new to hunting

OneBarfly said:
Rather than being judgmental, you should consider how strange your request sounds. If you have taken and passed the Hunting examination, most people would have already determined what/when/where they could hunt. Simply put, Ontario (like other provinces) is divided into WMU's (wildlife management units) each with their own "rules" as to what may be hunted and when. Tags may be required depending on what and where you are hunting. Different regulations/permits may apply to migratory birds, small game, etc. Best to determine what you would like to hunt and read the regulations. Be aware that certain municipalities may have their own regulations as to the discharge of firearms and the calibre of rifles to be used for hunting.
Click to expand...

The above post appropriately summed up directions for info gathering.....

cav2200 - please do not be quickly offended by folks' responses here.....we all stumble at some point when venturing out into "uncharted territories".

Nevertheless, as already mentioned, your best/quick starting point at this time other than speaking directly to an experienced/knolwedgeable Hunter - would be to take your time and look at the details provided within the 2008 Ontario Hunting Regs.

Look at the 3 different maps (for Ontario) specifying the individual WMUs, the different sections specifying Big/Small Game - tables indicating open seasons (dates) against various WMUs, types of firearms (including archery) as applicable etc.

Pay close attention when you move through the various other pages in the Regs that contain basic requirements info, criterias for applying for big game licenses/tags etc. There is enough info in there to enable you take the initial steps on your own. The rest will depend on how you do your personal research/homework. Do not hesitate to ask questions on this board or other Forums such as "Huntontario dot com" (and be prepared to accept some criticsm/good natured ribbing along the way as well :) but don't let that deflect your search for info).

A hint, when asking questions on Forums such as this one, it would greatly assist to have some basic background info ready to present i.e. in terms of the game that you may plan to hunt at this time, general area you may be interested in based on the Maps (Hunting Regs), type of firearm that you may wish to use etc and subsequently, ask your specific questions in terms of Regulations and/or directions, ideas etc.

My .02 cents :)
 
Ok

The thing is that both cav2220 and myself want to get as much knowledge as possible. Despite the fact that we've tried to peruse our interest in hunting thorough a hunters course, little has come of it. We simply want some answers that will assist us in gaining the knowledge needed to be safe and responsible hunters. We thought that we would know these things after the hunting course, but unfortunately we didn't. It's not a question of inability, but of simply not being taught. Though I understand that there is a certain way of talking in forums related to a traditional sport such as hunting, I find comments like gitrdun both unpleasant ans unnecessary. To everyone else thank you and I hope to keep reading a learning.
 
maciej said:
I've taken a hunting course but it was a little less than informative. I think my instructor was having a bit of an off day. Which is a shame, because the guy seemed to know what he was talking about....just wasn't in the mood or state to help. I passed the exam but still want to learn more.
Click to expand...

Am I reading this right .. as in your hunting "course" was a one day session and the test was written that same day? If so, you have been hosed and as you have already seen, none of even your most basic questions were addressed. The course we teach (C.O.R.E.) is done over a three week period, two nights a week (3 hours a night), the test is on the last night. We also include a "Range Day" where we take you out and let you shoot target .22, pistol, high power rifle, and trap. Ya I know, that's here and your there but my point is you couldn't have possibly learned even the basics in just one day.
 
maciej said:
The thing is that both cav2220 and myself want to get as much knowledge as possible. Despite the fact that we've tried to peruse our interest in hunting thorough a hunters course, little has come of it. We simply want some answers that will assist us in gaining the knowledge needed to be safe and responsible hunters. We thought that we would know these things after the hunting course, but unfortunately we didn't. It's not a question of inability, but of simply not being taught. Though I understand that there is a certain way of talking in forums related to a traditional sport such as hunting, I find comments like gitrdun both unpleasant ans unnecessary. To everyone else thank you and I hope to keep reading a learning.
Click to expand...

Again, dont take offense, it seems many on here from the west are "holier then thou" and have their pee pee in a knot most of the time.

But I do agree with others, you should have learnt a great deal in your hunters saftey course. And if you feel that you had a dud of an instructor, then maybe you should file a complaint with those in charge!

Tell ya what. Shoot me a PM with any questions you would like answers to and I will do my best to give them to you. Also PM me where you live in Ontario and what WMU your planing on hunting in or live in.

Cheers
:shotgun:
 
TPK said:
Am I reading this right .. as in your hunting "course" was a one day session and the test was written that same day? If so, you have been hosed and as you have already seen, none of even your most basic questions were addressed. The course we teach (C.O.R.E.) is done over a three week period, two nights a week (3 hours a night), the test is on the last night. We also include a "Range Day" where we take you out and let you shoot target .22, pistol, high power rifle, and trap. Ya I know, that's here and your there but my point is you couldn't have possibly learned even the basics in just one day.
Click to expand...


I highly doubt the guy took a 1 day course, not possible, not even doable.
 
northwoodslivin said:
I highly doubt the guy took a 1 day course, not possible, not even doable.
Click to expand...

