5 essential tips and strategies for hunting Canada’s giant prairie whitetails

PRAIRIE GEAR

Given the vastness of the countryside and the amount of walking required during a prairie whitetail hunt, a comfortable pair of hunting boots is essential. I prefer boots that fit over my ankles, which provides support and helps prevent injuries. I also like waterproof boots. Nothing spoils a day faster than wet feet thanks to rain, morning dew or even light snow.

Good-quality optics are another must, allowing you to glass comfortably for extended periods, even in low-light conditions. While you can get by with just a pair of binoculars, I prefer using a set of rangefinding binoculars in conjunction with a spotting scope. This combination allows me to spot animals, then determine how far away they are.

For firearms, I like a flat-shooting rifle that’s capable of making shots both at near point-blank range, and out to more than 275 metres. I typically zero my rifle at 25 metres or so, which allows me to hold on a deer from point blank out to around 300 metres. Given the possibility of long-range shots, use a set of shooting sticks to help hold your crosshairs steady. While bipods do work, they can be limiting if you need to stand while making the shot. I prefer three-legged shooting sticks, which allow me to shoot while either standing or sitting.