Just as choosing the right weapon, ammunition and hunting plot make a huge difference to your success in the field, picking the right hunting companions is also key. We're not saying you should only hunt with seasoned woodsmen, but considering the survival skills of the rest of your party is important.

Establish your camp with hunters who have similar interests - that way you've got something to talk about when you're resting or in the advent of weather forcing you to stay at camp rather than pursue game for a day. Similarly, don't hunt with friends that can't get along with one another - if your brother and your best workmate don't see eye to eye, consider leaving one of them behind or taking two separate trips or you might find yourself refereeing the week away.

Finally, hunt with people who can make a positive contribution to your camp. Choose your camp mates wisely - make sure there's more than one person who can start a fire, perform first aid and offer physical support to others in the group if required.

Because hunting was once part of our survival and has since become a passionate pursuit of many. And most experienced hunters agree that they never stop learning about their sport. Even more hunters will tell you that the most important lessons they learned came early in their hunting experience.

Getting young people involved in hunting is a serious responsibility - but one of the most rewarding aspects of the hunting life. First, be sure the kids are ready - they'll need a basic level of understanding when it comes to firearms handling and safety. Second, be sure you set them up to succeed. No one enjoys an activity that they feel like they've 'lost' - so go after plentiful, small game.

The biggest tip of all is this: don't hunt. Your job is to watch, guide and encourage the kids you're hunting with - not bag more squirrels or rabbits than they can. So keep your eyes on the kids, and be sure their eyes are on the prize. If they're sloppy with their weapon handling, take the gun away. If they're disappointed by missed shots, encourage them and find more action. And always be sure they know that real success of hunting isn't what's in the bag at the end of the day - it's the knowledge, the memories and the experience we gain being in the field.

One of the keys to success in hunting is placing an accurate shot - whether you hunt with a bow or a firearm, this sentiment rings true. So what is important when setting up your perfect shot, and perhaps more importantly, which shots should you let slip by? Though the window for placing your shot of a lifetime may be only seconds, it's important to exercise good judgement and aim to place your shot as effectively as possible.

Good shots are clear, no brush or other obstructions between you and your quarry. Don't take aim An ideal shot can be made when an animal is quartering away or presents itself broadside to you. Either of these gives you a clean shot at the vital organs allowing you to dispatch the animal quickly and ethically.

The golden rule, so to speak, is being sure you're aiming at the right target. This ensures safety for bystanders and other hunters. Bear in mind you should know what lies beyond your intended target, as a bullet or arrow can potentially carry on and cause serious harm to someone further a field.

You put a lot of thought into the weapon you choose to hunt with, and take care not to forget anything you might need at camp. An area many hunters overlook is the most important of all - their survival kit. Of course, a survival kit isn't the first thing most hunters think they need for their trek into the wilderness. But most of us don't set off for a hunt planning to get lost or injured along the way.

A survival kit should be compact - no larger than a fanny pack. The smaller it is, the more likely you are to keep it with you all the time. Your survival kit should include the following items:

- a space blanket, two if you can manage to fit them in
- at least one day's supply of food
- a pack of waterproof matches
- 20ft of nylon rope or parachute cord
- a suitable knife and sharpening stone
- two 8oz juice boxes
- a packet of water purification tablets
- a compact first aid kit including a gauze roll, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes and aspirin

This is the bare minimum when considering your survival needs. With these items, odds are you can make it for a couple of days in the outdoors with little worry.