Hunt like a Pro
Pennsylvania predator hunting is a game of experience, knowledge of furbearers, planning, time management, desire, weather, animal density and Hunting territory.
Using professional tactics, part-timers can achieve constant, successful results.
Pro's have a plan and alot of time and territory to hunt.
Most part-timers hunt within 5-10 miles of their home. Expanding your territory will add fur to your shed.
By that, if one area (your township) is 'dead' (from other hunters or hound hunting and such), another area maybe 'hot'. This is an example of an adapted plan, where alot of territory comes into play.
Having a larger territory enables a caller to take the cream off and move onto the next area. Reworking the 1st area later in the season after dispersal repopulates. Rotating areas pay off. Sometimes even rotating every other year.
Rain or falling snow may be a factor for a hunt, but 15-20 miles away the sky may be clear. Having a larger territory is a huge plus for a fur hunter.
Planning and TIME can make or break a season.
Plan to run a circle or cloverleaf line from you home to avoid backtracking. This type of planning will cut down on expenses of gasoline, tire wear and vehicle maintenance.
The Pro's have more time to hunt than a part-timer. So add time to your routine (but don't quit your day job!). Hunt and call whenever you have the time. Make extra TIME. Hunt an hour or two before or after work, learn to make TIME. Get committed, get serious at this point. More TIME = More FUR. Experience is gained, plus furbearer knowledge and equipment knowledge is gained with more in-the-field time. You will gain confidence, and feel comfortable with your setups and style.
Pro's keep set-ups, calls and equipment simple.
Pro's pay attention to detail and have their basic skills honed and so must serious Part-timers.
For the most part, Pro's set-up according to wind direction, know their territory and use the same basic call and cadence. Yes, pro's have their 'change up calls' but every stand is about the same as the last. Staying with the basics, honing your skills, will add to success. As you progress, you will carry less equipment and use the calls that work in your area.
Preseason and in-season scouting is an ongoing planning project for the fur killer. Pro's do and part-timers must learn and prepare to make adjustments and adapt to weather, competition and critter movement throughout the season.
At times an area will be 'dead', then several weeks later, hold a good population of fur. Here is where Canine dispersal fills a gap. Traveling canines fill this space with no other challenging canine for this territory or food.
Canines and Raccoon move as crops are havested, nuts and berries rippen, weather changes, human pressure, extended cold periods, snow, and extended deep snow. Canines have dispersal period in early fall to mid-December and breeding season in January. Following the fur during the above times will put the odds in your favor. Plan on it.
It's a long, hard season to put enough fur in the shed to pay for the gasoline, hunting license or some Christmas presents. For the most part, it's hard work week after week playing this game. Lack of time, bad weather, competition, low fur population and such can bring a so-so predator hunter down. But a true Canine or Coon man has learned to make adjustments and keep producing. Hard work, indeed.
Hunt like a pro and stay in the game all season.
Hern Blett
PPHA member
