TAKING THE PERFECT SHOT

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Big game animals have an incredible sense of smell, and monitoring the wind is a vital factor to consider when closing in for a shot. The author got close to this black bear in Southeast Alaska by using the wind and putting the sun

at his back. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

WHEN THE MOMENT ARISES

WATCHING YOUR WIND, SUN ANGLE, TARGET BEHAVIOR KEYS TO BIG GAME SUCCESS

BY SCOTT HAUGEN

Eleven hours after spotting a giant brown bear loping across the coastal tundra, it was time to make a move. The bear finally awoke from a midday nap; the wind changed direction and the sun was low on the horizon and at my back; every element was finally in my favor.

Following a lengthy stalk, the 10-foot, 9-inch bear went down with one shot. An insurance shot anchored it for good.

WHEN LIVING IN THE Brooks Range, I once watched a bull moose for two days before it finally moved into a valley where I could get close to within shooting range. Another time I watched a band of Dall rams graze, sun themselves, sleep and graze some more before getting a shot moments before dark – nine hours after spotting them.

I’ve been fortunate to hunt much of Alaska – and the world. Having gone on hundreds of big game hunts, one thing that’s helped me – as well as exceptional hunters I’ve spent time afield with – find success has been the

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ability to recognize shot opportunities when they present themselves.

Just because you locate an animal doesn’t mean getting a shot is a given, as many factors hinge on getting within shooting range, especially with a bow or crossbow. Being aware of the elements which factor into a hunt, and then knowing when to make a move, are crucial to consistently putting meat in the freezer.

Shot opportunities are some of the most forced, botched mishaps in big game hunting, usually because adrenaline takes over and rational thinking is set aside. Controlling your emotions once big game is spotted is important.

I’m not saying to suppress enjoyment, as that’s a primary reason we hunt. I’m saying: Take a deep breath and closely observe the animal’s behavior; use a rangefinder to assess yardage; study the wind where you’re located, at the animal’s location and in between; and also pay attention to the position of the sun if it’s a clear day. Once these elements are all carefully noted, then it’s time to decide your next move.

Too often hunters get in a chaotic rush once an animal is spotted, and this oftentimes leads to blown opportunities. For now, suffice it to say taking your time is important, for if an animal doesn’t smell, see or hear you, you maintain the advantage. At this point, you must locate the best spot for a shot opportunity, then figure out how and when to get there.

WIND’S THE MOST IMPORTANT factor when closing in on a big game animal. Animal noses are so powerful, it’s mind-boggling to see them sniff danger. Bears have been documented smelling carrion from up to 10 miles away; imagine having a nose so strong you can smell dinner from that distance. If the wind is not favorable, don’t even think of trying to close the distance, as you’ll rarely get a second chance once an animal winds you.

My favorite time to move in on an animal is when the wind is in my face and it’s raining. Rain not only knocks down human scent, it masks sound and movement. Snow can have the same impact, and both scenarios allow you to move quickly and more aggressively than normal.

Speaking of moving, that usually equates to sweating and smelling when big game hunting in Alaska, and carrying heavy packs and wearing rain gear only accentuates our foul odors. For 45 years I’ve hunted big game and never have I found a scent prevention agent that works. I don’t use or trust them, as we smell horrible to the sensitive noses of big game.

These odors cannot be contained and using agents claiming to mask them give a false sense of security to hunters,

There are many factors to consider when it comes to closing in for a shot. Here, the author glasses a distant herd of caribou on Adak Island before planning his next move. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

With most bird hunting seasons winding down, use the meat from your harvests to create delicious tacos, as Tiffany Haugen did with husband Scott’s ptarmigan. (TIFFANY HAUGEN) FIELD

TAKE FLIGHT WITH THESE TACOS

BY TIFFANY HAUGEN

With ptarmigan season still going strong in some units in Alaska, here’s a great recipe that’ll allow you to make the most of those generous bag limits.

Even if you have some grouse in the freezer, this recipe is worthy of those birds. Heck, it even works for waterfowl, so if you’re looking to clean out the freezer, consider these tacos.

Just remember, wild bird meat is very lean, so do not overcook it or it will be tough and dry. Game birds are delicious when cooked properly. This is a recipe we’ve used with all sorts of upland birds and waterfowl, and friends and family love it!

1 to 2 pounds game bird breasts 1 cup pineapple juice ½ cup cider vinegar 1 6-ounce can tomato paste One onion, chopped One red bell pepper, chopped One jalapeño pepper, chopped 2 teaspoons chili powder 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon ground oregano 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon black pepper 24 to 36 street-taco-size corn tortillas 1 to 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks, optional Hot sauce, optional Cabbage, pickled red onion and cilantro for garnish

Rinse breasts and pat dry. Remove the tenderloin from the breasts and cut out the tendon. Cut the larger part of the breasts across the grain in ½- to ¾-inch slices. Remove any sinuous tissues where the breasts connected with the ribs and keel.

In a small bowl mix pineapple juice, vinegar, tomato paste, chili powder, salt, granulated garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika and black pepper until thoroughly combined.

Add bird meat to a pressure cooker or slow cooker. Pour sauce over bird meat and stir until all of the meat is coated, then add chopped onion and peppers. Pressure cook on high 30 minutes, allowing pressure to release naturally, or slow cook on high for three to four hours or until bird is tender.

Taste for seasoning, adding additional salt, pepper and/or hot sauce if needed. If desired, add fresh pineapple chunks during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Serve on warm tortillas topped with cabbage, pickled onions and cilantro.

Editor’s note: For signed copies of Tiffany Haugen's popular book, Cooking Game Birds, visit scotthaugen .com, where you’ll find all her cookbooks.

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and that’s where mistakes are made. Much of our offensive odors come from our mouth, head and hands – parts that are often exposed. If you hunt from a treestand or ground blind and feel that using scent control agents give you confidence, use them. But never move on an animal with the wind at your back.

WHETHER IT’S IN SPRING or fall, Alaska’s

changing photoperiods greatly fluctuate. When the opportunity arises, having the sun low on the horizon and at your back is perfect for helping close on an animal. Imagine driving into a rising or setting sun; it’s hard for us to see, and the same holds true for animals.

If the position of the animal, the lay of the land and the surrounding conditions allow you to approach your target animal from above, do it. The pupils, rods and cones of ungulates are structured to where their most acute vision is at and below the horizon line. Come in from above – especially with the wind in your face and the sun at your back – and you’re almost assured of getting into a high-percentage shooting situation.

By paying attention to the many factors involved in big game hunting, your odds of success will rise. Watch the animal very close and study its behavior and movements, then move in only when the conditions and opportunity are right. ASJ

Patience, recognizing opportunities and knowing when to make a move are key elements to consistent big game hunting success. Everything came together perfectly for the author on this brown bear hunt on the upper Alaska Peninsula. (SCOTT HAUGEN) Editor’s note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen's popular books, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram and Facebook.