Similar traits bring success

Some hunters regularly do better than the statistics. Some bag their game year after year.

Consistently successful hunters share similar traits.

Rather than relying on a formula for success, they build a foundation for a successful big-game hunts by:

• Being prepared. Year-round involvement in the sport includes practicing with weapons, scouting, maintaining fitness and observing game.

• Knowing the quarry. The best hunters study the species they hunt and never stop learning. Nuances often make a big difference.

• Sustaining effort. Hunting hard for a weekend or a few days might work, but success will increase by being prepared to hunt all …

Some hunters regularly do better than the statistics. Some bag their game year after year.

Consistently successful hunters share similar traits.

Rather than relying on a formula for success, they build a foundation for a successful big-game hunts by:

• Being prepared. Year-round involvement in the sport includes practicing with weapons, scouting, maintaining fitness and observing game.

• Knowing the quarry. The best hunters study the species they hunt and never stop learning. Nuances often make a big difference.

• Sustaining effort. Hunting hard for a weekend or a few days might work, but success will increase by being prepared to hunt all season and remain in the field for as long as possible each day.

• Assembling proper gear. The weapon should be sound and sighted in and ready for what may be the one chance of the season. The hunter should be intimately acquainted with the weapon and all its components and maintenance needs. From boots to cap, the right clothes allow a hunter to be ready.

• Understanding the country. Hunters who thoroughly scout new areas or return to the same area year after year learn where the game lives and where it flees or takes cover. They and how to use terrain to their advantage.