There was a time when hunting was pure, giddy, childlike fun. If you’re anything like us, it’s been a while since you’ve enjoyed that feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you first spotted your prey, but we have some ideas on how to get those feelings back! Read on to learn how to make this hunting season more fun.
Get on Your Feet
No, our suggestion isn’t to play the Gloria Estefan song on repeat—we’re talking literally. As convenient as tree stands and box blinds are, the easier you make hunting, the less exciting it gets. Hunting isn’t about comfort—it’s about venturing off into the unknown to connect with a time long since passed. Try doing things the old-fashioned way and see if that doesn’t give you the spark you were looking for.
Make It a Challenge
There’s nothing like hunting with your friends—until you put a little money on the table. If you want to really feel invested in the hunting season, have all your pals toss $10 or $20 into a hat. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to nab the closest kill of the season. Of course, you’ve got to catch the kill on video as proof, so pick up a GoPro camera, strap it on, and tune into your stealthy side.
Try Night Hunting
Finally, if you’ve never tried night hunting, ignore all our other suggestions until you do—seriously! Night hunting is an example of this hobby at its best—challenging, exciting, and yet incredibly tranquil.
The hours you spend enjoying the quiet flow of nature are amazing, and the only thing that’s better are the heart-pumping seconds of adrenaline when you finally spot movement. Pick up some hunting lights and brush up on your gun safety—darkness isn’t something you want to mess with.
Now that you know how to make this hunting season more fun, grab some buddies and get out into the woods—don’t forget to share a picture of your kill!
Wes White represents the collective — yet individual — voice of the Western Whitetail editorial staff.
