Hunting newbie here...

AWOL

AWOL

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So here is my short gun story:

Always loved guns
Became a gunnut in 1979 while living in Israel
Got FAC in 1980
Bought & shot guns at the range, crown land & private property for 30 years
Joined CGN
Got restricted
Ground hog & pigeon control is all I have ever killed.

So now I decided to get my hunting license. Not that I have any real interest in hunting but I take guns on remote camping trip etc.. Sometimes these short getaways are during hunting season and I am concerned about having MNR problems if I get caught in the woods with a gun in Hunting season. Now I have my hunting license and wonder if I should try the sport of hunting. I always wonder what there is to like about hunting and thought I waould ask the pros. What game is the recommended starting point? I'm not sure how I would feel after killing a large game animal. I fish but never had feelings for a fish. I really don't know how I would deal with it if I killed a big animal and then started getting queezy. I don't know if I would but I don't know that I wouldn't either. I didn't have the privilage of being brought up with hunting. Both parents are anti's although they always vote right wing. Is hunting something that should be done gradually like start with rabbits and work your way up?

My tools are: Ruger 10/22, Rem 700 Mountain DM in .270WIN, Savage 11 .308Win, Rem 870 ExMag 12 Gauge, Ruger Mini-14 581 .223.

Thanks in advance...
 
This is my first year hunting, and I'm electing to start with grouse (tomorrow), then move to bunnies as soon as the leaves are gone. This winter will be bunnies with some jaunts for fox, coyote, and more bunnies.

I'm starting off small, to get the hang of it. I plan to hunt black bear and deer, within 2-3 years.

I know I won't flinch at gutting small-medium or large game. I've seen it done, live, and it didn't phase me. So that's not an argument.

I'd say start off with what most available to you. There are far more gruse and bunnies around to get you started (well, in most of the country that is).
 
If you start with big critters, go with someone else. If you have never done it, don't expect an animal your first time out either.

I'm not a big game hunter. I usually buy my tags every year and I usually go looking for animals to fill the tags. But I don't go out of my way to kill an animal. I figure if I get the perfect oppertunity I'll shoot. If I don't I won't. Once you learn hunting isn't about the kill, you'll enjoy yourself a whole lot more.

But...

I do enjoy bird hunting. I like the easy, laid back style of hunting that comes with birds. You have the challenge of making a good clean shot without the formalities of large game. It's easy and if you do it right, cost effective. You can either do it with minimal gear or you can go all out, it just depends on your mood.

When I say all that, I mean small game/bird hunting is just more relaxed. You can go with someone else and have a nice chat, have a smoke, enjoy lunch and take a nice walk without the risk of spooking game. There's no real pressure and you get the chance to shoot lots. If you want to stick your feet in the water, buy a game bird tag and go for a walk. When your doing that, you'll learn where the deer live and how they behave. Then if you decide to try that after you educate yourself, you'll already be ahead. But most important, stay safe.
 
I'd say try starting with waterfowl. The stamp is cheap, the season is long. Geese and ducks bring lots of excitment, and there are easy ways to just try it out. The social aspect is one of the best parts.
 
Take your .22 and shot gun, go for a drive.. See a grouse? Take it's head off! Skin it out and take it home... Wrap it with bacon and stuff the body cavity with apples. Cook like a cornish game... Eat.

Did you like it? Go out the next weekend and do it again! =]

Get tired of eating grouse? Try something else eg. a tasty bunny! Skin out, cook like chicken.

Tired of eating grouse and bunnies? Look for a tasty looking deer in season with one of the bigger rifles. Make a good shot , cool and care for the meat well and you have a winter's worth of meal alternative in the freezer!

(Deer guts are just larger versions of grouse and bunny guts.)

Try and hook up with others that have hunted and will take you out - the game clubs are full of nice old guys that will take you out and walk you through a deer hunting experience. You might be dragging the old guys buck out of the woods though! Sure he will share...

Enjoy the walk, the changing of the seasons and the beautiful wildlife in the woods - that's the real payoff about hunting. The meat's a bonus.
 
Find someone who can take ya out and either stand hunt or still , there is nothing more satisfying as having the animals come to you. Hunt over a bait if you can, it will present excellent viewing opportunities and ethical shooting situations. Then when you get more into it you can start calling game. White tail deer are plentiful and not too hard to locate with someone who knows the area.

My biggest piece of advice is to go with someone who is experienced and knows all the little subtleties of the hunt, and game processing. Stay away from weekend warriors and road hunters, find someone who genuinely enjoys the wildlife and not just killing.

I've been hunting for 4 weeks now and haven't draw up on an animal yet, and not that I couldn't have.

Do it right and have fun , it will bring a new aspect to your life.
 
If you don't feel particularly driven to hunt deer and larger, probably best not to start there then, at least on your own. Buy a small game license and take your 22 or 12 ga and go looking for squirrel, rabbit and grouse. The 870 will get heavy quickly, as it isn't really a walking gun.

It it interests you, waterfowling is a good way to start too, but it is a little more of a situation where you want a mentor, as there are lots of important details to getting set up. Can be a lot of sitting around in the cold with little action. I think there is more chance of an enjoyable time for a new hunter to go after general small game.

Have fun.

RG

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Thanks everyone for your input. I have a few buddies who have offered to go Grouse hunting with me. What else will be in season next weekend in WMU60? I am going camping/plinking/hunting on 400 acres of private property up there. There is a private lake also.
 
Ruffed Grouse said:
AWOL,

You're good for all grouse, bunnies, and squirrels.

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/stdprodconsume/groups/lr/@mnr/@fw/documents/document/239852.pdf

Which gun do you think you're going to want to carry?

RG

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I would think my options are 870 or 10/22. The 870 is probably more likely for success. I have shot Grouse in Vermont with a 22/45 pistol before because they aren't that smart but bunny is tough in the woods with a .22. I likely won't go for Squarrel since there isn't much meat on them.
 
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