Wildlife

Equipment

Long lenses to get closer
300mm
1.4x
binoculars/monocular
Optional:
40-150mm
60mm macro
tripod /monopod
hide/ camo

Hunting

According to Wikipedia:
Hunting is the practice of seeking, pursuing, capturing or killing wild animals.
It also states: (Contradiction)
It is not considered hunting to pursue animals without intent to *kill* them, as in wildlife photography, birdwatching, or scientific-research activities which involve tranquillising or tagging of animals or birds, they categorise this as 'Green Hunting'.

Skills

Camouflage is the use of visual or odour concealment to blend with the environment.
Scouting for game is typically done prior to a hunt and will ensure the desired species are in a chosen area. Looking for animal sign such as tracks, scat, etc.
Stalking or still hunting is the practice of walking quietly in search of animals or in pursuit of an individual animal.
Tracking is the practice of reading physical evidence in pursuing animals.

Hunting without killing, ie. to capture (an image) uses the same tactics and skills.
I could shoot and kill a deer at 100m, but a picture from the same distance would be considered poor (even with a telephoto lens).
I prefer to shoot an animal with a camera rather than a gun, that way the animal gets to live as i don't need the meat or hide.
(I used to tell people my hobby was shooting rabbits with a Canon, but since moving to Nikon and then Olympus, i can't use that anymore)

Technique

Silhouette - keep low!
Shape - irregular patterns
Shadows - keep out of the light
Smell - no perfume!
Shine - Dull Down!
Sound - keep quiet!
Speed - slow down!!

Get out early and stay out late
Drop to eye level
Watch your background
Never follow an animal -no arse shots!
To get closer, look distracted
Outsmart the wind
Multiple shots to increase chance of a good one
Most importantly, Stop, Look and Listen - often

Camera Settings

E-M5 Mk iii settings for wildlife
Single point AF-S for birds on ground, back button (mode 3)
Multi point (5) AF-C for birds in flight Shutter Button (mode 1)
+2 for C-AF sensitivity.

Button Function
ISO AF area select
+/- MF / AF Mode select
AEL Home (MF, Single, Centre)
Preview S-AF (Back button focus)
LFn S-AF (Back button focus)

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