Whats a good way to go about learning to hunt?
I have no experience, and no friends who would be able to personally teach me, but I'd really like to get out and start hunting.
4 Answers
As much as the hunting purists may disagree with me, I'd suggest getting in touch with one of the game ranches or a guide service. However, this too is a question of your background. If you don't already know your way around a map, compass, rifle and the woods then I would STRONGLY suggest you acquire these skills first.
I agree with Keith P that the best way to learn is from someone who is experienced and COMPETENT. I've hunted with people with 10 yrs more hunting experience then I have, that were no more competent then I was when I started.
Also, figure out what you want to hunt. Hunting pheasant and polar bears are quite disparate activities.
I agree that it is important that you find someone to hunt with at first. If it is someone that truly loves the sport and has a little patience they will probably enjoy helping you out. If you have the money a guide service would be a great option. Just be sure to be honest with them as to your experience level so they can help you be the most successful. Also, when choosing a guide be sure to ask around to see who other people recommend.
Otherwise it is useful to read up on some of the hunting magazines that are out there. Just look up the Field & Stream or the Outdoor Life website, they have a lot of info and you can read many of their articles. They may also help you decide what you would like to hunt. There is a lot of gear and equipment they will recommend. When starting out you can stick to the basics and then gather more "toys" as you progress.
If you know where you would like to hunt then I would check out the web site for your states wildlife department. There are rules for hunting both for the hunters safety and the preservation of the species we want to hunt. If your states wildlife department site is anything like mine they will have copies of the hunting regulations for download, listings for the dates for when you can hunt certain animals, resources for new hunters, and maybe maps of areas that are available for public hunting. Hunting regulations vary by state and you will need a hunting license (temporary or year long) for each state you plan to hunt in. Most guide services can help you with the proper permits/tags for a one time hunt.
Ive hunted for most of my life but recently moved the way I got back into it was hanging out where the hunters do. Go to your local outfitter or gun shop and ask some questions. People that love to hunt love to talk about it just as much.
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I'm assuming you have no hunting experience, but experience in using firearms/bows, depending on what you are planning. If you don't, I highly recommend going to the NRA site and finding a course that is appropriate.
First, look up what you have to do to get a hunting license in your state. Most of them require a hunter's safety coarse of some sort where you will learn at least the basics of hunting. Then look for your local ranges. Every range I have been to has been full of helpful people who will give you advice on where to hunt, bow or firearm and ammo selection, and you could probably go hunting with the people you meet there. The best way to learn to hunt is by going out with experienced hunter and having them show you the ropes. There are instructional videos on how to hunt and there are people who have used them successfully to learn how to hunt. However, you can only learn so much from a video and it is a lot easier to do something with an experienced teacher walking you through it step by step.