Small Game Hunting

Small game hunting has always been an accessible hunting type and is often where many hunters start to learn basic hunting skills. Because of its relative accessibility, this type of hunting tends to attract large numbers of hunters, particularity those starting out or those who are restricted by mobility or accessibility. Similar to game bird hunting we uncovered a surprisingly high number of firearms related injuries. The details of these incidents suggest very poor firearms safety practice

Choose Your Hunting Area

Most small game hunts are on someone’s private property of one kind or another. Be sure to get a thorough briefing of where they want you to hunt or avoid. Walking over the property in daylight is essential if you intend on hunting after dark.

• Consider your ability, skills and fitness of everyone in your group
• How will help find you if something goes wrong? Will there be cellphone signal?
• How long will it take to get around the area with enough daylight?
• What is the terrain like? Will there be rivers/bluffs/steep ridgelines?

Prepare For Your Hunt

The planning you do from home will make all the difference for when you are in the bush. If you are going solo, take items to help you contact help if something goes wrong. If you are going as a group, get everyone together and make sure you all agree on the plan.

For an essentials gear list and other preparation resources, read more here.

On Your Hunt

Keep everyone safe by putting firearm safety first at all times.

Put Firearm Safety First

Almost all firearms related hunting incidents relate back to one of the 7 Basic Firearms Safety rules. This is especially important in Small Game hunting where you are 3.5x more likely to have a firearms handling injury than any other hunting type. Watch Treat every Firearm as Loaded below:

• Be aware of the weather - you can learn how to do this on our weather page
• Take your time - enjoy your hunt, take regular breaks and conserve energy for the trip home and keep your mind sharp
• Stay alert - when will it get dark? Do you know where you are on your map? where is everyone in your group?
• Choose your route carefully - before you go up or down a steep area, think how will you get back. Hunters are often 'bluffed out' or stuck from not considering this on the day.
• Avoid crossing rivers - if you are not experienced, choose a track that have bridges. If circumstances change, you can always turn back. Learn more about river safety here.