SMALL GAME HUNTING

Small game hunting has become a vey popular sport in
AMERICA,or for that matter in most parts of the world. Part of the fun and the thrill of "THE HUNT" is the variety of species on offer that you can pursue, such as rabbits,squirrels and game birds like quail, dove, woodcock,grouse,pheasant,duck,turkey,goose,etc
Small game hunting can also provide children the opportunity of spending quality time with their dads as they go hunting with them. Small game hunting is open to everyone from the age 12 and above who enjoy chasing small game species.
Small game hunting, if done properly can be a time consuming sport because it involves pre-hunting preparations such as scouting. It is a sport where patience,stamina and ones mental capacity is tested. People have been lured to this sport by the risks and dangers that come with it.
There is much to learn and one needs to go out there and experience the real activity to build up a knowledge of the sport. It takes skill and patience to excel in this sport and it's not just about having the best fire-arm and equipment. Good team work and planning will help you to have a successful hunting trip.

ALWAYS assume your gun is loaded and never point at
anything you don't intend shooting. Treat your
weapons with respect even when it is unloaded.

KEEP your target in front of you when stalking or
lying in wait and keep the members of your party at
your side or behind you.

IN all circumstances you must keep calm as
panicking increases the chances of an accident.

DON'T shoot at anything you're not sure of, you
might be shooting at another human being.

ALWAYS check your weapon is unloaded before you
attempt to climb,rappel or dig and check for
rounds in the chamber.

IF possible wear ear plugs to protect your hearing.

BEFORE and after a hunt, always check and clean
your weapon. Failure to do this could result in an
accident due to worn or unclean parts. It is a
good idea to carry tools to maintain your weapon
in the field and remember to unload your weapon
first.

WHEN you see somebody who is hunting nearby your
location always call out and inform them of your
location, to avoid being mistakingly shot at as
they can mistake you as their target.

Going after a small game animal or bird is a serious affair. It must be done the right way to accomplish the goals of small game hunting; it is also essential to take along the proper gear.

How to select the proper huntingGear?

1. Quality
There will be a good deal of body movement so the huntinggear must hold up against these physical movements. It should assist rather than obstruct you in your small game hunting.

2. Comfort
You should be as comfortable as possible whenever hunting so take on your trip huntinggear that is light and easy to carry.

3. Suitability
Your huntinggear must assist you accomplish the goals of small game hunting: it shouldn't be the cause of any distraction.

What is the proper huntingGear to take along?

Clothing
Wear as light clothes as possible that, if needed, can keep you sufficiently warm and comfortable. Nearly all hunters will dress up in layers when hunting. The clothes ought to have sufficient room for free physical and air movement. Avoid materials that can cause plenty of clamour or noise when you move. Also avoid carrying bright or shiny objects that could emit signals to the game.

Rain Gear
At all times take along your rain gear. Use only quality rainwater coats that will prevent you from becoming soaking wet.

Footwear
Be certain to put on socks: wool socks with cotton liners to prevent your feet from blistering or sweating are the most beneficial choice.

Wear boots that fit comfortably on your feet as you must tolerate long walks with your footwear. Waterproof boots are most dependable to use for covering wet trails.

Bag
Your huntinggear must be packed the right way. Pack it in a duffle bag for comfortable transport. Your huntinggear, including the firearms, shouldn't exceed 80 lbs.

Avoid using heavy bags: it is more effective to use 2 or 3 smaller bags than cart along a heavy one.

Arms
For small game, 20 gauge shotguns and 270 caliber rifles are frequently used; rather those with telescopes of variable power for clearer and better vision. Use a gun case to protect the rifle.

Sunglasses
Utilise these to protect your eyes from the rays of light from the sun.

Binoculars
These are effective to enable you to spot your prey from a distance. It is better to use lightweight ones for convenience.

Camera
If you want to capture that instant when you attain a successful chase take a camera with you - one that is water resistant. Stack this in a special compartment for breakables to stave off damage to the camera.

Personal Needs
Take along only the essential items. A first aid kit is essential to handle any minor injuries you might receive. Don't forget to take your personal medications with you.

Conclusion

When out hunting, you are exposed to various components of the environment. Be certain that you are well-prepared to confront any situation. Go after your small game with your most effective effort.

The key to attracting the animals you desire and to keep that prey within your control is to give the animal the impression that there is a fellow animal or flock nearby. By using calling techniques the noise imitated is often the sound made when feeding time arrives and this will attract the other animals out there.

SOME CALLING TECHNIQUES TO HELP YOU :

BUY CALLING TOOLS
There are calling aids that make unique sounds
that will attract specific animals. You can get
these from shops that sell hunting goods.Enquire
what type will cater for the game you will be
targeting.

PRACTICE
Before you go out hunting get the call perfected
and also learn the specific sounds made and the
ones that must be used in a specific situation
or for specific animals.

CALL SLOW AND LOUD
The best way to start calling is slow and loud,
especially for waterfowl. Keep calling for some
time as you may not be heard at first because of
the wind factor and make the call louder each
successive time.

CALL FASTER AND DO NOT STOP
When you have the animal coming closer keep
calling and call faster and more excitedly even
if they are already close. If you stop calling
the sudden silence might signify a sudden alarm,
so the calling is critical in keeping them
interested.

HIGH PITCH
On a windy day when calling for birds a high-
pitched call is the only way to make your call
heard.

MOVE ON
After 15-20 minutes of calling and there is no
appearance of a target it is possible that you
are in a wrong location and might be best to
move on.

ONE of the best and effective ways to track down your downed game is to have the assistance of a hunting dog. THEY are a special breed of dog that have been trained since being a pup specifically for this purpose. They can perform tasks that human's find difficult and are priced according to their capabilities.

THEY track down game by following their scent and come is various classifications such as :

HOUNDS -SIGHT hounds and SCENT hounds. SIGHT hounds track down their game by keeping them in sight. SCENT hounds use their sense of smell to track their prey.

GUN DOGS - they help their master retrieve shot game. Also sometimes called : BIRD DOGS.

TERRIERS - originally bred for the purpose of hunting and slaying vermin.

CURS - term for dogs that are not pure bred.Also applies to the types of hunting dogs that have been developed in the UNITED STATES and are known for their great hunting skills and abilities.

RETRIEVERS - are skilled at retrieving birds that have been shot in the fields or wilderness and are taught to retrieve a downed bird with their mouth and deliver back to their master without damaging the bird.

TAKING CARE OF HUNTING DOGS :

HUNTING dogs need to be kept in good shape to perform at their best.They should be given a healhy diet as their is the risk of the dog becoming overweight if its diet is not carefully monitored.

CONSTANT exercise is needed to maintain their agility and keep them in top shape.

THEIR nails should be trimmed every 2-3 weeks and must be given regular baths to keep clean and hygenic.

SOCIALISING :

REMEMBER that a hunting dog is predatory by nature and might pose some danger to small animals, pets and even small children. THEY should be trained to refrain from acting upon these instincts.

HUNTING DOGS should also be trained to socialise and interact with different types people and also especially if they are also the family's pet.

THEY are truly remarkable animals that if trained and cared for properly will be benificial to any hunter.