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Started By
Message
New Hunter Advice
Posted on 9/29/14 at 12:19 pm
Posted on 9/29/14 at 12:19 pm
I've been wanting to get into hunting for quite a few years now, but never really knew where to start. My passion for the last 20 years has been fishing, so I figure no better time than now to give hunting a shot. I have a good friend who has been answering my questions. He let his hunting lease go this year and is planning to hunt some of the public WMAs. I was hoping to make a few trips with him on his lease, so now it looks like I am going to be hunting our WMAs. I am also hoping to take my 10 year old son hunting and learn the sport together.
I have never been hunting before, but I have no doubt that I will love it. I have never owned a gun and the last time I shot a gun (shotgun) was probably 25 years ago at a friends camp. I am scheduled to attend a Hunter's Ed class in November.
I live near Big Branch WMA, so I will probably hit that area the most. I haven't seen a lot of deer reports out of there, but it sounds like there are quite a few hogs. I believe they only allow bow hunting and shotguns with steel shot. My friend said we can go try for some deer & hogs and maybe take the kids squirrel hunting.
1. What advice would you have for a novice hunter? Aside from some of the basics of being able to identify what you are shooting before taking the shot, being aware of what is in the background before taking a shot and other basic gun safety.
2. What clothes and equipment are necessary and what are nice to haves? I am leaning towards getting a Barnett Jackal Crossbow and a basic climbing tree stand for deer and hogs. Should I consider getting a pellet gun for squirrels? My friend has shotguns we can use when gong with him, but I thought a pellet gun might be good introduction to guns for my 10 year old.
3. What are some of the common mistakes new hunters make?
4. How to be courteous to other hunters in the area? I know when I take my boat out fishing, you get guys that pull right up on you when you are catching fish. Or they speed through your fishing spot without a care in the world. I would assume there are similar rules for hunters.
Thanks
I have never been hunting before, but I have no doubt that I will love it. I have never owned a gun and the last time I shot a gun (shotgun) was probably 25 years ago at a friends camp. I am scheduled to attend a Hunter's Ed class in November.
I live near Big Branch WMA, so I will probably hit that area the most. I haven't seen a lot of deer reports out of there, but it sounds like there are quite a few hogs. I believe they only allow bow hunting and shotguns with steel shot. My friend said we can go try for some deer & hogs and maybe take the kids squirrel hunting.
1. What advice would you have for a novice hunter? Aside from some of the basics of being able to identify what you are shooting before taking the shot, being aware of what is in the background before taking a shot and other basic gun safety.
2. What clothes and equipment are necessary and what are nice to haves? I am leaning towards getting a Barnett Jackal Crossbow and a basic climbing tree stand for deer and hogs. Should I consider getting a pellet gun for squirrels? My friend has shotguns we can use when gong with him, but I thought a pellet gun might be good introduction to guns for my 10 year old.
3. What are some of the common mistakes new hunters make?
4. How to be courteous to other hunters in the area? I know when I take my boat out fishing, you get guys that pull right up on you when you are catching fish. Or they speed through your fishing spot without a care in the world. I would assume there are similar rules for hunters.
Thanks
10
Posted on 9/29/14 at 12:24 pm to zx24
Best knowledge comes from experience. Hook up with a fellow friend/family member for a season and you'll learn a lot.
Posted on 9/29/14 at 12:38 pm to TigerTerd
quote:
Best knowledge comes from experience. Hook up with a fellow friend/family member for a season and you'll learn a lot.
This, and learn proper gun safety and etiquette
Posted on 9/29/14 at 12:38 pm to zx24
Wear hunters orange!
Wear a safety harness in the tree!
As far as clothes, just depends on time of year. Any camo from your local walmart or academy will do. Layer up when cold.
What you hunt with depends on what you are hunting. If you have no gun, i would recommend getting a 12 gauge shotgun if you just want one gun for everything. You can load with buckshot and hunt deer, or 6shot for squirrel and rabbit. The shotgun will be just as lethal as the crossbow and probably have more range for you. Just depends on what you want, i prefer a high powered rifle or bow for deer and a 22lr for small game. But i figured you didnt want to buy multiple guns. Need more info really
Wear a safety harness in the tree!
