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Snake Proof Boots
Obviously, this is the worst-case scenario and most of times snakes will run away leaving behind just the sound of moving bushes, moreover, most hunters and hikers won't be aware a snake was there.
However, from time to time a snake does not have the chance to fly away and has no other choice than bitting. Probably that's the scariest hunting accident after an accidental shot but fortunately, due to modern medical treatments, there's a great chance to survive a snake bite but not without considerable pain and inconveniences.
So, the best option is to prevent snake bites, then try to avoid to step on areas where snakes like to hide and try to be aware of snakes activities in the area you are hunting, keeping your feet away from snakes reach.
Unfortunately, it's easier to say it than to do it because when you are top concentrated chasing a game, all your senses are focused on a limited spot and everything out of it will remain unnoticed, increasing the odds of a snake accident.
To minimize this risk, a pair of snake proof boots is the best choice!
Night Hunting Introduction Guide
First thing is to be fully aware of regulations. Not all games may be hunt by night, so you need to know which animals may be hunt at night in the area you are scouting, otherwise, there's a real risk of law infringement and serious problems.
Usually, night hunting is allowed for species considered as pests like wild hogs and raccoons, as well predators such as coyotes and bobcats may be hunt at night in most states, but regulations may vary from county to county, so you must be sure to stay up to date with local regulations.
Once you are sure what can be hunt by night, the next thing to do is a daylight scout. Knowing the terrain properly remains paramount to keep you and your team members safe and to have success on your hunt.
Things change a lot between day and night, so before going out in the dark, it's mandatory to know the area as well as possible with daylight. Once you have scouted enough with good illumination, it's time to scout in the dark.
By doing this you will be 100% familiar with the terrain, being able to identify safe points, escape routes, stalking areas, and so on.
If it's the first time by night in a new area, it's a good idea to get accompanied by a local guide, this way you guarantee not only your safety but also increase your success rates.
Keeping Hunting Safe. Part II
Additionally, if you are moving around and are not ready to open fire, try to keep your gun unloaded and with the muzzle pointing down. In case you are going to climb to a tree stand your weapon must be ALWAYS unloaded and dragged up or down using a haul line.
On this point, it's important to check all your gear and apparel integrity as well as their function before going out to the bushes. Any malfunction might lead to falls or injuries once you are out and probably away from help.
In case of an accident, especially a firearm related incidents make sure to identify yourself and provide assistance; failing to do so infringes the law and may lead to legal consequences.
On this regard, be sure to properly know about all regulation and law details in the area you are planning to hunt, if you are not aware of laws and regulations there's a real risk of infringe the rules and have undesired consequences.
It's particularly important to be aware of season begin and end, permitted hours, bags limits protected species.
In case of being hunting on private lands, you must be sure about the limits and boundaries in order to avoid entry on third party's lands.
Keeping Hunting Safe. Part I
It's almost the same but at the same time something completely different.
If you are hunting from a concealed blind, there's no way other hunters may see you even when you are using your orange vest, after all inside the blind they can't see you.
But they do see your blind by the outside, so be sure to add orange marks on each side to inform other hunters in the area there's a blind here and you should not shoot towards it!
Otherwise, especially if you made a great work concealing your blind, there's a real risk of getting shoot inside your own blind.
3. Don't shoot because of movement of sound
A noisy movement in the bushes is not enough to make a shot. It might be your dreamed game but also a hunting fellow, so NEVER shot unless you have visual confirmation that your target is really a game and not another hunter or a hunting hound.
4. Not all animals out there are games
Be aware of what your permit allows to hunt and what not. Depending on species, even an accidental kill may results in penalties because of wildlife protection laws, so be completely aware of local regulations in order to avoid law infringement.
On the other hand, remember about hounds and potential domestic animals out in the hunting ground. They are not games, avoid accidentally shooting them.
The best time for quail hunting
The combination of active feeding in preparation for winter and less exuberant vegetation will allow to find them easier, increasing your catch numbers.
2. Look for the best environment
Quails will be in open land when feeding, so take your binoculars and spot open land when birds are out for lunch. It's better to sit still waiting them to get close to you instead of walk around because they might get scared and fly away.
But if you look them when bedding, them it's better to take a closer look on grassy areas where they feel safer and may have a better sleep. That's the best place to look on after dusk, but it will be harder to find sleeping birds because of the lack of movement.
During the hottest hours of the day, instead of open land, take a look under the trees. Quails will prefer to find some shadow to stay away of hot sun instead of feeding in open lands without any cover just in the middle of the day.
3. Rain is your ally
After a rainfall there's plenty of insects and worms to eat, and that's quails preferred meal. So when it begins to rain it's time to go out and sit to wait until rain ceases. Shortly afterwards birds will show on the field looking for tons of tasty worms to eat.