We are living in an era where the amount of hunters is slowly decreasing. Those who do want to start hunting, especially being from major cities, have certain hurdles to overcome. These obstacles are a result of a lack of knowledge. I have some questions that if answered can clarify a lot for the newbies (like myself):
1) How long do people usually travel to hunt deer? Bear? Turkey? Is it normal for someone to drive for 10 hours just to hunt a deer? Is it normal for people to sleep overnight in their camp to hunt a deer or turkey?
2) How do you find private land to hunt on? Is there websites or landowners that are in the business of selling you the opportunity to hunt on their land? Is it worth purchasing?
3) How many acres of land is considered decent to hunt an animal on?
4) Any extra tips that people have, who remember the difficulties they began with, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
1. Really depends. There’s s decent deer hunting down your way. Chatham area anyway. The challenge is going to be number of hunters, and not a lot of bush lots to go around. You’re in a controlled hunt area where you need to apply to a lottery for a tag. You’ll be limited to shotguns and muzzle loaders for guns. If your gun hunting, you’re going to have a hard time doing anything solo. Your best bet will be to post a “newbie resume” up at the local range and start shaking hands and try to get yourself into a hunting gang. Many gangs are losing hunters to old age, and many are looking for new, safe, hunters to mentor. If joining a gang, remember that their little in-house rules have been in effect for decades, and you’ll have a hard time talking them into anything else. It’s their sandbox.
If you’re going to hunt solo, your likely going to be bow hunting. The season is 3 months long, and you’re not crowded into the bush with all the other orange pumpkins. Landowners are typically more open to bow hunters. Less noise, less lethal range, etc. just look for properties that would be convenient for an evening hunt after work or whatever, then put on a nice shirt, and go knock on some doors. Worst thing that can happen is they say no.
People do travel to deer hunt as well. But this is more than hunting. It’s a get away. Typically a week or more out in the bush in a cabin or trailers. There’s a lot of logistics involved (meals, shelter, outhouse, firewood, etc) I personally wouldn’t travel 10 hours to just hunt deer. But I would travel 10 hours to spend a week at deer camp (if that makes sense).
As for turkey, it’s a fairly long season with less concentrated pressure, so it’s easier to get permission. I happen to fly an aerial patrol over your area every week, and I can tell you there’s a metric sh*t-ton of gobblers in your area. Go get ‘em. People don’t typically travel as much for turkeys. Some do, but there’s not too many “turkey camps” out there. I believe “Hoyt” (a respected hunter and member here) drives 6 or so hours to hunt turkey.
2. Knock on doors. The GENERAL consensus is “don’t pay to play”. The fear being, that if Peter finds out that Paul is charging hunters for land access, then Peter will start charging too. Then Steve, then Bill, then Fernando... and so on. Traditionally, the promise of some meat has been sufficient. It would be good to hold that line. If a landowner wanted to charge, I would politely go elsewhere. They’re well within their rights to charge of course, so I mean them no ill will, but I feel it’s just another step toward the European game-keeper model.
3. Depends on how you hunt. Bow hunting from a tree stand, a couple acres may be all you need. If you’re running dogs, you’ll want a few hundred. More is better, but don’t be afraid to hunt a small parcel.
4. Patience. You’re joining a fraternity of guys that have been doing this for 50 years. Be willing to learn and absorb. And as the young pup, be prepared to do a disproportionate amount of the hoofing. Don’t be bitter about it... they were in the same boat when they were newbies.
And lastly, you’re gonna have “dumb” questions. Things you won’t ask because everyone else seems to know the answer intuitively, and you’re afraid of being judged. It’s always better to ask, but if you end up with a gang that are less apt to respectfully respond to such questions, feel free to PM me here, and I’ll do my best to help. Seriously. I’m more than happy to help someone who wants to ensure that our hunting heritage is passed on to the next generations.
