I live in North Florida and I am hoping to get into hunting this year. I've done a solid amount of surface-level research about the rules and so on, but I don't get what people really 'do' while they hunt. If you're on public land where tree stands aren't allowed, do you just set up on the ground? What's the general protocol for doing that safely and effectively? Also just give me any general wisdom you think I need.
>>2800527>get what people really 'do' while they huntDepends on the species you're hunting and local laws. Where I'm from for deer and bears you just sit and wait in a stand from dawn to dusk. Obviously with some prep work to boost your odds. Finding a spot a month + ahead and dumping apples by said spot.
>>2800527Some people take hunting and fishing super seriously. For me they're an opportunity to be outside and relax. They need to ban loud music on boats though.
>>2800527If I had my cell phone on me I'd just show you how I wander the woods at night and come across deer, rabbit, coyotes, foxes, skunk, swan, and even just a few days ago in the TN snow storm I came across an elk trail with massive fucking stomper tracks compared to the average deer.I have incredible low light vision though and have a tendency to notice them long before they spot me.I also smoke and use campfires a lot, which has a benefit of completely masking the smell of a human. All of the scents found in smoke are generally found in nature so animals don't notice them as often.I digress, I just wander, I'm quiet on my feet, and I stop for small breaks regularly.Almost every night I would have found an animal that would be considered hunting game.You need to have patience though, if you are following near a river any time of year. You have something that can be hunted nearby.Actively working though?As you wander notice things.>why is there a divot in this hillside with no growth (animal path)>why are the branches broken in the same overarching direction here (deer path where antlers keep breaking smaller limbs)>the water is shallower here and I have noticed what look like old deer prints (crossing area, check back regularly to see if new prints)Most of it is just instinct though man, there is no mystical intel I can give you as most things for hunting are literal scams.Like camo, deer can't see for shit. What you wear literally means jack fucking shit to them it's all a giant blur.However they see movement very well, so if you're not a stealthy mover. Wearing camo ain't going to help.I go hunting in drab grays, greens, and browns and it just works, always has.What I would recommend is a good pair of headphones with noise filtering (so you can hear ambient/environmental noise) and learning how to just be still and not move in human ways. So when you come across a deer or animal, you can stay relaxed and allow it to go about its business.
