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re: Embarrassed about this, but can you start hunting later in life?
Posted on 1/18/21 at 10:07 pm to Rsande63
Posted on 1/18/21 at 10:07 pm to Rsande63
I can weigh in here, because I was in a similar situation. Never hunted as a kid, but spent a ton of time outdoors and was raised to understand and respect firearms.
Later in life (late 20s) I set my mind to start hunting. I researched as much as I could online and more importantly talked to friends and got their advice.
Started out putting in work on public land, with small game. I would highly recommend starting with small game, just being in the woods walking around can teach yourself A TON about how animals use the landscape and how you need to move through that landscape quietly to remain undetected.
I was fortunate to also have access to private land which allowed for a more repeatable experience, and much easier access.
I’ll say this in conclusion, if it’s something you want to do, don’t give up on it. There are few things more relaxing than sitting in the woods on a cold November morning and the adrenaline rush of seeing a big one walk out in front of you.
Later in life (late 20s) I set my mind to start hunting. I researched as much as I could online and more importantly talked to friends and got their advice.
Started out putting in work on public land, with small game. I would highly recommend starting with small game, just being in the woods walking around can teach yourself A TON about how animals use the landscape and how you need to move through that landscape quietly to remain undetected.
I was fortunate to also have access to private land which allowed for a more repeatable experience, and much easier access.
I’ll say this in conclusion, if it’s something you want to do, don’t give up on it. There are few things more relaxing than sitting in the woods on a cold November morning and the adrenaline rush of seeing a big one walk out in front of you.
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Posted on 1/18/21 at 10:40 pm to Rsande63
Tell your hunting friends and neighbors that you are looking to join a lease.
Posted on 1/19/21 at 1:51 am to Rsande63
Absolutely. Have brought many a man for their first deer. One of my best friends for his first, a 14pt. He would vicariously hunt through photos with me for years, he earned it.
Find a girl to show you around, you won’t regret it. I’m happy you are venturing out. Squirrel is truly wonderful.
While the woods are “undressed” take the opportunity to learn about animal funnels, trees, sounds, etc.
Good luck!
Find a girl to show you around, you won’t regret it. I’m happy you are venturing out. Squirrel is truly wonderful.
While the woods are “undressed” take the opportunity to learn about animal funnels, trees, sounds, etc.
Good luck!
Posted on 1/19/21 at 2:21 am to Rsande63
Ok..Here you go.
You live not that far from the best "starter" deer hunting area in the USA....
Texas Hill Country
Check with the Chamber of Commerce in the counties in the Hill Country area. (Google Texas Hill Country) There is lots and lots of deer and many land owners will "Day Hunt" their property. Some will guide you, also. It's not that far of a drive from where you live and you can drive over in the off season and look around. Since we live in the "internet" era, you should be able to find a few hunters websites in your area kinda like Tiger Droppings. Join them and you can present your case for learning to hunt, just as you did here.... You will find many who would be happy to assist, just like here.
You live a couple of hours from the best deer hunting area in Texas... Take advantage of it and GOOD LUCK.
You live not that far from the best "starter" deer hunting area in the USA....
Texas Hill Country
Check with the Chamber of Commerce in the counties in the Hill Country area. (Google Texas Hill Country) There is lots and lots of deer and many land owners will "Day Hunt" their property. Some will guide you, also. It's not that far of a drive from where you live and you can drive over in the off season and look around. Since we live in the "internet" era, you should be able to find a few hunters websites in your area kinda like Tiger Droppings. Join them and you can present your case for learning to hunt, just as you did here.... You will find many who would be happy to assist, just like here.
You live a couple of hours from the best deer hunting area in Texas... Take advantage of it and GOOD LUCK.
This post was edited on 1/19/21 at 2:27 am
Posted on 1/19/21 at 3:28 am to jimbeam
quote:
Get familiar in the woods. Just go out and walk and listen. Then go squirrel hunting. You’ll learn to see things and notice animals.
This is sound advice. If you've never been hunting, your eyes aren't trained to see sudden movements by wildlife. Obviously deer are easy to see since they're large game, but squirrels and rabbits will be near and you won't notice right away.
My cousin used to ask how we could pick out squirrels in trees 60 to 70yds away just by looking in that direction. Your eyes get used to seeing things aren't natural in the woods. Squirrel hunting is where it's at. Best eating game Imo and it makes you better at hunting all game.
Posted on 1/19/21 at 5:05 am to Rsande63
quote:
When the topic comes up at house parties/ soccer they really get into ballistics, game reports, and technical stuff that makes me feel aloof.
Don’t let this make you feel aloof, a lot of those people are full of shite
. Welcome to the obsession. It’s more than the kill in the Fall, It’s the year long preparation that leads to it. Nothing better than watching the sunrise in a southern oak bottom.
Posted on 1/19/21 at 5:37 am to jimbeam
quote:
Then go squirrel hunting
Where can you do this by yourself on public land in southern Mississippi or Louisiana? Because I would love to do that.
This post was edited on 1/19/21 at 5:42 am
Posted on 1/19/21 at 6:09 am to Nguyener
quote:
Where can you do this by yourself on public land in southern Mississippi or Louisiana? Because I would love to do that.
