first time hunter?

[Jeffhere]

Where does someone who has never hunted get their feet wet?

Of course there is the online course, getting your license and tags etc, but after that what do you do?

I already have a variety of firearms to work with, but I imagine there is significantly more gear logistics, knowledge and skills involved to a good hunt.

Where do you get started and what kind of gear at a minimum do you need?

 

[Brutus]

Maybe check out the Meateater series on YouTube??

 

[blasted_saber]

Read the hunting regulations for your province cover to cover several times.

Get clothing that keeps you warm and dry. Earth tones when orange isn't required. Wool is amazing. Layers.

Have a plan for what you're going to do with a big game animal when it's down. Don't try to figure that out after its dead.

A good knife with a 3-4" blade.

Move slow. Sit and watch. Don't rush. Be quiet.

As mentioned above, the Meat eater YouTube channel has a bunch of instructional videos.

 

[hawk-i]

Hunt for a place to hunt as in lots of Fresh sign and then start hunting for the game.
Be very familiar with your gun...you don't want to be Jacking around trying to chamber a round and finding the game in the scope.
Good luck and have fun!

 

[Highwind]

Start small in an area that is easy to get familiar with. Time out on the land and experience grows and matures.

 

[birdman86]

I'm also new, figuring out everything for my first whitetail this November. I'm finally reasonably comfortable with my prep, just waiting to actually do it.

The thing that's had me most unsure is finding where to shoot, but I think the trick is just figure out where public land is. In your WMU, go to the county website and look for landowners maps, they've always been free downloads that I've seen but no promises - that should tell you where any big blocks of public land are. Also, Alberta public lease maps are a good place to search, they'll have contact info (if contact is required)and any special conditions listed. Then, use that and google earth to look for places you might expect to see animals (water, ravines, bush, whatever) and where you can get a good vantage point. Then go and scout it out ahead of time to see if there's any deer sign. This is all my plan anyway....experienced guys feel free to offer advice.

Ihunter is 100% worth the fee. I think its $5 for Alberta, then once you know what WMU you want to hunt, ~$20 to unlock that county landowners map overlay. Also $10/year for the lease map overlay. These maps aren't required if you do your homework on the computer for free, but its nice to have.

Then for after the shot, +1 for Meateater channel. Randy Newburg has some good stuff too, there's a 45 minute video on field dressing an elk for example plus he's got top quality production.

 

[Brutus]

Read the hunting regulations for your province cover to cover several times.

Get clothing that keeps you warm and dry. Earth tones when orange isn't required. Wool is amazing. Layers.

Have a plan for what you're going to do with a big game animal when it's down. Don't try to figure that out after its dead.

A good knife with a 3-4" blade.

Move slow. Sit and watch. Don't rush. Be quiet.

As mentioned above, the Meat eater YouTube channel has a bunch of instructional videos.

Great suggestions indeed.
I think it was a little imprudent of me not to mention one important fact: remember you are only human. Ensure to inform a trusted friend or family member (or both) of your intentions to hunt. With complete route you plan to take as well your depart and arrival time safe at home.

GPS big bonus, map and compass familiarity or the hunting area. Cell or even satelite phone if required.
Highwind has great suggestions in this regard.
Let's assume your mode of transport is well maintained.

 

[dogger1]

besides what all others said go out and scout follow game trails but dont burn your area .toilet paper, good broken in boots .dont buy new boots and go hunting without a break in ,blisters can make a very uncomfortable hunt, great moisture wicking socks and layer to condition,dont go walking with full gear on and build a sweat then go on stand. youll get cold really fast. if going through bush some kind of eye protection,learned that the hard way.gloves,, water cary water. compass always ,,,waterproof matches and i always back 3 garbage bags,big ones from home depot,if i have to cross a steam il wear two like waders and the large one if im stuck for the night out or if it rains i cut a hole for my face and tie bottom ,really holds a lot more heat than space blanket.always carry small tin petrolym jelly ,haha hemroid or sweat build up or trick i learned ice fish put on hand makes a barrier against moisture...so many little trick ,pack for how long you go away and then some and always let someone know where youll be and what time you expect to be out..

 

[Suka]

Mpo, start with birds. Lot's of good partridge/pheasant, grouse, waterfowl htg where you are. Bird htg get's you lot's of opportunities and shots.

AB has a second to none draw system. Read and reread both the regs and the drawbook. Lot's of opportunity. Most who complain about it are missing the boat. No reason not to be able to hunt most anything you want in AB, every single year.

The ONLY thing I miss after moving to Sk is AB's draw system. It's fair; easy to plan. Sk's system sucks dead dog dicks.