HOW important is the art of stalking for the modern hunter? Well, it depends on the hunting method employed, the type of terrain you hunt in, and your choice of weapon.
Those who harvest game from vehicles, snipe at animals from extreme ranges, or shoot from a blind, actually don’t need any stalking skills. At times, long-range shooters might have to do a bit of stalking however their skill levels don’t have to be on par with the skills of those who prefer to limit their shots to 200m or less.
Handgun hunters or people using rifles or muzzle-loaders fitted with open sights only, or bow hunters, who pursue game on foot, need to get within 50m or closer of their quarry. To them stalking skills really matter.
Although stalking game is often required, expert levels of skill might not be necessary for the average hunter because of the way in which hunting is conducted locally – hunters are usually accompanied by a guide/tracker and/or a PH who does the actual hunting. The hunter simply tags along, follows instructions during the stalk and shoots when told to do so. However, for those who are allowed to do their own