There are a lot of places. Sherburne is a pretty good spot for squirrels. I do best on transition areas from hardwood to swamp bottoms
Posted on 1/19/21 at 6:30 am to Rsande63
Turkey season is coming up. Hit some public ground and get out and walk. This will help when deer season comes around
This post was edited on 1/19/21 at 6:34 am
Posted on 1/19/21 at 6:56 am to Rsande63
There are a number of public wildlife management areas around you. As hunting seasons come to an end soon, why not get out and walk them. Learn the lay of the land without the pressure of many of other hunters. Being in the outdoors is as much about the outdoors as the killing
Posted on 1/19/21 at 7:21 am to Blue Crawfish
quote:
hunting ranches in Texas
This. You can book either a hog hunt or a pretty cheap “meat hunt” for exotic does where it’s guided or semi-guided outside normal deer season. Do some homework, interview places over the phone, check references and book a hunt for a day or two. You’ll get to see a lot of animals, the hunts are usually over corn feeders so you can observe behaviors, learn when and where to shoot them and candidly, shoot at an animal that’s nearly stationary in case you get “buck fever” the first couple of times you go to kill an animal. It’s how I started my boys off in their pre-teen years. After a LOT of time spent at the range learning their weapons, and I could build on their hunter safety course. When we hunted (Texas Hill Country) I’d sit with one, and the ranch owners daughter would sit with the other, coaching them on which animal to shoot and when. Then made them help with the skinning process. They are now both in their mid-20’s now, and accomplished hunters. You could follow this same path and be ready to join a lease with some kills and skills under your belt. In answer to the OP, it is NEVER too late.
Posted on 1/19/21 at 7:22 am to Rsande63
You’re not too late. You might be the perfect age.
I’ve found many people who grew up hunting suck at it bc they have tons of bad habits/ideas that have been handed down. They’re lackadaisical with their weapons bc they feel too comfortable around them.
There is a ton of great channels on YouTube for hunters and they’re informative and entertaining. Also this forum is great for questions.
Like anything else in life the more you do it the better you’ll get. Go do it and report back
I’ve found many people who grew up hunting suck at it bc they have tons of bad habits/ideas that have been handed down. They’re lackadaisical with their weapons bc they feel too comfortable around them.
There is a ton of great channels on YouTube for hunters and they’re informative and entertaining. Also this forum is great for questions.
Like anything else in life the more you do it the better you’ll get. Go do it and report back
Posted on 1/19/21 at 7:52 am to Rsande63
Start with something easy like going on a big dove hunt with lots of people.
Ask friends who hunt if you can join them and simply watch and learn.
Watch the outdoor channel. Read hunting magazines.
The intricacies of deer hunting or turkey hunting would be hardest to learn however if you can gain access to deer land with food plots you can just sit in a stand and wait on one to walk out.
Dove hunting requires no skill except drink beer and shoot when they fly over.
Duck hunting would be fun too if you have friends who do it. You’d have to be the one that only shoots, don’t try to call and don’t set up the decoys. You can learn by being there and watching
Ask friends who hunt if you can join them and simply watch and learn.
Watch the outdoor channel. Read hunting magazines.
The intricacies of deer hunting or turkey hunting would be hardest to learn however if you can gain access to deer land with food plots you can just sit in a stand and wait on one to walk out.
Dove hunting requires no skill except drink beer and shoot when they fly over.
Duck hunting would be fun too if you have friends who do it. You’d have to be the one that only shoots, don’t try to call and don’t set up the decoys. You can learn by being there and watching
Posted on 1/19/21 at 7:55 am to Sus-Scrofa
quote:
tomorrow shoot and claim you hit the duck anyway, we talk a lot of shite.”
This is duck hunting in a nutshell
Posted on 1/19/21 at 8:12 am to Barneyrb
quote:
When you do join a club show up for workdays and always be enthusiastic to help any way you can, don't be the guy that shows up and drinks beer all day.
You can be enthusiastic and do work and still drink beer all day
Posted on 1/19/21 at 8:18 am to Rsande63
I'm 46 and this is my first year hunting. Just do it.
Get your hunters safety. Get a license. Figure it out. It's not rocket science.
eta: Don't be embarrassed. In my experience every hunter I talked too was very impressed that I was taking it up. They bent over backwards to help me out. I ended up being invited to two different camps for a guest hunt. Good times.
ETA2: My first hunt was semi-guided. I think this is a good way to go. Where are you located?
Get your hunters safety. Get a license. Figure it out. It's not rocket science.
eta: Don't be embarrassed. In my experience every hunter I talked too was very impressed that I was taking it up. They bent over backwards to help me out. I ended up being invited to two different camps for a guest hunt. Good times.
ETA2: My first hunt was semi-guided. I think this is a good way to go. Where are you located?
This post was edited on 1/19/21 at 9:02 am
Posted on 1/19/21 at 8:24 am to Rsande63
I think new hunters know about guns and the basics of how to hunt.
It’s the etiquette and knowing what to do with public lands.
Took hunting safety course....great! Now what?
Pull up to game land and walk in forest. It’s way more than that.
It’s the etiquette and knowing what to do with public lands.
Took hunting safety course....great! Now what?
Pull up to game land and walk in forest. It’s way more than that.
Posted on 1/19/21 at 8:52 am to Rsande63
quote:
I don't really have neighbors/friends who hunt with beginners.
Have you asked them? You'd be surprised to find that experienced hunters are often very willing to get newbies into the sport. We all started somewhere, whether we were 4 or 40.
Maybe they won't take you on their prized elk hunt to Idaho, but they'll likely point you in the right direction to get started!
Good Luck, Enjoy the experience.
Posted on 1/19/21 at 8:53 am to Rsande63
First thing is finding a place to hunt, it's hard now days.
Look at public areas where you live.
You may want to hire a guide or go on a semi guided hunt to get started
Look at public areas where you live.
You may want to hire a guide or go on a semi guided hunt to get started
Posted on 1/19/21 at 8:59 am to Rsande63
I’m 36. Started hunting three years ago. Do it!
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