Documenting Your Big Game Hunt: Best Practices for Photos and Videos

Why Documenting Your Hunt Matters

Recording your big-game hunt preserves memories, allows you to share the experience, and provides valuable reference material for future hunts. Whether you’re hunting elk in the mountains, whitetails in the Midwest, or bison on the plains, thoughtful documentation highlights the story behind the hunt—not just the harvest. For guided hunts with professional support and scenic opportunities, browse vetted outfitters at Find A Hunt.

Essential Gear for Hunting Photography & Videography

Cameras & Optics

• DSLR or mirrorless cameras: High-quality stills, interchangeable lenses for flexibility

• Action cameras (GoPro, DJI Osmo): Durable, mountable options for hands-free filming

• Zoom lenses (70-200mm or 100-400mm): Capture animals from a distance without disturbing them

• Binoculars & spotting scopes: Useful for scouting shots before engaging the camera

Tripods & Stabilization

• Lightweight, collapsible tripods for stills and video

• Gimbal stabilizers for smooth movement in the field

• Shooting sticks for rifles or spotting scopes double as camera mounts

Accessories

• Extra batteries and memory cards

• Weather-resistant camera covers

• Lens cleaning kits for dusty or wet environments

• Remote shutter release for tripod-mounted cameras

Planning Your Shots

1. Scout for Visual Interest

• Look for natural frames: ridges, trees, streams, and open meadows

• Capture movement along trails, funnels, and feeding areas

• Highlight habitat to tell the full story of the hunt

2. Consider Lighting

• Golden hours (early morning, late afternoon) provide the best natural light

• Overcast days reduce harsh shadows and glare

• Avoid using flash near animals—it may spook them and disrupt ethical hunting practices

3. Composition Basics

• Use the rule of thirds: place key subjects along intersections of grid lines

• Include scale references: trees, ridges, or your own silhouette to show size

• Capture action and context, not just static poses

Ethical Considerations When Documenting

Animal Welfare

• Avoid stressing or harassing wildlife for photos

• Take photos from a safe distance when possible

• Prioritize ethical shot placement in hunting over getting a “perfect” photo

Respect for the Hunt

• Minimize time spent setting up shots to reduce disturbance

• Avoid unnecessary noise or movement that could alert other animals

• Treat harvested animals with respect in photos—highlight the accomplishment, not gore

Landowner & Guide Courtesy

• Obtain permission for photos on private land

• Follow your outfitter’s guidance on photography, especially in guided hunts

Timing & Technique for Video

Action Shots

• Capture stalking, calling, or tracking movements

• Use slow-motion for dramatic moments without compromising safety

Interview & Commentary

• Consider recording the hunt narrative for context

• Share insights on strategy, terrain, and animal behavior

Editing Tips

• Keep videos concise to maintain viewer interest

• Combine wide shots for landscape context with close-ups for animal detail

• Use stabilization software to smooth handheld footage

Safety Tips While Filming

• Keep firearms unloaded when handling camera gear nearby

• Maintain awareness of your surroundings at all times

• Avoid compromising stealth or safety to get a better shot

• Use headlamps or red-light modes carefully during low-light filming

Organizing and Preserving Your Media

• Create separate folders for photos and videos by hunt and date

• Back up files to cloud storage or external drives

• Keep metadata, including GPS tags, for scouting reference

Sharing Your Hunt Responsibly

• Highlight conservation and ethics alongside photos

• Avoid sharing locations publicly if hunting on private land or for sensitive species

• Inspire others with the story, habitat, and effort, not just the trophy

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use my phone or a dedicated camera?

Dedicated cameras provide higher-quality images and more control, but phones work for quick shots or video if handled carefully.

How can I take close-up photos without spooking game?

Use telephoto lenses and maintain proper wind direction and distance.

Is it ethical to film after harvesting an animal?

Yes, as long as the animal is treated respectfully and all processing steps follow legal requirements.

Can photography help with scouting for future hunts?

Absolutely—trail-camera photos, scenic shots, and video notes help track patterns and identify key habitat.

Should I hire a guide for media capture?

Many outfitters offer photography or videography guidance to safely capture your hunt without compromising stealth or ethics.

I can also create a state-specific big-game media guide (e.g., elk in Colorado, whitetail in Iowa, bear in Appalachia) with gear, location, and seasonal recommendations for optimal photos and videos. Do you want me to do that next?