First Year Hunting...

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TFoxy

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Ok, so I'm planning on hunting this year for my first time, and alone. Im planning on whitetail. This may be a bit early yet, but i have a few questions. Should I be bowhunting or rifle hunting? I am pretty good shots with both, but bowhunting is obviously harder, especially for a first timer. I wouldn't mind the longer season though. I am only 17, but i do have my hunter safety, CFSC and CRFSC, so i would need to get a minors' license.
Also, tree stand or no tree stand? Which is the easiest to hunt from and the safest?
I have however hunted small game.
Thanks guys
 
Why not do both? Bow and gun. I like to put a doe in the freezer with a bow as early as possible, then spend the rest of the season hunting with bow and/or gun looking for a bruiser...assuming that our one-deer limit will be increased this year.
 
Firstly, welcome to hunting. Tough to advise you on any kind of hunting stuff, as we don't know where you will be doing your thing. Hopefully you haven't been watching those ridiculous "hunting" shows where the guy spends half the show whispering to the camera. Each to his own, though, so I won't get on a big rant.

I like to hunt alone, mostly upland birds and whitetail. It is not of the utmost importance to me if I actually bag any game, as I just enjoy being out and about, carrying a favorite old firestick. It is a different matter, however, when it comes to shooting gophers. The more the merrier! Note - shooting gophers, not hunting.:p

Enjoy the privilege we have in this great country. I have hunted since I was little kid, when my Dad would take me chicken hunting. It's been 55+ years, and I still enjoy taking a rifle or shotgun in hand and striking out. No fancy kit, just stuff I've gathered over the years.

Be safe and have fun!!:)
 
I haven't seen a lot of trees in this region that will support a tree stand. And when you have gone to the trouble of carrying and setting it up, it may discourage you moving to another location when you should.

There isn't much land in the Saskatoon WMZ where you can hunt without permission to be on private land, e.g. none at all that I have found so far. If you haven't found any yet, it is not too early to get working on getting permission. There are community pastures outside the zone but close enough to drive out for a day.
 
Also got one other question for you guys...
If i were to guess i would say no, but you cannot bow hunt in a rifle season, only designated bow seasons? What about Crosbow/Muzzleloader seasons?
Thanks everyone
 
Best you get aquianted with your area regulations.
Most have them on line.
If you don't understand certain things, write a list and
call your CFO office and ask for clarity.
 
Have a look at the Saskatoon WMZ regulations. I'm not positive, as I don't regularly hunt around Saskatoon, but you might run into some rules about muzzleloading only. Are you originally from Saskatoon? I am in S'toon now, but I do most of my hunting around the Nipawin, Arborfield, Carrot River area in the NE portion of the province (Nipawin is where I grew up). If you have any interest in that area I certainly don't mind offering any info I can give you.

By the way, a .308 is a good all around choice for large game in Saskatchewan, but its pretty big for a coyote. It will most certainly do the job, but its going to make a hell of a mess of the pelt, if not split it in half, if you were planning on doing anything with the it. Make sure you use a light, fast expanding bullet. Personally, .223 is my gun of choice for the that (lots of people love the .22-250) I personally think there is a caliber and make/model of rifle for every purpose. Its my excuse for more guns :)

Happy hunting and welcome.
 
Note, it is only illegal to use a centerfire in the Saskatoon WMZ during a regular big game season. Otherwise you are fine to do so. Watch out for the Corman Park area though. Apparently local bylaws prohibit nearly any shooting there. Best to look up the rules
 
jjohnwm said:
Why not do both? Bow and gun. I like to put a doe in the freezer with a bow as early as possible, then spend the rest of the season hunting with bow and/or gun looking for a bruiser...assuming that our one-deer limit will be increased this year.
Click to expand...

I agree. Don't limit yourself to one or the other especially if you enjoy both! Depending on your area, you may be able to get an additional tag. Be careful though, don't shoot more than you can eat.

Personally I prefer to hunt from a tree, but it is clearly safer to hunt on the ground. However it is much more difficult to hunt from the ground as well because you are closer to the eye line of the deer which makes it tougher to get away with movements like drawing a bow. As long as you are careful and always use a harness, you will be fine in a tree and you will get more comfortable up there as time passes.

If you don't have a suitable tree, build a blind with fallen trees, grasses, branches, shrubs, etc. This will allow you to move around a little bit without getting busted by your game.

Another option is still hunting. Some folks hunt this way exclusively and it is quite enjoyable. If you are like me and don't like sitting still it is the way to go for sure.

Whatever you choose, be safe and have fun.
 
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In the Saskatoon WMZ the deer season will start off with archery only, then muzzleloader will be permitted, then later shotgun will also be permitted. You can still use the bow and muzzleloader in the later phases.
 
I am also looking to start hunting this year... But im hesitant to go alone as I have never gutted or cleaned any animal. Last year I started Hare hunting with no luck. I'd at make sure your comfortable cleaning a kill.
 
I personally get out to hunt when ever I can.. Though I'm no Robin Hood I do posses bows and rifles legal to hunt just about anything within ontario .. Rarely come out with much but did get 2 turkeys and a couple fowl and some moose meat in the freezer.. There truly is no better or more useful thing to learn. No matter what the yuppies will tell you
 
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