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

Yes you can start later in life. I’m 44 years old and never hunted at all until 2 years ago. A buddy offered to take me on his land and set me up on some of his plots in a box stand. I loved being out there but didn’t kill anything.

A year later I was on his property again and killed a hog while walking the property and hunting with a thermal scope. That was awesome.

I moved away and have been wanting to get more into deer hunting. A buddy here asked if I’d be interested in hunting public land with him. He’s hunted forever and I took him up on the offer. I’m strictly bow hunting public hand this season and have learned a lot from him. I’m going out on my own now and learn more each hunt. I’ve seen over 30 deer this season and bagged my first one this past November. It’s only bucks now in Ohio (after first week in December) so I’m trying to get one before the season ends. I’m in love with the sport.

Once the season ends me and 4 friends are going to do a lot of scouting to learn more and to try to understand the deer patterns for where we hunt. My daughter wants to go also and wants to go on a hunt with me next season. I’m excited to teach her.

TLDR version: it’s never too late. Go with a friend that can show you the ropes. Go often and learn each time you’re in the woods. Scout land before next season starts to learn even more.

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You would be surprised at the willingness of some folks to help you along your way if you just ask. By far, the easiest way to get into hunting is to go with people that know what they’re doing.

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Hanging and talking with people that hunt is awesome. Like others have said. You would be surprised at the help you can get talking with other hunters. It’s like being on a football team except nobody is considered first string, second string and so on. Everyone is the same (Well you always have that one person that thinks they are better than everyone else). Just ignore them. Sitting around the campfire at night with a bunch of hunters is great. Good luck and don’t let anyone discourage you because you are a beginner

Why would you be embarrassed? It's always better to admit you don't know than try to fake it. I absolutely would get some guide recommendations and book some trips.

Doing the exact same thing right now. I started this year. Got a bunch of squirrels, one pig, and almost got a deer last week, just couldn’t get a good shot. I’ve been watching tons of YouTube videos and getting out into the woods as much as possible. I found onX to be well worth the money too since all of my hunting has been Louisiana WMAs. Been very hard, very frustrating, but also very fun. A mentor is about the only thing I wish I could find, like a friend or neighbor, but besides that YouTube has been great.

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>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.

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That's pretty cool. Should be a great experience. I didn't even know that existed