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How often have we reached our blinds, where in previous seasons we have seen a lot of movement and even had luck taking home a trophy, but at the end of the day the only thing we have is the frustration of not seen nothing?

This is a common misconception among hunters: choosing the spot because it has been effective in previous seasons. Keep in mind that the habitat is constantly changing and is affected by factors such as climate, human intervention like agriculture and fires, etc. It is therefore very important to consider these four factors when we go out hunting: food, water, shelter and space.

Food
This is the first element that we should seek to assure our blinds are in the right place and that we succeed. Every animal needs food to meet their energy needs: to grow, reproduce, escape predators, survive the winter or long migrations. Each species selects a particular food item among many that exist in their environment and food quality and quantity are important for survival. The quality of food varies according to the station or place.

We recommend that when you get to where you're going to hunt that you report with the locals what game eats and/or where it feeds, and if you can make a reconnaissance trip to identify these areas.

Water
Like us humans, animals also need water to live. Many species get their water from the same food they eat, for example, succulent fruit, while other species need to drink water, especially in dry regions. So water is the second element to track. Dams, ponds, rivers, streams... either of these sources is very important where identifying movement areas is concerned.

Shelter
For us hunters, and especially for those who hunt with a bow stall, it is very important to identify places where our prey may quarry or unload. Birds and mammals need a place to rest, hide or protect themselves from bad weather. Places with dense vegetation are most common, but also look for rock piles, burrows, hollow logs, etc. We must bear in mind that in many places, depending on how land is used, it may mean that the places where the animals could hide are smaller; for example, if land is used for agriculture or livestock.

We must note that throughout the season these places change, and as time goes on we will have to go adjust to that change. Most obviously, deer like to sleep in places they feel safe, and secondly they also locate their stall where they can see or feel any potential threat. There is likely to be air flow into the stall, and it is also likely it will be found in areas that are higher than those around it.

Space
Animals need a space to survive. Overcrowding leads to competition for feeding sites and procreation. Some animals are territorial and will occupy specific sites.

That's why when placing blinds we must consider the points where the animal feeds and sleeps. There is a key location between these two points where you should place the blinds; this will depend on ground conditions, prefferably flat with thick vegetation. The important thing here is to locate the points. The best hunting spot may be in the middle, closer to the stall or closer to where it feeds. The important thing here is to find a point where the animal passes within reach of the weapon with which you will hunt it.

The tower can be blinds, a tree, floor, etc. It doesn’t really matter. But always keep in mind your limitations in order to achieve this trophy.