How to Film a Hunting Video

Turkey hunts are a good way to learn how to film a hunting video.

The memories created from a hunting trip can be difficult to portray with only words and pictures. Adding a video camera to your hunting equipment allows you to bring your hunting adventures into your living room. Filming a hunting video, however, is harder than it seems. It requires concentration, preparation, practice and dedication to capture the entire hunting experience, including the shot opportunity. Get together with a hunting buddy who has an interest in filming and get ready to bring your hunting memories to the television.

Things You'll Need

• Video camera
• Tapes
• Batteries
• Tripod or camera tree arm
• Treestands or ground blind
• Editing software

Instructions

Preparation

1. Designate a show concept. Just like any other production, video or show, you need an idea that is unique. One show might feature women enjoying the outdoors while another focuses on the conservation efforts of different organizations. Regardless of your theme, formulate an idea for the show that sets you apart.

2. Gather your equipment. Start by finding a video camera within your price range. Find equipment that can withstand the outdoor elements faced while hunting and practice with the video equipment at home so you feel comfortable with the operations while hunting. You don't need to purchase a high-definition video camera immediately. Instead, learn how to operate the video equipment and then upgrade as necessary. Add compatible accessories to the video camera such as a tree arm, tripod and audio equipment.

3. Hold a pre-hunt meeting that outlines the goal of the hunt, duration of the hunt and any special video opportunities. Hang two tree stands or set up a ground blind big enough for a tripod. Tree stands are used to elevate your hunting position while ground blinds are similar to a tent and allow you to hunt from the ground. Pack all the necessary video equipment, including extra tapes and batteries.

In the Field

1. Create the story. Keep the camera recording as much as possible during the hunt to capture scenes that set up the hunting video. The goal is to capture the emotions of the hunter before, during and after the hunt. Possible scenes include walking into or out of the hunting location, wildlife shots or sunrise-sunset shots. If you are traveling out of state, you can film driving down the road or crossing the state line to help build drama leading up to the hunt.

2. Record the shot. It's difficult to produce a hunting video without a shot at an animal. Most people watch hunting shows for one thing: the kill shot. Sit close to the hunter during the hunt so you have communication as an animal presents a shot opportunity. Keep the camera steady as the animal approaches by using the tripod or tree arm. Tripods are ideal while hunting on the ground and the tree arm secures the camera to the tree while hunting in a tree stand. Before shooting, make sure the camera and the hunter are both on the animal.

3. Capture emotions. After the shot, immediately turn to the hunter to record the natural expression and emotions. Film "cut-away" shots to fill in the pieces for creating the story. Sample cut-away shots include using your binoculars or drawing a bow. The cut-aways are designed to build drama before the shot.

Tips & Warnings

• Obtaining sponsorships from outdoor and hunting companies can help to offset the price of equipment, licenses and travel.

• Take a film or photography class from a local college to gain knowledge about filming.

• Always follow local, state and federal hunting regulations.

References

• North American Whitetail: "Filming Your Hunt"; Adam Hays