Bowhunting Techniques: Still-Hunting And Stalking

The still-hunting and stalking game is widely regarded as the most challenging method of hunting with the bow and arrow. It may be the most rewarding as well, because a hunter taking any big game animal with these methods has won the most difficult game in bowhunting.

A still-hunter moves through his hunting area very slowly and silently, doing at least three times as much looking and standing as walking. The idea here is to hunt into the wind and to spot your quarry before it sees you. When game is sighted, the still-hunter attempts to intercept or stalk closer to the animal, closing the distance and getting into position for a good shot.

Unlike the hunter who waits for the animal to approach his ambush site near a ground blind or treestand, the still-hunter must move to the animal and remain undetected. With most big game species, this is no easy task. Not only must you keep tabs on the breeze, you must remain unseen and unheard as you work into position for the ideal shot.

Stalking Easier Than Still-Hunting

The stalking hunter first spots his target animal, usually by careful glassing with binoculars. Then he plans a way to sneak up on the animal by remaining undetected until he gets into bow range. While this is no easy chore, it's usually easier than still-hunting, because the hunter has the advantage of knowing where the animal is.

When stalking or still-hunting, use every resource at hand to keep from being seen, scented, or heard. Try to stay out of sight of the animal until you rise to shoot. Use scent suppressors and cover scents, but always keep the wind in your favor. Some serious bowhunters wear soft boot covers, or even remove their shoes when still-hunting or closing in on a stalk for the quietest possible walking. If you use this method, it's best to have an extra pair of heavy wool socks to protect your feet.

Good camouflage is a must for this type of hunting. All movements should be made in slow motion and never while the animal is looking in your direction. Avoid making undue noise and be alert for sudden shifts in wind direction.

For very wary game such as the whitetail, still-hunting is the least productive of the basic bowhunting methods. It is better suited to game that displays duller wit or less caution caribou, bear, moose, and some mule deer.

Tips To Remember

Here are some more tips on stalking and still-hunting with a bow:

1) Plan carefully. If still-hunting, play the terrain so you can sneak up on hidden bedding areas. If stalking, lay out a route carefully to avoid detection.

2) While glassing, look for pieces of the animal rather than the whole animal. Usually only the curve of a leg, the horizontal line of the belly, or the shape of an ear, eye or tail is all that is visible. They are easy to miss if you are searching for a whole body of an animal.

3) Be patient. Strangely, these active forms of hunting actually require more patience than stand hunting. It is easy to get overexcited or frustrated and blow a stalk or get busted because you are moving too fast.

4) When still-hunting, always stop by a tree or similar object, and lean into it as you search the surroundings. A tree will break up your vertical figure. Leaning on it will help conserve energy and allow you to keep more still, avoiding detection.

5) Always play the wind. Carry a wind-detection device, such as powder in a bottle, to ensure you keep walking into the wind or crosswind.

6) Bring a laser rangefinder. When a shot presents itself, it will likely be on the long side and at an unknown distance. A rangefinder is your most valuable tool in making an accurate shot.