Big Game Tracking: Tips for Tracking Giants!

When it comes to big game hunting, the ability to track and locate your target animals is crucial for a successful and thrilling experience.

Big game tracking in the wilderness requires a combination of knowledge, patience, and keen observation.

In this guide, we will provide you with expert tips to enhance your big game tracking abilities!

Understanding Animal Behavior

There’s a reason why this is at the top of the article. If you’re not familiar with animal behavior, your chances of success drop dramatically. Make sure you do your homework.

To become an effective tracker, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the behavior and habits of the big game animals you are pursuing. By studying their patterns and preferences, you can anticipate their movements and position yourself in the right areas for a successful encounter.

Big game animals exhibit distinct feeding patterns, preferred habitats, and movement behaviors that can guide your tracking efforts (for example, elk tend to graze in open meadows during the early morning and late afternoon, while deer often browse on vegetation near forest edges).

By familiarizing yourself with these feeding patterns, you can narrow down your search areas and increase your chances of locating the animals.

Additionally, different species have specific habitat preferences, such as moose favoring wetlands and dense forests, and bears occupying forests, mountains, and coastal areas. Understanding these habitat preferences will help you focus your tracking efforts in the right locations.

Observing and studying the movement patterns of big game animals is also crucial for successful tracking. Some species follow predictable migration routes, while others establish territories and exhibit regular movement within them.

Recognizing Tracks and Signs

To become a skilled tracker of big game, it is essential to develop the ability to recognize and interpret the tracks and signs left behind by the animals. These subtle clues can provide valuable information about the presence, movement, and behavior of the game you are tracking.

When tracking big game, one of the primary signs to look for is hoofprints and footprints. Each species leaves distinct track characteristics that can help you identify them. For example, elk tracks are larger and rounder, while deer tracks are smaller and more elongated.

When examining tracks, pay attention to details such as track size, shape, and depth. Fresh tracks will have sharper edges and more defined impressions, indicating recent activity. Consider the substrate on which the tracks are found as well. Different terrains, such as mud, sand, or snow, can affect track preservation and provide additional insights into the animal’s movements.

Scat, or droppings, is another valuable sign to look for when tracking big game animals. Different species have distinct scat characteristics. Take note of the color, texture, and size of the scat to help identify the animal responsible.

Fresh scat will have a moist and warm appearance, indicating recent activity. Look for signs of moisture or steam rising from the scat on colder days.

By observing the contents of the scat, such as undigested food or hair, you can gain insights into the animal’s diet and current feeding habits.

In addition to tracks and scat, rub marks are another important sign to consider when tracking big game. Bucks and bulls, for example, rub their antlers against trees to mark their territory or to remove velvet during the mating season.

These rubs create distinctive markings on tree trunks, often accompanied by hair or bark fragments. Assess the freshness of the rub marks by examining the exposed wood’s color and texture.

Bedding areas are also significant signs to look for when tracking big game. These are spots where animals rest and seek shelter. They can be identified by flattened vegetation, disturbed ground, and the presence of body impressions.

Look for areas that offer cover, such as thick vegetation or natural depressions.

Identifying bedding areas can help you understand the animal’s movements and establish potential ambush points during your tracking.

You can find information on tracks and signs of each animal on our page, Wildlife A-Z.

Stealthy Movement and Camouflage

When it comes to successful big game tracking, mastering the art of stealthy movement and blending into your surroundings is paramount. Big game animals possess acute senses, making it crucial for you to minimize your presence and avoid detection. Follow these tips to enhance your stealth and camouflage skills while tracking giants in the wild.

Move Slowly and Silently

As you navigate through the wilderness, slow and deliberate movement is key. Take measured steps, placing your feet carefully to avoid snapping twigs or rustling leaves. Use the natural cover of vegetation or terrain to shield your movements. By moving quietly, you reduce the chances of alerting the game to your presence.

Use Wind to Your Advantage

Big game animals rely heavily on their sense of smell to detect potential threats. To avoid detection, pay attention to wind direction and use it to your advantage. Position yourself so that the wind carries your scent away from the animals you are tracking. This will minimize the risk of them catching your scent and becoming alerted to your presence.

Another great way to conceal your scent is by using scent control products, such as scent killers.

Dress in Camouflage

Wearing appropriate camouflage clothing that matches the natural environment will help you blend seamlessly into your surroundings.

Choose patterns and colors that mimic the vegetation and terrain in the area where you are tracking. Avoid bright or reflective clothing that can easily catch the attention of the game.

Remember to cover exposed skin, including your face and hands, with camouflage makeup or a face mask to further conceal your presence.

A great way to utilize camouflage is by using ground blinds. They provide a cheap and effective alternative to the natural camouflage.

