This is probably obvious, but footwear can make a huge difference. Go with something that has a soft and flexible sole, not the usual heavy, stiff boots that most people have convinced themselves they need for hunting.
And then work on technique. If you can find a copy of Tom Brown’s “Field Guide to Nature Observation and Tracking” he has a good chapter in there about foot technique and moving silently. I learned a lot from practicing the tips in that book. Learn to not walk like a modern day human, but like a cat, or a fox. Learn how to “feel” what is ahead of you with your feet, before you transfer your weight. Cultivate a continual awareness of what is in front of you and in your path as you move, without having to always look down – it can be done.
Practice moving silently whenever you go for a hike, all year-round. Pick out different ground types, and strategize how you will move across that particular piece of ground as quietly as possible. As I have learned to become more aware of my movement and foot technique, I am continually amazed at how much noise most people make when they are hiking in the woods. And how much game is spooked by noisy hikers and hunters.
Next time you are in the woods, spend a whole 10 minutes moving 100 feet. Then, double the amount of time and do it again.
And accept that stalking may not always be the best approach, given terrain and conditions. Sometimes, particularly early season when things can be very dry and noisy, you may be better off setting up and staying still and hoping the game will come to you.
