How to Stalk an Animal

Stalking an animal properly allows you to get closer to it, sometimes close enough to touch it (but don't). Stalking is a discipline with definite techniques, movements and skills that require both practice and patience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Moccasins
• Binoculars

1. Step slowly, very slowly - about one step per minute.
2. Keep all of your body movement slow and fluid; avoid abrupt or shaky movements.
3. Keep your body low and compressed.
4. Lift your knees high to maintain balance as you take each slow step.
5. Set your foot down on the outside ball of your foot, keeping your weight entirely on the other foot.
6. Roll your forward foot to the inside ball of the foot.
7. Lower your heel and then, slowly, transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot.
8. Keep the animal directly in the center of your vision at all times. Freeze all motion any time the animal looks in your direction, and until it looks away.
9. Squint your eyes and avoid showing your teeth when you are 10 feet or less from an animal. The whiteness alerts animals.
10. Move very, very slowly.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel a twig or a leaf when lowering your foot, lift your foot and place it down elsewhere. This is the reason for not transferring your weight until the foot is set safely down.
• Going barefoot or wearing moccasin-type footwear is best for stalking.
• Watch a cat stalk its prey for a perfect example of how to stalk.
• Never touch an animal in the wild, no matter how close you get to it. You may startle it and get bitten, kicked or attacked.