Where to start..

N

NitwiT

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Location
Parksville, BC
Hey all,

New hunter, first season for me, been out a couple times, basically bumble around in the woods pretending I know what I'm doing.

First of all, where the hell does a hunter start who doesn't have an elderly figure (Dad, Uncle) to teach him?

And on second thought, I'll just leave my pondering to that, and save my one million questions for whoever dares to try help me.

Mark :D
 
Sometimes a crash course is what you need to learn things, but the shortcuts you learn from people are invaluable. The more time out in the field making mistakes is a big learning opportunity and is the fun in learning the patience of hunting. Library is a good start, and usually books keep out the "you need that, this, some of those, and this, to have any chance of getting an animal" advertisements out of the picture that the TV shows will throw ALWAYS put in.
 
My dad didn't hunt, but he did show me how to trap. I've always loved the outdoors & didn't have other family members nearby to show me how to hunt... So, I just started & never stopped!

It's a long road, and I learn something every time I am out, but, it's the best "one foot after another" experience EVER!!!

Good Luck & HAVE FUN!

Cheers
Jay
 
Like you, I had to teach myself how to hunt...no one to show me. :cool:

Treat hunting like anything else you need to know alot about...read, read, read, and then read some more. Magazines, books, TV shows (to some extent), are all good sources of info.

I would buy stacks of old hunting magazines at yard sales and read them thoroughly...and then head to the bush to look for key elements: suitable terrain, food source, rut activity etc.

Good luck...it takes time, don't give up. Once you think you know it all/ seen it all...something will humble you, and put you in your place. :)
 
I'm self taught as well. Although I was subjected to a lot of it where I grew up and had friends that hunted.

Read lots and spend lots of time in the woods. You'll learn the language.

Bird hunting is a great way to start. You can usually find some good action and it'll give you a good feel for your shotgun/shooting/confidence.
 
Another self-taught hunter here. No one in my family hunted, and the only rifle my father ever owned was a 22 rimfire. But I did find a mentor after 2 years of personal trial and error. [Managed to shoot a couple of deer in those years, nonetheless] I have learned a lot from experience, but have also gained a wealth of knowledge from seasoned hunters and outdoorsmen. There are also many fine books and magazine articles on hunting to peruse. Just don't give up, ask questions, keep notes and review them. you'll make some minor mistakes, but you will eventually come out of it all with a lot of useable information. Regards, Eagleye.
 
You'll manage just fine even if you don't have a mentor(says another self taught guy). As others have said, read lots on the "theory" of successful hunting and what to look for. You might not be an overnight superstar, but you'll learn with every step. Good luck.
 
Your local Fish & Game Association, or Rod & Gun Club would be full of experienced hunters. Most of these types in our club are eager to mentor.

A few hours of your time volunteering with the club would yield countless dividends, including long lasting friendships and hunting partners.
 
X whatever on the reading while you're stuck at home, and then get out there whenever you can.

Lots of the stuff you need to know is hunting etiquette, IE how to tell if there's someone already hunting an area, knowing private land and thanking the owners, etc.

I'm self taught too. Not that bad once you get out a couple of times. You'll find you develop your own system that works, and it will be no better or worse than any other.



You will also spend a fair amount of time wishing you were out hunting after you've gone a few times. It tends to make focussing on work more difficult.
 
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