The importance of creating elevation when hunting on flat ground
24-Jan-2025
Chris Cooper
As a seasoned deer stalker, hunting on relatively flat terrain presents unique challenges. While there are many benefits to hunting on flat ground—such as better visibility and accessibility—there are also significant hurdles. One of the most effective ways to combat these challenges is by creating elevation during your hunt. By shooting from an elevated position, whether from a high seat or a high tower, you not only improve your shooting accuracy but also enhance safety, scent management and overall hunting experience.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why elevation is so important for flatland hunters and how it can give you an edge in the field.
Creating a safe backstop for your bullet
One of the key reasons for using elevated shooting positions is safety. On flat terrain, the shot trajectory can be harder to control in terms of its path after it hits the target. When you shoot from a higher position, you have a better chance of ensuring your bullet stays within a safe zone after hitting the target.
A high seat or high tower allows for a clear, unobstructed view of the area around the target. This makes it easier to spot any potential hazards—like other animals or hunters—in the line of fire. With a well-placed elevated position, your bullet will travel downwards toward the target, reducing the risk of it going beyond the intended range.
Additionally, high positions often allow you to observe the target for longer, ensuring that you can take a shot only when it’s most safe.
Less scent in the air
One of the most challenging aspects of deer stalking is keeping your scent undetected. Deer have a highly sensitive sense of smell, and even the slightest trace of human scent can send them running. On flat ground, it’s often difficult to keep your scent direction in check, especially if there’s a breeze or wind changing direction.
By shooting from an elevated position, you significantly reduce the chances of your scent reaching the deer. Most high seats and towers are situated well above the scent line, meaning your scent will be carried above the deer’s position rather than directly toward them. This is particularly useful when hunting on flat terrain, where wind patterns may be less predictable or vary throughout the day. Elevation helps ensure that your scent disperses before it can reach your prey.
Out of sight of the deer
Creating elevation also helps you stay out of sight of the deer. Deer are highly attuned to visual cues and will quickly detect a human silhouette, especially if you’re moving or standing on open flat ground. By using a high seat or tower, you effectively place yourself above the deer’s line of sight, making it harder for them to spot you.
The added height allows you to conceal your movement, allowing you to remain motionless or make smaller, less noticeable adjustments to your position. As a result, you can wait patiently for the right moment to take a clean shot without alarming the animal.
Protection from weather conditions
Weather can be unpredictable, and bad weather conditions—such as rain, snow, or wind—can make a hunt uncomfortable or even dangerous. On flat ground, exposure to the elements is a real challenge. Fortunately, hunting from an elevated position can help you avoid exposure to inclement weather.
Many high seats and towers come with weather protection features like roofs or covers, offering shelter from rain, wind, or snow. These elevated structures allow you to continue your hunt in relative comfort, ensuring that your gear and body stay dry and protected, even in poor weather conditions. Staying comfortable is crucial for maintaining focus during the hunt, especially in long or challenging sessions.
Improved visibility and range of sight
Flat terrain, while often offering great accessibility, can sometimes limit your range of vision. Shooting from an elevated position gives you a broader field of view, allowing you to spot deer and other wildlife from a greater distance. This helps you better understand the movements and behaviour of your quarry.
A higher vantage point gives you a better perspective on the landscape and allows you to spot animals earlier, providing more time to plan your approach. Whether you’re looking for deer or assessing the area for potential hazards, height gives you the upper hand in terms of situational awareness.
Enhanced shot accuracy and precision
Shooting from an elevated position can also improve your shot accuracy. From high seats or towers, your target will appear larger and more stable, making it easier to aim accurately. The downward angle allows you to make use of gravity to steady your shot, as opposed to shooting at a level or upward angle from the ground, which may be less stable.
Additionally, the flat terrain provides a clear, consistent shooting lane, free from obstructions such as trees or rocks, which might be more prevalent in hilly or uneven ground. This unimpeded shot line, combined with the stability of an elevated position, contributes to better precision.
Reducing the impact of noise
On flat land, every sound you make can travel further, alerting nearby deer or other wildlife. The rustling of clothing, the clicking of a rifle, or even the sound of your boots on the ground can carry across the terrain and cause the animals to flee. By using a high seat or tower, you reduce the risk of creating unwanted noise on the ground level.
Elevation not only helps with sound control, but it also minimizes the need for movement, as you’re able to stay in a stable position and observe for long periods. Fewer movements and less noise mean a reduced chance of spooking the deer.
Elevation as a strategic advantage
In conclusion, when hunting on flat ground, creating elevation—whether through high seats or towers—offers numerous benefits, from enhanced safety and precision to better scent management and protection from the elements. By elevating yourself, you gain a tactical advantage that allows you to hunt more effectively, remain undetected, and take more accurate shots. This simple adjustment to your hunting setup can be a game-changer, especially for those who hunt on flat terrain where visibility and scent control can be more difficult.
Remember, when you shoot from an elevated position, you’re not just increasing your chances of success but also ensuring a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable hunting.
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