re: Embarrassed about this, but can you start hunting later in life?

Thanks & taking all the advice in this thread.

I'm lucky to live in a great location + have the support of my wife with costs/time/travel so I'll be looking forward to taking it step by step.

I just started deer hunting this year at age 34. I was raised in a waterfowl hunting area and did that a lot in high school, but I duck hunted less and less after high school. I'm also familiar with firearms and have always enjoyed shooting. I have a few very good friends that are accomplished hunters, and they have taught me a lot about everything hunting related over these past few months. Don't be afraid to let your friends know that you're interested and I would bet that they will be willing to help you out. I bought a used compound bow recently also because I really enjoy shooting it and because bow season is much longer than rifle season. It allows me to get into the public land areas to hunt when there is less pressure/people - I'm also planning to do a bit of squirrel hunting/deer scouting next fall before bow season opens up.

For this first year, I just have to remind myself that I am going into the woods to learn, anything beyond that is purely bonus. Anyways - I think it's a worthwhile pursuit regardless of your age.

Tell one or two of them exactly what you're saying here. If they're good dudes, and most outdoorsmen are, they would love to help you out. Make it clear you're not looking for a free ride or to get in a camp/lease membership. If you're invited to a camp bring steaks and cook them. Bring whiskey/beer and share it. Bring paper towels or TP or a few cases of water and leave them. Help clean up and wash dishes. Pay for gas coming and going & do not take no for an answer. Ask questions and pay attention. You will soon have more invites than you can accept. Good Luck.

Absolutely. In this day and age with Youtube, what took most of us decades to learn can be consumed in hours. Sure, you will still have trail and errors with plenty of errors, but it's never too late to begin enjoying the hunt.

BTW, this is a great thread that makes me proud to be a hunter.

What’s the best gun type for squirrel hunting?

Never ever be embarrassed. I was the same.
I grew up as kid primarily duck hunting. I can only remember maybe making 2-3 deer hunts and squirrel hunts. Due to life changes I quit hunting at a very young age for years.

Later in life I wanted to start and get into deer hunting but I didn't know much about it. I asked a friend to teach and show me the ropes; up to even cleaning a deer. Sure, I felt embarrassed but one thing I noticed is he enjoyed teaching me all that he knew. I understand it all now. It was his passion, and what he enjoyed. Thus, he enjoyed sharing that.
Now, I enjoy doing the same.

IMO your easiest way to learn the ropes is to ask someone you know to show you.

It's a lot easier when you have buddies and/or private land. I have neither, and have had a rough go of it so far. But as others have said, I'm not necessarily out there for the kill, the kill would be a bonus. I'll get one, one of these days.

Also, as others have alluded to, I haven't pigeon-holed myself to deer. I'm going squirrel hunting (hiking in the woods with a shotgun instead of a walking stick) this weekend.

Where I live there's as much or more small game season than firearms deer, so if time management is an issue, definitely get into the small game seasons as well. Hunting small game will also improve your deer game, as you'll use it as an excuse to scout for sign and scope out new spots.

I'm 39 and only getting into because of my son. I've got a duck hunting mentor but we are trying to figure out deer hunting on our own.

LINK / -->MENTORED HUNTING WORKSHOPS
PUBLIC HUNTING IN TEXAS

Based on feedback I found this program for mentored hunts for 1st time adults. Im making some calls and trying to get on waiting list.

Passing it along because it might be a good resource to future threads like this.

Edit --> Called and got on the Alazan Bayou WMA Multi-Species 3 day mentorship retreat and found out 2021-22 registration opens in August. Thank you all very much.