Different Types of Hunting Methods: 29 Hunting Techniques

Ambush hunting involves setting up near game trails, food sources, or water, and waiting for animals to come into range. This can be done from natural cover, a ground blind, or an elevated treestand. It's especially effective for whitetail deer hunting, where patience often pays off. If you're new to ambush tactics, our still hunting and whitetail deer hunting resources explain more. If you're looking for gear, see our selection of the best camo for deer hunting.

Baiting uses attractants such as food piles, scents, or mineral blocks to draw game to a specific area. It's controversial and illegal in some regions, but where permitted it can be effective for species like bear or hog. Hunters must check local laws before using baiting techniques.

Bow hunting is one of the oldest and most challenging methods. Modern compound bows and crossbows provide precision and power, while traditional longbows keep the experience primitive. Many hunters value bow hunting for the close-range encounters it requires. Crossbow hunting is often listed separately, but both fall under the same archery category.

This hybrid of fishing and archery uses specialized bows to shoot fish in shallow water. It's often done at night with lights to spot fish. Popular species include carp, gar, and rays. Bowfishing requires quick reflexes and unique gear, but it's one of the most action-packed hunting techniques.

Calling uses vocal imitations or devices to attract game. Duck calls, elk bugles, turkey yelps, and predator distress calls are all examples. Rattling antlers to imitate buck fights is another variation. Calling is an art—done well, it can bring animals into bow range. Turkey hunters, in particular, rely on it, and many combine it with specialized turkey hunting apparel.

Using trained dogs to track, flush, or pursue game is one of the oldest and most traditional methods. Hounds can be used for deer, boar, bear, or upland birds. The dogs' keen senses extend the hunter's abilities, but this style of hunting requires careful training and ethical handling of animals.

In driven bird hunts, beaters or dogs flush game birds (such as pheasant, partridge, or grouse) toward waiting hunters. This method is common in Europe and requires coordination among participants. It emphasizes marksmanship with a shotgun and is often a social, traditional event.

Driven hunts involve a line of beaters or dogs pushing game toward hunters stationed ahead. In Spain and Portugal, Monteria is a classic driven hunt for wild boar and red deer. These hunts can cover large areas and are steeped in cultural tradition.

Falconry is one of the oldest forms of hunting, utilizing trained birds of prey to catch small game or birds. It requires years of dedication to master, as well as a close partnership with the raptor. While rare, it remains a fascinating and respected hunting method.

Specialized handguns chambered for hunting calibers are used for close-range shots on deer, hogs, or varmints. Revolvers and single-shot pistols offer a challenge similar to bow hunting, requiring hunters to get close to their quarry. It's a niche method, but one with dedicated followers.

High seat hunting is common in Europe, where hunters wait in elevated wooden platforms overlooking fields or forest edges. Similar to treestand hunting in North America, this method provides concealment, safety, and a clear line of sight.

Popular in the American West and Mongolia, horseback hunting allows hunters to cover rugged terrain and transport game. Horses also provide an elevated vantage point and mobility in areas where vehicles cannot go. This traditional method connects strongly with historical hunting practices.

Lure hunting involves using scents, decoys, or visual attractants to draw game animals closer. Doe-in-heat scent drags for deer, predator baits, or decoys for ducks and turkeys all fall into this category. For waterfowl, hunters often pair decoys with blinds, along with the right waterfowl hunting clothes.

Also called cull or conservation hunts, management hunting targets surplus or problem animals to maintain healthy populations. Wildlife agencies may issue permits for these hunts to reduce pressure on habitats or prevent overpopulation. It's an important part of sustainable hunting.

Meat hunting focuses purely on filling the freezer. The primary goal is food rather than trophies, and hunters often select species and methods that provide reliable, sustainable harvests. This is closely tied to subsistence traditions.

Mountain hunting is one of the most physically demanding styles. Hunters pursue sheep, goats, or elk in rugged alpine terrain, often at high altitude. Spot and stalk is the primary tactic. If you're interested in this type of hunting, we carry a wide selection of elk hunting gear that's ideal for mountain conditions.

Muzzleloader hunting uses black powder firearms, offering a traditional challenge. Many states have separate muzzleloader seasons. Hunters enjoy the slower pace, single-shot discipline, and connection to historic hunting practices.

Primitive hunting involves very old methods such as longbows, recurve bows, spears, or atlatls. It emphasizes skill and closeness to the hunt, with minimal reliance on modern gear. Some hunters view it as the purest form of fair chase.

Rattling is a unique technique where hunters clash antlers to mimic bucks fighting during the rut. This sound can draw dominant deer into range. While it's technically a form of calling, many hunters treat it as its own specialized strategy, especially for whitetails.

Rifle hunting is the most widespread method, ranging from varmint rifles to big game calibers. Hunters use rifles for long-range accuracy and versatility. Air rifle hunting can also fall under this category, especially for small game or pest control.

Safari-style hunts are most associated with Africa, where hunters pursue plains game such as antelope, zebra, or buffalo. They often involve professional guides and can combine spot and stalk with vehicle-based scouting. These hunts are highly regulated and often tied to conservation funding.

Shotguns are the classic choice for birds and small game. Whether flushing upland birds or hunting waterfowl over decoys, shotgun hunting emphasizes quick reflexes and good wingshooting. Many hunters also use shotguns for deer in regions where rifles are restricted.

Spotlighting involves using lights at night to locate and hunt animals. It's often used for pest control, such as hogs or coyotes, but is illegal in many areas. Where legal, it requires careful safety measures and the right equipment.

Spot and stalk is a dynamic method where hunters glass animals from a distance, then carefully stalk closer to within range. It's common in open country hunts for elk, mule deer, or antelope. This method requires patience, stealth, and knowledge of terrain.

Stand hunting is most associated with whitetail deer in North America. Hunters set up in treestands to wait along game trails or food plots. This elevated position provides concealment, scent control, and a better view. For gear tips, see our resources on solid color hunting clothes.

Still hunting is the art of moving slowly and quietly through the woods, pausing frequently to scan for game. Unlike spot and stalk, which begins with long-range glassing, still hunting is about stealthy movement at close to medium range. Learn more at our detailed still hunting guide.

Trapping involves setting mechanical devices to capture animals, often for fur or pest control. It requires knowledge of animal behavior and strict adherence to regulations. While less common today, trapping remains a traditional and effective method.

Upland bird hunting includes species like pheasant, grouse, and quail. Hunters typically walk fields with dogs that flush birds into the air, followed by quick shotgun shots. It's a fast-paced and social type of hunting.

Varminter hunting focuses on controlling nuisance animals like coyotes, hogs, prairie dogs, or groundhogs. It helps protect crops, livestock, and ecosystems. Rifles and night-vision equipment are often used. Many hunters see it as both sport and land management.