Login

30 Second Fieldcraft: The Hunter’s OODA Loop

The OODA Loop was developed as a decision-making framework for aerial combat, designed to produce faster, more accurate responses under pressure. By consciously cycling through this simple 4-step process, pilots were able to outthink and outmanoeuvre their opponents in real time.

Today, the same principle is used everywhere from military strategy to business leadership, but it’s just as relevant in the field. For hunters, the ability to rapidly interpret new information and act on it can be the difference between a successful stalk and a missed opportunity.

A basic overview of the hunter’s OODA Loop can be found below.

  • Observe – The first step is to gather raw information from your surroundings (Think SLLS). Relevant information may include; terrain, animal sign, wind direction, weather conditions, unusual patterns and shapes, and animal movement. Remember to use all of your senses – sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste, to collect data without influencing the environment.
  • Orient – Next, analyse and interpret your observations to understand the situation. Match animal behaviour to the environmental context, assess your position, and incorporate your experience and knowledge to make sense of what’s happening around you.
  • Decide – Choose the most effective course of action based on your understanding. Determine whether to close the distance to the animal, hold your position, circle ahead to intercept the path of travel, or if its the right time – pull the trigger. Always weigh the risks of taking action along with ethical considerations, such as good shot placement.
  • Act – Execute your decision efficiently and deliberately. Move quietly, maintain concealment, take a safe and ethical shot, or reposition. Immediately reassess after acting to stay ready for the next loop.

As you repeat this process you’ll become more adept at making rapid high-quality decisions out in the field and in your everyday life.

Members-only content — Log in to unlock

Members get access to advice on improving decision-making quality, along with a practical example of applying the OODA Loop during a hunt.

Built for Hunters. Made for Australia.

Join Oz Fish and Game and connect with those who live the lifestyle — training, fieldcraft, and mateship for the modern outdoorsman.

JOIN TODAY

Other recent posts...

Suggested posts

Beginners Guide: Preparing Your Hunting Equipment

Success depends on preparation. In the context of equipment, it’s not just about choosing the right gear, it’s about knowing how to use it.

This guide gives a quick overview of common equipment and how to ready it for your first hunt.

30-Second Fieldcraft: Dehydration and Heat Stroke

When the topic of dehydration is brought up in conversation, most people are quick to recite the ‘rule of threes’ – The survival prioritisation guideline which states that on average, you can survive; 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter (in a harsh environment), 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food.

In our modern society, 3 days without access to clean drinking water seems impossible to comprehend, but reasonable enough to endure.

And that’s a problem.

This article outlines how the body deteriorates from dehydration to heat stroke, and provides advice on how to manage the symptoms.

The NSW State Forest Hunting Ballot

Each year, deer enter their peak breeding season between March and May. During this time, their natural defence mechanisms are relaxed as they focus more of their attention towards finding a mate, and less on self-preservation. This period is commonly known in Australia as the rut, or the roar. As a result of these behavioural changes, deer become easier to hunt, making it a popular time of year for hunters to book into NSW state forests.

If you’re planning a trip during the rut, you’ll need to understand how access works. The three most popular NSW state forests switch from normal bookings to a ballot system. This article breaks down how it works, why it exists, and what you need to know before entering.

Beginners Guide: Planning Your First Hunt

Success is rarely a matter of luck – it often comes as a result of thorough preparation and planning. This guide will walk you through the process of planning your first hunt and highlights a number of external factors that will improve your likelihood of success.