Well, I've always wanted to go on hunting trips with my friends, but other things have always kept me away from doing so. Now, I have a daughter that is growing up fast and for myself and her I would like to start hunting. I believe I will be hunting for deer mostly, as that is the most common game that is hunted in my area.
I really have to start from scratch as to what gun would be good to hunt with and things of that nature, as I have only ever owned and operated hand guns. I also would like to learn to hunt with a bow because my grandfather gave me a bow last season as a present, the only problem with it is I don't have enough strength to pull the string all the way back. So, if it's possible I have to find a place that can lighten the amount of force it takes to properly and effictevly make it possible for me to shoot.
I'm hoping that there are people out there who would be able to give me tips and some of their common knowledge of the sport of hunting so that I can be able to take my daughter (hopefully come next season) on her first hunting trip and shoot her first deer with her father.
I hear ya! Started hunting by myself about 4-5 years ago. Had to educate myself and ask a LOT of ignorant questions. My dad was an accountant, not an outdoorsman. His idea of "roughing it" would be slow room service! I was a Scout for 9 years and did a good bit of camping, learnng my woodcraft and observation skills that way. My advice is to get a pair of decent binoculars and spend some time in the woods. Watch the shows on this channel and learn by watching the pro tips. Buy a rifle matched to the game you intend to hunt, as well as your build - don't get a rifle that has a punishing recoil if you don't need it. The perfect caliber? We'll probably never have a definitive answer. Everyone has an opinion on a caliber. Mine is a .270 winchester. Others will tell you some of the new short magnum rounds are the best. Try some. Too much gun may start you off flinching and cringing, throwing off your shots. You may want to start off with your bow first. A sporting goods shop, like BassPro, Cabela's or D!ck's will be your best bet to tune back your bow's draw weight. I was told anything you can manage over 45 lbs of draw weight will get the job done at the distances of 20 yards or less - the typical shot. Otherwise, start building up your upper-body strength. Don't dry-fire your bow, but work on drawing it. Like anything else, practice, practice, practice! Shoot from kneeling, sitting and standing until you're sure you're consistent with your shot placement. Vary your distances as well. I still don't have a hunting buddy to this day. I've put ads in personals, begged people, etc. I finally made the choice to do it alone. My compromise? No tree stands! You must be very competent in your survival skills to risk falling out of a stand and being alone and injured. I use a pop-up blind with shoot-thru window mesh and that works well. Keeps the cold wind, rain and skeeters down to a dull roar, too. Also, know your area. Get a map. Tell someone who's responsible where and when you're going, and when to get worried and call when you're overdue. Carry a cell phone, a walkie-talkie, a flashlight, glow-sticks, a small tarp to throw up a shelter, and a lighter or other means of producing fire. Beyond that, all else is up to you. Most hunting packs have integrated water bladders in them. A REAL GOOD IDEA! If you can, find a hunting club around you and join it. Club members will typically be glad to take you under their wing, especially if you show up for work days to clean trails and fix up stands in the off season. Anyhow, this is getting long-winded. E-mail me if you want any specifics, but I betcha a lot of folks will be willing to give you their ideas as well. Best of luck to you- Ed
Eddie07:57 PM CST