Beginner Big Game Hunting Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them
Big game hunting is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with a learning curve. New hunters often struggle with gear choices, poor preparation, inconsistent shooting, and rushed decision-making in the field. The good news? Most early mistakes are completely preventable with the right guidance and mindset.
This beginner-friendly guide walks you through the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them so you can build solid habits from day one. And when you're ready to find trusted outfitters or book your next hunt, browse options through Find A Hunt.
Mistake #1: Not Practicing Enough With Your Weapon
Your rifle, bow, or muzzleloader is only as effective as your familiarity with it.
How to Avoid It
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Practice regularly at realistic distances.
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Shoot from field positions: kneeling, sitting, off sticks, leaning against trees.
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Confirm your zero before the hunt.
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Know your maximum ethical range and stick to it.
Confidence—and muscle memory—matter more than any gear upgrade.
Mistake #2: Bringing the Wrong Gear
Beginners often overpack, underpack, or bring the wrong equipment for the environment.
What You Actually Need
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Proper boots broken in well before the hunt
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Layered clothing for temperature swings
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Knife, headlamp, water, and emergency essentials
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Rangefinder and binoculars
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Reliable pack
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Appropriate ammunition or arrows
Check with your outfitter or mentor and build your kit the smart way—not the heavy way.
Mistake #3: Poor Physical Preparation
Even “easy” big game hunts demand walking, climbing, and long days outdoors.
Avoid This By
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Conditioning early (cardio + strength + hikes with a weighted pack)
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Staying hydrated
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Being honest about your fitness level
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Training for altitude if heading into the mountains
Good shape means better focus, more time in the field, and higher odds of success.
Mistake #4: Moving Too Fast in the Field
One of the biggest rookie errors: rushing.
How to Slow Down for Success
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Still-hunt deliberately, not urgently
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Glass frequently—animals see movement long before shapes
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Avoid skyline silhouettes on ridges
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Use wind, cover, and terrain to your advantage
Patience kills big game; speed often spooks it.
Mistake #5: Ignoring the Wind
Wind determines how animals smell, hear, and respond. Beginners often overlook it.
Master the Wind By
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Always hunting with the wind in your face or quartering
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Using wind indicators (powder puffs, milkweed floss)
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Planning stalks and stand setups based on expected wind shifts
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Avoiding ridge tops and thermally active slopes during mid-morning and late afternoon
Ignore the wind and you'll rarely get close to big game.
Mistake #6: Taking Poor Shots
Bad shot angles lead to long tracking jobs—or lost animals.
What Beginners Should Do Instead
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Wait for broadside or quartering-away shots
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Never rush a shot because of excitement
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Use a stable rest whenever possible
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Pass on questionable angles or distances
Good hunters know when not to shoot.
Mistake #7: Tracking Too Soon After the Shot
Beginners often rush into tracking and push a wounded animal farther.
Best Practice
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Observe the animal’s reaction closely
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Mark the hit location and last sighting
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Wait appropriate times:
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Heart/lung: 15–30 minutes
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Liver: 2–4 hours
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Gut: 6–12 hours
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Approach quietly and cautiously
Patience during recovery is as important as patience before the shot.
Mistake #8: Not Knowing the Regulations
New hunters often misunderstand tag systems, units, seasons, and legal weapon restrictions.
Avoid Legal Surprises
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Study state regulations thoroughly
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Know your unit, boundaries, and season dates
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Apply for tags early in limited-entry systems
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Understand carcass tagging and transport rules
Staying legal is part of being an ethical hunter.
Mistake #9: Overestimating Trophy Expectations
Movies, TV, and social media often inflate expectations. Many beginners assume mature bucks, bulls, or boars are common.
Set Realistic Expectations
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Learn what mature animals actually look like
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Understand your region's population and age structure
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Hunt for the experience—not just the antlers
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Celebrate learning milestones, not just tags filled
Real growth comes from realistic goals and steady progress.
Mistake #10: Skipping Scouting
Whether hunting with an outfitter or DIY, understanding the terrain and game movement changes everything.
Smart Scouting Tactics
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Use digital tools like onX, GOHUNT Maps, or Google Earth
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Identify bedding, feeding, and travel patterns
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Glass early mornings and evenings
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Deploy trail cameras where legal
Good scouting leads to good opportunities.
Mistake #11: Not Asking Enough Questions
Beginners hesitate to speak up, whether with mentors or guides.
Make the Most of Experienced Hunters
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Ask about wind, terrain, gear, and shot placement
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Discuss expectations and comfort levels
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Learn from mistakes quickly
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Seek guidance throughout the hunt
Most experienced hunters are eager to help—don’t be shy.
Mistake #12: Underestimating Field Care
Taking the shot is only half the job. Beginners often forget what comes next.
What to Prepare For
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Field dressing
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Quartering and skinning
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Cooling meat quickly
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Using game bags
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Planning the pack-out
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Identifying processors near the hunt area
Good meat care is essential for ethics and success.
Beginner-Friendly Tips for Success
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Prioritize safety above all else
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Practice relentlessly
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Play the wind
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Stay patient and adaptable
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Learn from every encounter—success or not
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Hunt with people who push you to improve
You’ll become a better hunter every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What species are best for beginner big game hunters?
Whitetail deer, mule deer, pronghorn, and cow elk hunts are often the most beginner-friendly.
Should beginners book a guided hunt?
Guided hunts accelerate learning through mentorship, better access, and hands-on field instruction.
What’s the hardest part of big game hunting for beginners?
Shot discipline, reading the wind, and staying patient.
How far should beginners shoot?
Only as far as they can consistently make ethical hits—often 100–200 yards for rifles and 20–40 yards for bows.
How important is physical fitness?
Very—fitness determines how much ground you can cover and how effectively you can hunt.
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