Interested in Hunting

[rockclimbing_n_rappelling]

My spouse and I are both interested in hunting. Neither of us have ever hunted before, but we are attracted to the idea of becoming more independent versus always having to buy our meat at the grocery store. How should we go about getting started?

[Pathfinder1]

Originally Posted by rockclimbing_n_rappelling

My spouse and I are both interested in hunting. Neither of us have ever hunted before, but we are attracted to the idea of becoming more independent versus always having to buy our meat at the grocery store. How should we go about getting started?

Hi...


Many states require a Hunter Training course be completed before they will grant a hunting license. Such a course would be an excellent way to learn about hunting.

Another way would be to join a local hunting/outdoor organization.

If you have any friends, neighbors or family members that would be willing to take you hunting, that would also be most helpful.

A few subscriptions to various hunting magazines wouldn't hurt, either.

[Grandpa]

Excellent advice from Pathfinder1. Hunting methods vary greatly from region to region. You really need specific advice for your area.

[CozInCowtown]

+1 what Pathfinder said, Hunters Safety Education is a great way to get a feel for what to do.
I can also recommend Bow Hunter Safety class also.
The next thing is get down to the local range and practice, practice, practice.
Just start small and local, learn the basics and enjoy your time in the woods SAFELY!!!

[hydethebeef]

Even if you don't live in a state that requires a course I highly suggest taking one. Even after that I suggest making friends who already hunt. Learning from an experienced hunter is of great value to any hunter.

[ppine]

Rockclimbing,

I would agree with the statements above, but I would recommend that you consider the ethical and spiritual aspects of hunting. It will help prepare you for the moment when you realize you have taken a life, and then proceed with the gutting and butchering part of the process. It stops some people in their tracks if they have only focused on the front part of the experience.

[limbs]

Yeah, ppine is right. Make sure that you fully understand all aspects of hunting. You also want to know what to do with the kill. If you wait to long everything could go to waste. Goodluck!

[catspa]

If you lived in WA, you'd be required to complete our course if you were born after 1972 - older hunters are grandfathered in. We present an overview of identifying legal game birds and animals, conservation, habitat management, and of course safe and responsible gun handling. Survival/first aid and outdoor navigation are also touched (outdoor nav is my usual station).

I'd say 75% of the students that complete our course have deer or elk hunting in mind. I used to hunt deer myself, but found that the state was closing access to public lands, thereby pushing more and more gun hunters into fewer remaining areas during roughly 2-1/2 weeks in the fall. Some hunters were fortunate enough to escape that by gaining access to hunt on private land, but not always in their local area. Personally, I stopped hunting deer, in fact stayed out of the woods during deer season, and switched to hunting small game and predators. That decision got me out of the crowds, gave me a lot more flexibility in methods, and extended my hunting season to practically all year long.

In addition, the logistics of meat hunting for small game and birds is much simpler. Just something to think about.

Parker

[southerngal]

As a fairly new huntress myself I would recommend going out with a more experienced hunter for awhile. Reading about something or having a lecture is one thing, but it is nothing like getting out and doing. Getting out and doing can be a lot more fun and educational if you go with someone who knows what is what.

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


Good luck on your new hunting venture. But, check out new thread on "Mass cop shoots woman mistaken for deer", per the boston Herald...!!