How to Choose a Hunting Camp Site

How to Choose a Hunting Camp Site

Hunting has been enjoyed as a recreational sport for a very long time. In addition to the thrill of hunting, you can also have fun by relaxing in your camp and remaining safe at the same time.

However, there are a few tips that you should remember when you choose a hunting camp site. A badly chosen site will not only pour cold water on your hunting expedition, but could end up being downright dangerous. Here are some important tips on how to choose a hunting camp site.

Plan your Location in Advance and Arrive Early
Since hunting is now regulated in most countries and states, chances are that you may have already registered your hunting trip as well as indicated the preferred camp site location in advance. You can choose a location nearer to your desired game, although you need to ensure you are not too close to your chosen game, especially if you plan to hunt big and dangerous game like bears, mountain lions, etc. Ideally, camping around a three mile radius of your game is a good way to stay out of sight and smell.

You must also ensure that you reach your camping ground at first daylight so as to get the best choice of location. Furthermore, pitching camp in the morning will ensure you remain fresh after pitching your tent and can handle any delay caused while raising your tent or tarps.

Choose your Location based on Terrain
The location of your proposed campsite as well as its surrounding terrain should also be considered while choosing a hunting campsite. You must choose slightly higher ground and avoid slopes while selecting your camp site. You can set up camp near a water source such as a lake, but pitch your tents at a distance from the water if you are not sure about what lives in those waters.

You can set up camp near a tree or even under it after checking it for dead branches, bee hives, and ant hills or activities of large animals near that tree. This can be done by checking for claw marks on the tree and animal droppings or scat around the tree. You can use the branches of that tree to hang your hunted game although you will need to keep an eye out for predators that love a free meal. Camping under a tree will also keep your tent cool especially if you go hunting in summer.

Check Weather Conditions
You need to check local weather conditions before you choose a hunting camp site. You need to camp at a higher place in case the area is prone to sudden flooding. Similarly, if you plan to hunt in winter you need to pitch camp at a location where there is no possibility of a sudden avalanche. Keeping an open fire is one way of keeping wild animals at a safe distance from your camp.

Choosing a hunting camp site is very important if you want to have fun while hunting. Knowing the location of other hunters is respectful and also very important to avoid being hit by stray bullets if hunting in open spaces. Finally, you need to camp sensibly and clean up after you leave to allow other campers to have the same fun that you had while camping and hunting. Make sure your fire is out before leaving camp.