Minimize Noise

Any unnecessary noise can startle big game animals and cause them to flee. Avoid carrying noisy gear or objects that may clang or rattle against each other. Secure loose items on your person or in your backpack to prevent them from making noise as you move. Be mindful of your equipment, ensuring it is well-maintained and free from squeaks or creaks.

Utilize Natural Obstacles

Take advantage of natural features in the landscape to break up your silhouette and create visual barriers between you and the game. Use trees, rocks, or shrubs to conceal your presence and provide additional cover while observing or tracking the animals.

By positioning yourself strategically, you can increase your chances of remaining hidden and undetected.

Essential Gear for Big Game Tracking

To embark on a successful big game tracking expedition, it is essential to equip yourself with the right gear. Proper gear not only enhances your comfort and safety but also contributes to your effectiveness as a tracker.

Binoculars or Spotting Scope

A high-quality pair of binoculars or a spotting scope is an invaluable tool for scouting and observing game from a distance.

Look for optics with a sufficient magnification power and a wide field of view to help you locate and assess the animals without getting too close. Compact and lightweight options are preferable for easy carrying during long tracking expeditions.

Range Finder

A range finder is a handy device that measures the distance between you and your target. This information is essential for accurate shot placement, especially when engaging big game from a distance.

Look for a range finder with reliable performance, quick response time, and a suitable range capability for your specific tracking needs.

Navigation Tools

When tracking big game in unfamiliar territory, reliable navigation tools are crucial to prevent getting lost. First, get yourself a compass, as it’s easily one of the most important and versatile navigation tools. Additionally, you can acquire topographic maps and a GPS device or smartphone app with offline mapping capabilities.

Familiarize yourself with the use of these tools before venturing into the wilderness to ensure you can navigate your way confidently and safely.

While nowadays we all have compasses and maps on our smartphones, I cannot stress the importance of having physical navigation tools that don’t include electricity. Remember, there are no charging outlets in the wilderness!

Patience, Persistence, and Ethical Hunting Practices

While gear and techniques are essential for successful big game tracking, there are other crucial factors to consider. Patience, persistence, and adherence to ethical hunting practices are fundamental aspects of being a responsible and skilled tracker.

Patience

Big game tracking requires an abundance of patience. Animals may not always appear when and where you expect them to. It’s important to understand that tracking is a waiting game, and patience is key.

Find a comfortable vantage point or create a concealed blind, and allow yourself ample time to observe and wait for the game to reveal itself.

Patience also plays a crucial role in accurate shot placement, as rushing can lead to missed opportunities or unethical shots. Practice patience throughout your tracking journey, and remember that the reward is often worth the wait.

Just make sure you don’t fall asleep and miss a once-in-a-lifetime buck!

Persistence

Tracking giants in the wilderness can be a challenging and sometimes unpredictable endeavor. Persistence is vital in the face of setbacks and difficult conditions. Stay committed to your tracking efforts, even when the game seems elusive or the terrain becomes challenging.

Adapt to changing circumstances, adjust your strategies, and maintain a positive mindset. By persevering, you increase your chances of eventually locating and engaging with the big game.

Ethical Hunting Practices

Responsible and ethical hunting is essential for the sustainability and conservation of wildlife populations. As a tracker, it is your duty to adhere to ethical hunting practices and ensure the well-being of the animals and their habitats.

Familiarize yourself with the hunting regulations and guidelines specific to the area where you are tracking. Respect bag limits, seasons, and any additional restrictions imposed by wildlife management agencies. Practice fair chase, which involves giving the animals a fair opportunity to detect and evade you.

Make ethical shot selections, aiming for quick, clean, and humane kills. Properly field dress and handle harvested game to minimize waste and ensure the utilization of all edible portions.

Conservation

As a big game tracker, it is essential to embrace a mindset of conservation and respect for nature. Understand the importance of preserving wildlife habitats and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Practice ‘Leave No Trace principles’, minimizing your impact on the environment by packing out your trash, avoiding damage to vegetation, and respecting wildlife.

By cultivating a deep respect for nature, you become a steward of the wilderness and contribute to the long-term sustainability of big game populations.

Conclusion

Becoming a skilled tracker is a lifelong pursuit that requires practice, patience, and dedication. By honing your knowledge of animal behavior, recognizing and interpreting tracks and signs, employing stealthy movement techniques, and utilizing the right gear, you can greatly improve your success rate in tracking giants during your big game hunts.

Remember to continually refine your skills and adapt your strategies to the specific challenges presented by different species and environments.

So, gear up, embrace the adventure, and embark on the thrilling journey of tracking giants in the world of big game hunting, and soon, Mother Nature will reward you!

Image sources: MeatEater, The Register-Herald