As far as clothes, just depends on time of year. Any camo from your local walmart or academy will do. Layer up when cold.
What you hunt with depends on what you are hunting. If you have no gun, i would recommend getting a 12 gauge shotgun if you just want one gun for everything. You can load with buckshot and hunt deer, or 6shot for squirrel and rabbit. The shotgun will be just as lethal as the crossbow and probably have more range for you. Just depends on what you want, i prefer a high powered rifle or bow for deer and a 22lr for small game. But i figured you didnt want to buy multiple guns. Need more info really
Posted on 9/29/14 at 12:42 pm to oleyeller
Thanks, for the feedback. I am not looking to buy multiple guns at this point. I want to make a minimal investment to begin and then build up as I gain more experience. It sounds like a 12 gauge might be the most flexible of the guns right now.
Posted on 9/29/14 at 12:55 pm to zx24
quote:
It sounds like a 12 gauge might be the most flexible of the guns right now.
I'd go with 20 gauge if the 10 yr. old is going to be shooting it.
Youth model for him if you can find one.
I'd just buy him a bolt action .22 for around $200.
Don't give him a semi auto for safety reasons.
Posted on 9/29/14 at 1:10 pm to zx24
quote:
Thanks, for the feedback. I am not looking to buy multiple guns at this point. I want to make a minimal investment to begin and then build up as I gain more experience. It sounds like a 12 gauge might be the most flexible of the guns right now.
Yes, one gun for everything if you are not wanting to get multiple guns.
with a shot gun you can
turkey hunt
deer hunt
duck hunt
squirrel hunt
rabbit hunt
dove hunt
hog hunt
Pretty much do it all, and use either slugs or buckshot for deer/hog
Posted on 9/29/14 at 1:35 pm to zx24
quote:
1. What advice would you have for a novice hunter?
-Find someone to take you your first time or two, and leave the kid at home until you have some kind of idea of what you're doing.
-If you have a boat already, use it to get away from the crowds that walk in on the WMAs.
-If you go hunting and strike out a couple of times, it's time to go scouting for a new spot. Don't get discouraged because there are great spots out there on public land, they just take some scouting to find them.
quote:
2. What clothes and equipment are necessary and what are nice to haves?
Necessary:
-Camo outerwear including facemask
-Warm layers underneath
-Gun
-Bullets
-Boots that are comfortable enough to walk a long way
-Thermocell
Nice but not necessary:
-Everything else
quote:
3. What are some of the common mistakes new hunters make?
-Not hunting the wind
-Not scouting enough
-Making excuses to stay at home on the couch
quote:
4. How to be courteous to other hunters in the area?
-No one can reserve a spot. First come first serve.
-Always have a plan B and C in case someone is in your plan A spot.
Posted on 9/29/14 at 1:45 pm to gorillacoco
quote:
-Find someone to take you your first time or two, and leave the kid at home until you have some kind of idea of what you're doing.
This, especially if hunting on public land.
Posted on 9/29/14 at 2:10 pm to zx24
1. What advice would you have for a novice hunter?
Try to find someone who can teach you, but don't quit or get discouraged if you can't. Read as much as you can on-line from people that hunt in your own area. Information on how to hunt deer in Wyoming isn't going to do you much good.
2. What clothes and equipment are necessary and what are nice to haves?
A good tree stand is necessary if you plan to hunt from a tree. Cheaper usually = heavier and more uncomfortable. If you can't sit for a long time, you aren't going to see as many (or any) deer.
3. What are some of the common mistakes new hunters make?
Not enough preparation.
Try to find someone who can teach you, but don't quit or get discouraged if you can't. Read as much as you can on-line from people that hunt in your own area. Information on how to hunt deer in Wyoming isn't going to do you much good.
2. What clothes and equipment are necessary and what are nice to haves?
A good tree stand is necessary if you plan to hunt from a tree. Cheaper usually = heavier and more uncomfortable. If you can't sit for a long time, you aren't going to see as many (or any) deer.
3. What are some of the common mistakes new hunters make?
Not enough preparation.
Posted on 9/29/14 at 2:19 pm to zx24
Gun safety is more important than anything, like anally important. You can never be too careful and if you are with someone and frick up gun safety, expect them not to hunt with you again...
