Hunting Alone: Tips for Hunting by Yourself

While we all enjoy spending time in the outdoors with our family and friends, there are many occasions where you will find yourself hunting all by yourself. Solo hunting can seem a little daunting at first, but there are actually quite a few advantages that go along with it as long as you take the proper precautions. Here are a few things that you can do in order to stay safe and enjoy more successful hunts when hunting alone!

Let Someone Know Where You Will Be and Your Plans

You don’t have to share your best hunting locations, but it is a good idea to let a spouse, family member, or friend know the general area where you will be hunting and when you should be home. If something does go wrong, they will know where to start looking to find you. Whether it is an emergency or a flat tire, having someone know where you will be can be critical!

Come Prepared with Proper Gear

You should always have a basic first aid kit while hunting, but if you find yourself hunting solo then you may want to consider bringing some extra gear. Ensure that your phone is fully charged and bring a backup phone charging battery. You may even consider spending the money on a satellite communicator. If you are hunting later in the year, some extra clothing might come in handy. Any extra gear that you may need can be important when by yourself, as you will not have another person to rely on.

Adjust Your Hunting Tactics

When hunting solo, you may want to consider changing up the way you actually hunt. While the specific tactics and techniques that you use will largely depend on the time of year and the game that you are hunting, hunting by yourself can present new challenges and opportunities. Whether it is sitting in a different treestand location or hiking to a new ridge, think about how hunting by yourself will affect your hunting.

Have a Game Plan for Successful Hunts

One of the hardest parts about hunting solo comes after successfully harvesting an animal. With someone else there, it is much easier to process and take care of a downed deer. When you are by yourself, this task becomes much more daunting. Make plans for what you will do if you do punch your tag, such as how you will get your animal out of the field if nobody can come and help you. 

Enjoy the Experience

One of the biggest advantages of hunting alone is the increased silence and stealthiness that comes from being by yourself. While some hunters might be afraid of hunting by themselves because of worries about what could go wrong, you should try to relax and enjoy the experience. If you follow all of these tips and head out hunting fully prepared, you will have nothing to worry about. Enjoy the outdoors and the experience of hunting all by yourself!