significant aim adjustment.

6. Bow Hunting
For those who wish to honor older hunting methods or want an alternative to gun hunting, bow hunting offers an unforgettable hunting experience. Bows are often cheaper to buy than guns but can have a bit of a learning curve. While arrows move quickly, their speed is nowhere near as fast as bullets or shotgun shells can travel, and they tend to fall quickly.

That’s why this form of hunting often requires more practice and should be done in a safe area away from people. To prevent animals from suffering, it’s vital to learn accuracy so you can hit your target with precision. High-powered bows are a great starting point for newcomers to learn this method.

7. Hunting by Stalking
While less common in today’s hunting world, stalking your prey is an engaging means of hunting. Rather than sit in a blind or tree stand for hours making calls to attract game, you can actively go out and hunt for signs of animals and track them. This type of hunting can take anywhere from hours to days and may not always end successfully. But, if you manage to find and shoot an animal this way, it can be gratifying.

8. Hunting by Baiting
For a less complicated hunting method, some hunters use bait, such as food or female animal urine to attract their male counterparts. While it’s an easy way to get a kill, it’s not appreciated by all hunters. It also isn’t legal everywhere, so you must look into the state laws surrounding this practice before engaging in it.

9. Hunting by Calling
Calling is another means of luring in animals, but, unlike baiting, it takes skill and art. You can either try to learn to imitate the call of the game you’re after with your hands and mouth or purchase products that mimic their calls by blowing into them. The latter option is prevalent among duck hunters.

10. Dog Hunting
Like human hunters, dogs have been partaking in the sport of hunting for centuries. Dogs have an acute sense of smell, which can help them track prey and successfully retrieve it for you. Because hunting can be a somewhat isolating activity, dogs also make for great company. However, not all dogs make excellent hunting companions, and canines require extensive training before they are ready to accompany you in the field.

The Takeaway
These are just some of the traditional means of hunting commonly used today, but there are many other ways to successfully hunt the game you’re after. Whether you hunt to nourish your family, acquire trophies, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, there are endless ways to enjoy this time-honored tradition.

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This article was produced by the marketing team for Shadow Hunter Blinds, a company focused on building hunting blinds that withstand the test of time. Shadow Hunter professional-grade blinds are the #1 brand preferred by industry-leading Pros and Sportsmen everywhere.