5 Tips to prepare for the arrival of game birds

Choosing the right equipment is very important for a hunter. What type of clothing should I favour for this type of hunting? What should I take along with me?

1 - Choosing your hide

In order for your hide to be invisible, you must choose your camouflage pattern carefully, either realistic or furtive, in 2D or 3D. The colours should reflect the environment in which you will be hunting. Its opacity should enable you to remain unnoticed whilst not obscuring your view.

Even if the hunter spends several hours in the hide, there is no need to overdo it, as the larger it is, the more difficult it will be to blend into your surroundings. If you can, consider dressing it up with local vegetation.

2 - Choose your clothing

It is important to choose warm clothing that have silent components and a camouflage pattern. Game birds are suspicious and will fly away at the slightest noise or movement. You must therefore do everything you can to avoid being seen by them.

A little extra advice: don't forget to completely camouflage yourself, including your face and hands, with a balaclava and gloves for example. A silhouette with lines that are not completely broken may be enough to make the bird hesitate and therefore fly away.

3 - Choosing your location

You have your hide. You still have to decide where to position it. For this, you must first analyse all the elements around you, especially the wind!

A tent, pole, & net or natural hide will not have the same wind resistance. Before setting up your hide, make sure you determine the wind intensity and direction in your area. North and east currents are a sign of movement for these birds.

4- Learn how to use your bird call

Practice! This is the key to successfully using your bird call. Indeed, knowing how to "chill" requires technique. You have to place your fingers correctly to reproduce the bird's song to perfection. You must learn to control your breath, place it properly in your mouth, and above all analyse the song of the species you are interested in to try to reproduce it.

A word of advice: listen to recordings of the song of different game bird species and try to reproduce them. Also consider taking advice from other experienced hunters who can help you with song and passage knowledge.

5 - Prepare your backpack

A backpack might help you to carry everything you will need on site. Prepare a light bag that is not too conspicuous, preferably camouflaged.

You could pack your binoculars, decoys, bird call, thermos flask, and a field notebook, for example.

Put in everything you'll need to have on hand when you get there to hunt efficiently and comfortably.

AND YOU WHAT IS YOUR
IDEAL EQUIPMENT?