That's how I got my certificate. One day, exam at the end. The very definition of lame.

me: "Sir, I am having difficulty interpreting question number 27."

instructor: "The answer is 'C'."

Some people still managed to fail.
 
northwoodslivin said:
I highly doubt the guy took a 1 day course, not possible, not even doable.
Click to expand...

Sure it is .. you won't learn anything but the answers to the test though .. We have a guy here that does it, shows up with the C.O.R.E. book and by the end of the day the test is written and scored, then if a fail, immediate re-write (for more $$ of course) and finally ... the pass. There have been a few attempts at getting his C.O.R.E. instructors status revoked but for what ever reason .. it has gone no where and he continues to make $$ at it .... and for him that is all it's about. Any way, why are you answering a question I posed to MacieJ?
 
Last edited:
maciej said:
Peel Region.
Click to expand...

Ah crap, Peel region good luck. I'm in that one I'm starting out and Peel is a hard place to begin with you'll really have trouble finding land. That I am aware of there is no land I think there might be some in Halton but I'm not sure.
I'm moving in a couple of years till then I'm just going to shoot at the range because of the difficulty locating a place to hunt. However you might watn to try the Hunt Ontario Board they might be ab;e to give you a hand there. expect to need to go northward or south for your hunting too many buldings not enough farms.
I have a small chance with my wifes family but I'm not to sure on that one.
 
I'm saddened by the fact that my instructor failed in informing me about the true nature and process of hunting. For those of you who think that I wanted it that way, you're wrong. I would have gladly attended more sessions including those laid out by TPK. But at the same time I don't want to file a complaint because he just seems like he was having an off day. I had done thing with him earlier and know that he normally brings much more enthusiasm and information. One more general question though. Where and when do you apply for bear tags?
 
maciej said:
I'm saddened by the fact that my instructor failed in informing me about the true nature and process of hunting. For those of you who think that I wanted it that way, you're wrong. I would have gladly attended more sessions including those laid out by TPK. But at the same time I don't want to file a complaint because he just seems like he was having an off day. I had done thing with him earlier and know that he normally brings much more enthusiasm and information. One more general question though. Where and when do you apply for bear tags?
Click to expand...

You can get them now. Go to your local MNR office and get the sticker, it will go on the back of your outdoors card.

From what you say, it sounds like you did not get much info from this class let alone passing and feel guilty about it.

If that is the case I would suggest taking the books you got from your courses and reading them through very well before you step into the woods so that "YOU" know what is right and what is wrong and have a better understanding of the saftey of our sport ;)

Good luck
 
Maybe it's different out east, but out West here, this is how I got into hunting:

1. Take "Hunter Education" course. Pass the exam
2. Get FAC/PAL/whatever-it's-called-these-days. Pass the exam
3. Get a decent rifle.
4. Get rifle sighted in
5. Go to Canadian Tire and look at the hunting regulations. Find the area where you want to hunt.
6. Check what what game is open in the area you want to hunt
7. Buy a tag for the animal you want to hunt.
8. Go hop in your truck and drive out to the area you have tags for.
9. Step out of truck and go for a walk, trying to find the animal you have a tag for.
10. Locate animal. Shoot animal. Tag animal. Gut animal out.
11. Bring animal back to truck, and take home. OR take to butcher. (If you do this, skip steps 12,13. Fork out big $$$)
12. Hang animal, skin it out. Let sit for a few days.
13. Butcher animal. Package meat. Put in freezer
14. Start anticipating next seasons hunt.

The difficult part of this "list" is learning all the little things involved in the steps, like where to find game, game habits, the finer points of butchering etc. Google really helps, reading all the hunting magazines you can get your hands on helps. Getting in touch with a mentor or somebody willing to give advice is a HUGE help.

Again, maybe it's different out east, but I found that getting started was actually pretty easy. Cheers -Cameron
 
Last edited:
maciej said:
I was wondering where I can find some simple and common answers. Like when and where to hunt, where I can and can't shoot, what animals can be hunted when, what does open season mean, where to get tags and so on.
Click to expand...

What kind of game you want to go after?What weapon will you be useing?
I am thinking alot of the draws will be over by now which will leave you the general seasons.
Try to locate maps that will include both Wildlife Managemant Areas as well as Crown land and make sure you can hunt and are using the appropriate caliber for the area.As some areas might be shotgun,muzzleloader,or resticted to a certain caliber size.

Some things you may want to pick up if you don't already have.
-weapon
-ammo
-appropriate hunter dress jacket,hat/cap,boots
-a decent knife.It doesn't have to expensive my $20.00 knife does the job as well as my dad's $80.00 Buck knife.
-A GPS would be wise in unfamiliar territory also great for marking potential hotspots.
-a daypack with string,matches/lighter,marking tape,small flashlight,rags,toilet paper,watch,rope,don't forget your tags.

Hope this helps out somewhat,anything you may be unfamiliar with do a search on this site or try googleing it.eg. field dressing read alot,and don't be afraid too ask questions.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom