Featuring:
Patrick Strauß, Dimitri Hullebroek, Theresa Anheuser
Estimated read time: 4,5 min.
Getting ready for the upcoming spring can play a vital part in one’s success in the field. Hunters note that with the soon-transforming landscape and re-emerging wildlife, it’s crucial to prepare the hunting grounds, take care of your gear and find time to look after the animals.
Read on to find valuable insights and advice from three hunters who have set their sights on the approaching season.
“Spring cleaning”
As the winter transitions to spring, there are plenty of small tasks that need to be taken care of on the hunting grounds. For example, according to a German hunter, Patrick Strauß, this time of the year is generally used to “tidy up” the area and refresh everything.
“We take this opportunity to clear the stalking paths, removing leaves and small branches to move silently towards the high seats. Spring is also an excellent time to remove trees that have fallen during autumn or winter, ensuring they don’t block important areas or obscure spots. Also, we usually trim the vegetation around the high seats to maintain a clear line of sight for hunting. Even though right now the visibility is excellent, once the trees and shrubs are covered in leaves, it becomes much more challenging”, says Patrick.
The wild awakens
Dimitri Hullebroek, an avid hunter from Belgium, tells us that as the cold temperatures drop and the fields are getting ready to provide the animals with food, the way he spends his day in the field changes a lot.
“After the winter, the food dips for many animals. This means that it’s time to refill the feeders, place salt for the deer, and more – everything, to keep the animals in good condition. Talking about roe deer, this is the time of the year when their groups are almost separating, so it’s important to focus on where they will settle. Therefore, driving around late in the evening or during the night with a thermal device gives you a good idea of the game numbers after the winter”, notes the hunter.
What other changes does spring bring? According to an experienced German huntress, Theresa Anheuser, in general, this time of the year is much awaited by wild animals, especially the wild boar.
“As the ground unfreezes, the wild boar can once again forage for worms and beetles to meet their protein requirements. This causes damage to the fields, as they become especially interesting to these animals when they’re filled with crops. Of course, much to the annoyance of the farmers. For the hunter, this means intervening and, thanks to thermal imaging technology, this can be done efficiently and quickly. To avoid high damage rates, rapid action helps a lot”, says Theresa.
Looking after the animals
According to our ambassadors, it’s very important to take this time of the year to take care of the local wildlife’s habitats. For example, Patrick Strauß says that he and other hunters have gathered deadwood and old Christmas trees, placing them in areas with a high density of brambles.
“In spring, these brambles will grow over the deadwood, forming a larger hedge. This will provide a safe habitat for our native ground-nesting birds, such as pheasants and partridges, to raise their young in peace. Also, with the help of my Telos LRF XL50, I usually observe where the ground-nesting birds are located. In these areas, we set up feeding stations to ensure that pheasants and partridges have sufficient food available. This also helps to attract and keep them in these spots”, says Patrick.
Patrick Strauß and Theresa Anheuser
Theresa continues that thermal technology can also be used in spring to protect various young animals.
“Before the meadows are mowed, farmers are obliged to ensure that there are no young animals such as fawns, hares, ground-nesting birds or foxes in the meadow. Therefore, hunters and farmers usually work hand in hand, using thermal imaging drones or handhelds, to check for young animals. For example, if some fawns are found, they are taken care of by the hunter and kept in a box until the farmer has finished mowing. After that, the fawns are released to roam the wild”, says Theresa.
It’s time to refill the feeders, place salt rocks for the deer, and more – everything, to keep the animals in good condition.
Theresa Anheuser
Renewing equipment and embracing the beauty
How about your hunting gear and equipment? Dimitri Hullebroek notes that it’s vital to get those ready for the upcoming spring as well.
“Maintenance is the mirror to the lifespan of your devices. And during winter, thermal units have been in wet, muddy and cold conditions. Thoroughly cleaning them with products specifically made for lenses and other parts of the devices is always a great idea. Let’s not forget your boots, clothing and other accessories – a good wash and scrupulous treatment will make them last longer”, says the hunter.
Additionally, spring could be a good time to go over your hunting equipment and see if it needs renewing or any additions – extra clothes, ammo, or even a fresh thermal imaging device.
Thoroughly cleaning your units with products specifically made for lenses and other parts of the devices is always a great idea.
Dimitri Hullebroek
“Sometimes I’ll sell older gear to invest in something newer. That’s why it’s also important to maintain your equipment to make sure it stays in great condition”, remarks Dimitri.
Finally, the hunter reminds us to always find a moment and enjoy the blooming nature: “I love spring because the days are getting longer, also, it’s a perfect time of the year to photograph the wild. The Merger Duo is my best companion while doing this – observing nature is where these binoculars stand out to me the most.”
Before purchasing any night or thermal vision device, please make sure you adhere to the local legislation and only use it when it is allowed. Our ambassadors come from various countries and travel a lot, which allows them to test different devices. We do not encourage or support the illegal use of our devices in any events. If you wish to learn more about export and sales restriction policy, please visit the following link: Export and Sales Restriction Policy.