Want to learn the way

[bleeber]

I am 40 years old but have had a passion for hunting since the mid 1980's. I grew up not knowing anyone who hunted...so I didn't hunt, but wanted to learn. I bought my first rifle at age 18 and tought myself how to shoot. In the 22 years that have past, I have only hunted 5 times. All of these hunts were day hunts with a guide for exotics. All of these hunts were really fun and had me bringing home game but really didn't teach me anything about hunting on my own. I had thought about public land but feel that I am too inexperienced and would not want to ruin someone elses hunt due to my lack of knowledge. I also have thought about a week long deer hunt with an outfitter in N. Florida or S. Georgia. But, I'm not really sure how to tell which outfitters are the good ones. Also, would that prepare me further for a solo hunt?

My goal is to become educated and experienced enough to raise my kids in a hunting/outdoor activity houshold, teach them and hope that they have the same passion that I did growing up, but have someone to show them the way.

Any suggestions, comments, advice would be appreciated.

[toddyboman]

Most learn through trail and error...

[outdoorsmen1]

Thats right. Im only 17 years old, but have been deer hunting alone since i was 10. because my dad never had time to hunt with me. he only taught me to squirrel hunt. but hes never killed a deer, and ive killed around 40. Its all about how much time your willing to spend in the woods, and just getting to know how the animals act. Its just not something you learn. Goodluck.

[wtnhunt]

Most learn through trail and error...

Yep, never really had anyone to take me or show me much about hunting, pretty well learned on my own. Best advice I can give you is to listen to what others told you in your other thread in the lounge, take advantage of any opportunity you might get to go with someone else and don't be afraid to ask questions. Offer to help someone out hanging stands, or help with some other off season activity where they can share what they know with you. Still learn or see something new here every year.

[Bob LeBlanc]

As far as picking an outfitter goes...Ask for references, and call them. They'll tell you what to expect.
Spend some time in the offseason to do some scouting and practicing woodsmanship skills. If you have kids now, take them along and make a game out of it...you and they will have a blast.
Also spend some time shooting...we all owe it to the animals we hunt to be as proficient as possible with our firearms or bow.

Read...read...read. There's lots of info out there, in books, on the internet, and in video, to help you along with the basics.

You may want to 'research' what to do / how to handle the animal when it is down, too !!...'cause ya just never know!...maybe you'll be a natural !!

Bob

[Born4it]

It's pretty cool that you really want to learn that for yourself and your kids. I would agree with Bob...read as much as you can. There are numerous wonderful outdoor writers out there. Another huge thing that my dad did for me when I was younger was he bought as many how-to hunting videos as he could for me to watch. For me, it was a little easier to listen to someone talk and show me what to do than to read it. Also, get your hands on some of the Monster Bucks videos and other videos and pay attention to what they do. Remember that it's a production, so not every single thing they do is correct, but most of it is. If you want some suggestions on what videos to look for, send me a private message! Good luck, and whatever you do, make sure you keep it fun for yourself and for your kids. (That's what Ralph and Vicki Ciancarulo told me! They're professional hunters and will probably be on some of the videos you get!) "So You Want to Be a Bowhunter" by Hunters Specialties is one of the best hunting videos I've watched, just to get you started.

Take care,
Ryan

[rad_112176]

The best way to learn is trial and error in your own hunting environment. Not many videos are done in Florida so it may not be the best way to hunt as it is in other states. One thing to remember when you go out hunting on public land is that you are probably not the only first time hunter out there. The biggest thing that upsets hunters on public land is someone that sets up right on top of them or even follows there markers into the same area they are hunting. They say that most hunters only hunt a 1/4 mile from the truck so put on your walking shoes and get past them other guys. I mainly hunt public land and do so in 4 different states. I have had mainy good years now and am able to pass up on deer that other may never even see. Don't let anyone fool you about scent control. It is one of the most important things to pay attention to and probably more so in your area of the world with the heat. Also, don't be scared to ask as many questions as you might have to the guys in here. We all get gradification knowing that we might help another hunter in learning the ways. Good luck.

