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Home > HuntSpot > Featured Hunting Article

Featured Hunting Article

Down and Above

The Key To Big Game Hunting Success

I love getting in close to wildlife.  Even if I'm not hunting at the time, there's nothing better than being right there, close, and a part of a wild animal's environment --- especially without being seen.

Throughout the years that I've spent chasing big game in the mountains, I've come to one definite conclusion.  The best way to approach big game is from "down and above".

That phrase sounds funny, I know, like I'm saying something backwards.  Well, I did that on purpose, to make it something memorable, so when I'm all excited at seeing deer or elk, I won't forget what I've learned and try approaching in the wrong manner.

The Importance of "Down"

By "down", naturally, I mean downwind.  Being human, we don't really worry about our sense of smell that much.  We avoid stinks and try to keep pleasant smells around as much as possible, but that's about it.  

To hunted animals, however, the sense of smell is vital to survival.  Sniffing for approaching danger is a constant part of their daily lives.

However, like anything, it has its weaknesses.  At times, animals will depend too much on their sense of smell.  I've sat with deer and elk literally looking right at me without them being spooked at all.  They knew something was there, but because I was downwind and they couldn't associate a smell with my presence, they were unworried.

By contrast, who knows how many times a deer or elk has "winded" me and quickly left the area without ever bothering to stick around for a look.  

In other words, deer and elk will rely on their sense of smell without needing visual confirmation of what they are smelling, but they often do need to put some scent together with what they are seeing before giving it much attention as long as you are not moving too quickly or directly approaching them.

To us humans, who live with definite emphasis on our vision, that all seems backwards, but that really seems to be the way big game animals function.  

Approaching from downwind then, is far more important than staying hidden or even wearing camouflage.  Don't tell the camo clothing guys I said this, but I've been within rock throwing distance of deer many times while wearing just a regular t-shirt and jeans.  

Don't get me wrong, camo clothing can help and it's certainly worthwhile to take advantage of it, but it's not nearly as necessary as making the right approach from "down and above".

The Wonderful World of "Above"

I'll tell you time and again, there is nothing better than popping over the top of a high mountain ridge and completely surprising a deer, especially if it's close. 

The deer will then look up, realize I'm human and give me a frantic look of "Oh ____!  How the ____ did you get up there?!"  

Yes, deer do swear, trust me, I've seen the look on their faces in such situations, they are cussing like a filthy rap artist.

Of course, what's even better is slowly coming over the top of a ridge, behind cover, and remaining hidden from whatever animals may be around.

Deer and elk don't seem to "expect" hunters coming at them from higher elevations, and why should they?

Most hunters either travel the roads, walk up draws from the roads, or skirt along the hillsides part way between ridge top and creek bottom.

For those of us willing to start our hunts from the higher elevations, however, less competition from other hunters is a definite advantage.  Not to mention, that other hunters down below will often push game animals higher as they move.

Approaching from above also provides for better shooting opportunities.  It's easier to track a moving animal from above, they will generally stay in sight longer, and it's infinitely easier to aim downhill than to try and sustain an uphill lift with your weapon.

Another huge advantage you may not have considered, is the greater ability you will have to cover a lot of area.

Traveling along the side of a mountain means covering all the ups and downs and contours of every finger ridge and draw as you go.  Moving along a ridge top lets you look down into each draw as you go, without having to climb up and down inside of it.  Plus, you'll be able to move out along any finger ridge you choose, while still keeping your uphill advantage on any game below.

Try to remember "down and above" and incorporate it into your big game hunting.  I'm telling you it works, especially if you hunt likely areas from "down and above" rather than trying to spot game first and then get position on them.

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