Posted on 9/29/14 at 10:13 pm to zx24
I agree with getting a 20ga. I shoot a 20ga with slugs during primitive and it works fine. Good all around gun that you and your son can both shoot. I hunt out of a climber mostly on wma's but sometimes if I can find a tree that broke in the middle and is still connected a little ways up, I'll walk up it and hunt like that. The most frustrating thing about public land hunting is when people are walking around in the woods during prime time. It messes up an entire hunt and I would have gotten up, wasted gas, and time for someone else to come walking by at 7am. Just don't be that guy. Scout after you get off the stand in the morning, look for tracks, crap, good oak, pecan, persimmon, and bean trees. Even if you don't see tracks, all big oak bottoms are worth hunting on a wma. Also, know the general AND specific wma regulations and follow them. Green jeans are very strict about hunting wma's and they're out there often. Remember that deer can smell way better than a dog, so hunt the wind, and I use scent killer spray as well. A quality flashlight is a great investment. Muck and lacrosse boots are comfy. It just takes a lot of time and effort to kill deer on public land. It's not like the shows at all.
Posted on 9/29/14 at 10:16 pm to zx24
Try duck hunting first it's a little more social than sitting in a tree stand people can chat with you explain the ins and outs what's going etc...
Dove hunting is also not bad
Take a hunter safety course
Dove hunting is also not bad
Take a hunter safety course
Posted on 9/29/14 at 10:20 pm to zx24
To be clear, when people say "hunt the wind", they mean you should keep the wind in your face while hunting.
Animals downwind of you have smelled you and left your area of operation.
Animals downwind of you have smelled you and left your area of operation.
Posted on 9/29/14 at 10:24 pm to zx24
honestly, hunting takes a lot of expertise and you are not gonna get that without experience...
I would personally recommend that you stick to something a little easier this year like squirrel hunting, as you and the boy can do that together without having to be too still for too long...regardless, noting happens fast when hunting...
I agree with the others that you should just pick up a 12 or 20 ga shotgun, as that will be the most versatile gun at this point until you can figure out what you like...
fwiw, get ready to deal with the most inconsiderate idiots you will ever meet while hunting on public land...main thing is just to try to avoid people whenever possible....
you may want to go to the local wildlife and fisheries office and tell them what you are wanting to do...they are usually pretty cool and will often give you maps or tell you decent spots to shoot a squirrel or a wood duck...
the main thing is to just relax, be patient, and enjoy the time in the woods with your son...
also, I don't know the rules in LA for hunter safety courses, but I would recommend you take one whether required or not...I did and it taught me a lot of good shite (i.e. how to cross a fence with a gun, how to board a boat with a gun, how to get into a tree stand with a gun, etc.)...
I would personally recommend that you stick to something a little easier this year like squirrel hunting, as you and the boy can do that together without having to be too still for too long...regardless, noting happens fast when hunting...
I agree with the others that you should just pick up a 12 or 20 ga shotgun, as that will be the most versatile gun at this point until you can figure out what you like...
fwiw, get ready to deal with the most inconsiderate idiots you will ever meet while hunting on public land...main thing is just to try to avoid people whenever possible....
you may want to go to the local wildlife and fisheries office and tell them what you are wanting to do...they are usually pretty cool and will often give you maps or tell you decent spots to shoot a squirrel or a wood duck...
the main thing is to just relax, be patient, and enjoy the time in the woods with your son...
also, I don't know the rules in LA for hunter safety courses, but I would recommend you take one whether required or not...I did and it taught me a lot of good shite (i.e. how to cross a fence with a gun, how to board a boat with a gun, how to get into a tree stand with a gun, etc.)...
Posted on 9/30/14 at 7:13 am to zx24
Gun safety is number 1....a mistake and you can kill someone.
Get the 20 gauge...flexible and easy on the shoulder.
If you hunt in a tree stand use a safety harness and lifeline...
Get the 20 gauge...flexible and easy on the shoulder.
If you hunt in a tree stand use a safety harness and lifeline...
Posted on 9/30/14 at 12:28 pm to Manatee
Thanks OB for the great info. I am excited about the hunters ed course in early November. I hope to be in the woods shortly after.
Posted on 9/30/14 at 12:58 pm to zx24
squirrel hunting is the best way to familiarize yourself with hunting IMO.
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