[sureshot]

I was brought out with my dad and a few of his friends when I was 15 my first year, we did not really hunt it was just driving around see a deer and jump out, not to much fun, when I was 16 I got my licence and found out I was drawn for mule deer, antelope and could get a whitetail tag, great, I was on my own, I spent a ton of time spotting glassing reading every magazine that was available, and spent every cent of my paycheck to get out there[part time job] even quit football that fall and prob blew a schollership for football, but hunting was number one!I do not regret it one day, 22 year later and I am the same if not worse, I am spotting now and will start sept 1 and hunt till end of feb or so for coyotes, if asked what was the best thing that helped me be a better hunter I would say this site, the knowledge and friendly people helped me so much, just a few hints I would read here and there I would try it out, Last 4 years have gotten my 5 biggest bucks,[since I started here] the howling I was taught about increased my coyote kills from less than 100 5 years ago to 230 plus this winter and 200 last, I woudl say if you have any question ask, or search it on the computer, read as much as you can on hunting sites like our's, get as many magazines as you can,read them and watch as many hunting vidios as you can, alot of things may not make sence at the time but when out hunting somethign you seen on tv or read here will click and you will try it and boom, you are tagged out!
5 years ago I knew nothing about deer funnels, read a few posts about it and kind of forgot, but when out spotting for spots to build a deer blind I found a finger of a draw that let to a pea field and deer were using it lots to get to the field unseen,it all made sence then, I set up at the beginning of the draw about 50 yards before the field starts and 250 yards from the end of it, first night had a P&Y buck down, If I did not read the posts I would fo set up at the end of it and the deer would not be out till after dark, or I would not of even noticed the spot as a funnel,

Good luck and hope this all helps a bit, any question do not hesitate to ask, even the simpilist questions need to be ansered!!

[bleeber]

Thanks for all the great replies! I'm sure I will learn a lot here.

I've been a member of the NRA and read American Hunter for years now. I get to the range now and then but have been doing that since college. I'm pretty decent with that. I have read so many books on how to skin a deer, I could do it in my sleep...unless there was actually one in front of me. Practice will solidify everything. I will learn more about my public land system here and maybe try to get out before hunting season, before the crowds, and learn a little more about what happens out there (in the woods). Since my first post here, I've poked around and read some great posts from other members about hunting. I've already learned quite a bit in week.

Thanks again!!

[crazylegz70]

[quote=bleeber;918359]
I have read so many books on how to skin a deer, I could do it in my sleep...unless there was actually one in front of me. Practice will solidify everything. quote]

I agree that the only way to learn how to do it is just to actually get in there and try. The best bet for the first couple times is to actually take someone with you to guide you through the process. It isnt that hard tho.

[huntinsonovagun]

Buy the book "Mapping Trophy Bucks." I learned a lot through trial and error, but I learned a TON from that book. Brad Herndon has a way of explaining things that make sense of why deer do what they do. I do 75% of my scouting from the computer (aerial/topographic maps). One stand last year I found on an aerial map and hung a stand (without trying to find actual deer sign) passed a couple small deer and shot a nice doe all on the first hunt!

[johnf]

It's kinda like "the talk" you had with dad. Doesn't really matter how well it's explained. Until you get out there and do it you won't really understand.

Learn it on the streets like the rest of us did. lol

You can get a lot of good info on here. I started hunting when I was 30 years old and have learned a ton of stuff. Watch the hunting shows to get a feel for it, but articles will help you a lot more. My first deer was killed while wearing blue jeans and a sweatshirt and sitting in a tree I climbed with no harness on and the gun on my back. (Not recommended) If you don't get out and do it on your own you never will. Have fun and don't worry about coming home with meat every time.

Advice.

Be confident with your weapon

Don't take a shot you're not sure of

Know the area your hunting

Take toilet paper with you. (lots of uses other then the obvious)

[HOYTnMUZZYboy]

Like most have said, best way to learn is to get out there and do it. It can be very frustrateing at times. Go out sit in a blind or treestand and take a video camera and just watch the deer this time of year. You can learn alot about what movents you can get away with and also you can learn alot about the animals you will be hunting. Good luck!

[bleeber]

Guys, thanks for the great advice. I'll try to get in the woods more...or just at all. That's the hardest part, finding woods to access. I guess I should spend time on the public land out of season. I actually signed up for the hunter safety class here by the Fish & Game department. I am hoping to meet some fellow hunters, hopefully there will be a few that are older than 16. I will talk to the instructors to find out where I can go and possibilities.

I found a "small" listing of leases in FL and GA. The ones that are less than $10,000 for the year (I couldn't believe that!) are more than 6 hours away. I guess beggars can't be choosers. There's a nice spot near the GA State line, almost 6 hours away, 3,400 acres, max 22 hunters, $1,350 for the year.
They have 3 spots open. I'm going to sleep on it over the weekend and make a decision next week.

Thanks again for all the help!

[fly]

Inexpensive small game hunting can be a lot of fun and teach you a lot.

My tip would be to learn how to do things in a safe way and teach that to your kids. Shooting and tree stand hunting being the most important in my opinion. I never used a harness until a few years ago when my stand started to slide down the tree with me in it. It was a cheap stand and I had selected a poor tree. Luckily I wasn't hurt. Now I always use a harness. I suggest purchasing a harness that is easy to use because you'll be more likely to wear it. Also buy a quality tree stand. RT forum members can provide you with great advice about different types of hunting gear to buy.