Deer hunting - how to get started?
- Thread starter Invalid Zero
- Start date
You need to:
- Pass a Hunter Training course
- Read the Hunting Regulations
The hunting regs will show you the WMU's and what/when you can hunt in them.
Edit: Another good forum for Alberta Hunters is the Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum.
- Pass a Hunter Training course
- Read the Hunting Regulations
The hunting regs will show you the WMU's and what/when you can hunt in them.
Edit: Another good forum for Alberta Hunters is the Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum.
If it's anything like bc, it'll take a little while to get your Hunting liscence.
Now, that said, I started last year, so this is my take.
While you're waiting for your liscence, do lots of reading. Search google for deer hunting articles, as well as youtube. I will see if I can find my two favourite butchering videos, which is definitely something you have to know.
Also, while you're waiting, decide on a deer rifle and practice practice practice. Learn to shoot standing, crouching, sitting, and using trees to shoot off of. You won't have a bench to shoot from unless you luck out on a great stand or blind.
Scout your areas before you hunt them, especially if you can't hunt yet. If it's crown land, figure out when other people use the area, and when animals use the area.
If you're lucky to have private land, work out your hunting places. Even go so far as to put out range markers if you're going to be stationary if you have trouble estimating range.
Actual hunting. Once you've done the above, you'll find that the rest is relatively easy. Deer aren't all that mysterious, but if it's late in the season, they might be rather skittish. If you've trained with your rifle, and it's suitable for longer range shooting, there will eventually be something within your sights.
These are just the thoughts from a first year hunter, and my advice
Now, that said, I started last year, so this is my take.
While you're waiting for your liscence, do lots of reading. Search google for deer hunting articles, as well as youtube. I will see if I can find my two favourite butchering videos, which is definitely something you have to know.
Also, while you're waiting, decide on a deer rifle and practice practice practice. Learn to shoot standing, crouching, sitting, and using trees to shoot off of. You won't have a bench to shoot from unless you luck out on a great stand or blind.
Scout your areas before you hunt them, especially if you can't hunt yet. If it's crown land, figure out when other people use the area, and when animals use the area.
If you're lucky to have private land, work out your hunting places. Even go so far as to put out range markers if you're going to be stationary if you have trouble estimating range.
Actual hunting. Once you've done the above, you'll find that the rest is relatively easy. Deer aren't all that mysterious, but if it's late in the season, they might be rather skittish. If you've trained with your rifle, and it's suitable for longer range shooting, there will eventually be something within your sights.
These are just the thoughts from a first year hunter, and my advice
x2. It is a pretty steep learning curve on your own.
- Asking around family, friends, and acquaintences sometime works if no one in your immediate circle does.
- You can also join a fish & game club making it known you are new and want to learn to hunt.
- http://www.huntingfortomorrow.com/ has a mentorship program as well.
As ecadwallader said, lots of guys are open about taking someone new hunting.
Not meaning to be a downer but the other side is I've also found that a lot of hunters have naturally been hunting together in a group for years and, just like being the new kid in school, its hard to break into such a tight knit the group, especially if you are the outsider and they are all family.
I have luckily gotten out hunting in Alberta with a variety of people:
a) a couple hunters I met on the internet who took me out when I expressed interest the first time, exactly like you did,
b) A friend's 70 yo uncle took me along, showed me more of the ropes and, I'm proud to say, considered me his hunting partner for several years, until he moved back to Winnipeg three years ago,
c) with a school friend living in Olds, till he got married and his new "warden" said no more hunting for a few years till they get settled in their house, lol.
d) a client in Edmonton who I always talked hunting with, who out of the blue asked if I would like to come along and I cheerfully said yes.
Finding someone to hunt with is one thing, someWHERE is another.
- Anywhere close (1 hour) the major centres is almost guaranteed necessary to get out and talk to land owners and get permission to hunt on their land.
- Alternatively, you can get out and find some crown land, or Alberta leased crown grazing land to hunt on. The latter still requires you to inform the leaseholder of your intention - and you may be refused if he has a valid reason ie has cows on where you want to go. Straight crown land is fair game, however. Both are going to be a fair ways out of a city as well.
I highly recommend investing in time to get permission, scout, find the lay of the land, etc. yourself.
That way you aren't beholding to someone else to know an area, and if they move away, have a kid, break a leg, or whatever circumstances change, you still have your own hunting area researched, permissioned, and ready to go.
And remember: the real work begins after you pull the trigger!
PS H.Wally is right on everything, especially the practice.
Sight your rifle on the bench, but practice anywhere but on the bench.
I've been shooting service rifle competitions out at Spruce for several years and the differing positions has been invaluable practice. (ugh, this year I've been tied up and not going as often, and I know my skill is less).
Ammo might be expensive, but is it any less than a missed shot when you are hunting?
Invalid Zero
Regular
Thanks for the help guys.
I'll be going with my father in law. I've been out with him once before, we didn't come across anything though. I was asking here about exactly what I need to take care of on my end so I didn't have to bug him about it. He's heard me talking about getting my own tag for years.
When I started dating my wife I helped him skin a deer and chop its head off. I didn't mind that too much. I know bleeding one out and gutting it is a whole different story but I'm pretty sure I can keep my lunch in.
I do need to practice more standing and shooting off my knees. Bench and prone shooting is cake.
I'll be going with my father in law. I've been out with him once before, we didn't come across anything though. I was asking here about exactly what I need to take care of on my end so I didn't have to bug him about it. He's heard me talking about getting my own tag for years.
When I started dating my wife I helped him skin a deer and chop its head off. I didn't mind that too much. I know bleeding one out and gutting it is a whole different story but I'm pretty sure I can keep my lunch in.
I do need to practice more standing and shooting off my knees. Bench and prone shooting is cake.
Invalid Zero
Regular
I'm in Edmonton.
Mentored hunts are a good idea. Another thing i noticed is that i started to learn alot more when i added to my group of partners that i hunted with. Different guys will have different methods. Trying a few methods makes it easier to come up with your own.
