Before we go into the specifics, it’s worth highlighting what small game and big game hunting actually are. Traditionally speaking, small game hunting is referred to hunting game that weighs under 40 pounds so this particular category covers game like ducks and pheasants and, on the other hand, big game hunting refers to hunting large animals that weigh over 40 pounds and this, of course, includes the bigger animals like deer, elk, boar and various others. Both types of hunting are enjoyed greatly by people across the world but there are several things that set the two apart from one another.

First off, one of the key differences between big and small game hunting is the fact that both tend to require different types of equipment. When hunting small game, hunters will usually rely on smaller firearms such as .22 pistols or 20-gauge shotguns but, on the other hand, hunting big game requires significantly more firepower so hunters rely on larger and more impactful weapons such as full-fledged rifles that have a great deal of stopping power.

The choice of equipment isn’t the only thing that sets big and small game hunting apart from one another, though, as the entire hunting process itself is quite different. When it comes to hunting small game, hunters are required to demonstrate swiftness and mobility so they can easily keep up with their targets as this will enable them to find the perfect opening to take their shots. A lot of hunters often like to utilize bows for the purpose of small game hunting as this enables them to hone their skills further and it’s relatively easier to carry them around while also maintaining a fast pace.

On the other hand, though, the process of hunting big game is quite different from that of hunting small game. Instead of relying on mobility and agility in order to keep up with your targets, big game hunting is a sport that relies much more on patience than anything else. Hunting big game is an intense process in which you’ll not only have to be stealthy but be incredibly precise as well since you’ll have to track your target from afar and keep yourself hidden to ensure that you don’t scare the game off. The process naturally feels a bit slower paced as you’ll usually be loaded with heavy duty equipment when you embark on big game hunts but, nonetheless, it’s just as intense and satisfying.

When it comes to which particular type of hunt is more rewarding, there’s no clear winner and both types certainly have their merits. If you’re hunting small game, there’s certainly an abundance of targets so, as long as hunters have the necessary skills, they’re able to pull off some extremely fruitful hunts. However, while this same abundance isn’t present in big game hunting, it can be equally as satisfying and rewarding because even a single successfully hunted target can make the entire hunt worthwhile.

Overall, though, the aforementioned differences are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things that set these two hunting types apart from one another. While on the subject of hunting, it’s worth mentioning that there are quite a few exciting hunting games available nowadays that do an excellent job of providing authentic experiences for both big and small game hunting so we certainly recommend checking them out.