Advice for newbie hunters

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Hello folks, me and a friend of mine will be going hunting this upcoming long weekend. We will be going to the Kamloops area in BC and have tags for both Mule and Whitetail deer.

Both of us are (almost) newbies to hunting. We have been on one hunt before with a large group of people that had some experienced people in it, but the group split up and we were left with a relatively inexperienced hunter. Needless to say, there wasn't much learning during that trip, as we didn't even see a buck. We spent all our time in a truck driving through the trails.

This will be our first solo hunting trip, so I'm looking for advice from the experienced hunters here. We have rifles and shotguns (also want to get some grouse). Have binos, spotting scope, and a good GPS. What other gear should we try to take with us? Our trip will be 3 days, so I want to try parking the truck and doing some hiking, but my buddy is not so inclined towards it. If we do hike, what type of area should we venture into?

And lastly, we will be in regions 3-27, 3-28 or 3-29 so any particular areas with in these regions that we should target? Or will we have better luck in some other regions (close to Kamloops)?. Thanks in advance.
 
I grew up hunting in BC but moved to Sask when I got older. My best advice is to get up high before first light and sit and glass. Pounding around either in a truck or on foot just pushes game away. Some folks do get lucky but luck only goes so far. Being in a the mountains allows you to get above game and for the most part game looks down for danger so you have an advantage. South facing slopes offer feed and openings increasing you chances of spotting game.

There is on thing I learned is that sitting still and watching is better than walking. You need to hike to get into a good spot but once there settle in with the binoculars and wait. If there is game around you will see them sooner or later. If there is no game in your area it doesn't matter what you do anyway.

Best of luck
 
Thanks for the good info so far powdergun and 9x19.
Anything else I should keep in mind, especially if I want to hike into the bush?
 
1. Sight your rifle in and stick with the type of ammo that shows good accuracy in your rifle. Have a couple of boxes in case you drop one it in the bush.Ensure that the scope rings are snugged down.
2. A couple of sharp knives and sharpening tools.
3. Your food and meals and liquids are important so you should have enough for your trip and possibly enough extra in case you get stranded.
4. Make sure your vehicle is in good running order.
5. Bring rope and tow straps and possibly chains.
6. Bring a chainsaw, gas and oil. And axes.
7.If your hunting a new-to-you area don't wander off too far and get lost. Learn the area.
8. If you take a cell phone make sure that it is fully charged and check for signal in the hunting area.
9. Have some lighters or waterproof matches, or fire starting striking tools.
10. Good hunting cloths, boots, gloves, hat. Stay clean and dry as much as possible.
11. Always let others in the group know where you are hunting.
12. Have fun.
 
Lots of great info! If you haven't done so re-read your materials on field dressing (big game, small game etc) or refer to YouTube. I like to bring lots of water as well just in case. Also make sure you let friends/family know when you are expected to return. I use a SPOT Communicator to keep family updated as well as they can see my position and/or track my progress. It's a bit pricey but it gives them the peace of mind.
 
Bring a map and a compass for a back up. Bring a medical kit. Ensure you have enough food and water for the trip. There are lots of great tips already posted.
 
If you have warm sunny days, watch for rattlesnakes. There are a few in that area.

Other than that, the advice to get up high "early" and glass from there is good.
Enjoy, and hope you are successful. Dave.
 
There arr sooooo many snattlerakes r'ound'ear I don't hunt this area.
Gartzs me arse bit plentifewl I can smell dem ground slither'in rowdints.
Hear thar's lottsa venisun up ware Gatehouse resides.
And yuh won't git frawst bit nyder.

Goodnuzz grayshuzs.............Vankewverites in'hour naybored-hood................:runaway:
 
Thanks for all the info everyone (especially Highwind), will definitely come in handy.
We leave tomorrow.... excited. I know it'll be fun even if we don't fill our tags.
 
Go to XYZ Creek or north of X Lake, find some hilly clear-cuts that are two to three years old, tell your buddy to get his ass out of the truck and hike up to the timber above the cuts and sit there.
 
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Ah yes and you wonder why these areas get over hunted so badly since the internet when there is 166,000 members on here
 
Coq from Merritt to Kamloops is going to be tretcherous soon.
Counted three in the ditch from Logan Lake to Kamloops.

Vancouver snow is falling up in dem darr hills.
That wet mushie chit.
 
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