We are currently in the midst of the autumn hunting season — the most popular season to partake in the sport. If you want to get in on the action but are unsure what you’d like to pursue, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list of which types of game you can hunt this fall, as well as what you should be careful of.
Small Game
If you’re relatively new to hunting, it might be best to start with some smaller game. Some people think that big game is easier since they’re larger targets, but smaller animals are more plentiful and have longer hunting seasons. Consequently, newer hunters will have the chance to hone their craft.
Some of the most popular game in this category includes rabbits, squirrels and raccoons. If you can get good at hitting targets like this, you’ll be better prepared to take on more challenging animals later on.
Birds and Waterfowl
People consider most types of birds to be small game as well, apart from the turkey. However, there’s an additional layer to hunting them that makes them a challenge: most of them can fly.
Having to shoot at a target in the air can be pretty tricky. That’s why it’s best to start with turkeys and pheasants. Both can technically fly, but they choose to run most of the time. Once you get the hang of them, you can move on to airborne birds, such as ducks, geese and quails.
Big Game
Most people who ask which types of game you can hunt this fall are referring to bigger animals, such as deer, elk, caribou and moose. By far, out of these choices, deer is the most common. Both whitetail and mule deer are in season during this time. Whitetail deer are more common, but both are excellent choices for hunting.
If you want to hunt something larger, like elk, you’d better be quick about it. Some elk seasons begin as soon as August. To make up for lost time, you’ll want to ensure that you have all the equipment you’ll need before heading out there.
Predators
Even though few people actively hunt predators, it’s still a good idea to know what’s out there in case you accidentally come across one. If you know what to expect, you can pack along some preventative measures that will help keep you safe.
In autumn, the most common predators to look out for are coyotes, wolves, bears and mountain lions. As long as you’re smart about where you explore, you should be able to avoid a deadly encounter with one of these animals.