Absolute beginner DC - where to start?

[cityclip]

Hi,

I've never hunted before, but an article today in the Washington Post basically did it for me. I'd like to hunt for something small. Maybe turkey or rabbit. I'm interested in hunting for good eats, not really for sport. I have no equipment at all and I have no experience. I've only been out to the Manassas trap/skeet range where I shot a borrowed 20ga shotgun twice. Plus target shooting with a .22 when I was a kid.

I suspect I might need some lessons, and a guide/outfitter in MD or VA. I wondering if you could recommend an outfitter or someone who can help me get started. I don't want to invest in a gun or any equipment at this time, so I'd have to borrow/rent stuff.

Thanks for any tips you can provide.

Aaron

[Saxman1819]

You need to look into getting your hunter safety certification. Go do that and then you'll be able to buy a license. I don't think you're going to have much luck with that this time of year. Look for a local class in the spring. Then you'll be legal for next fall.

[chazspot]

You need to look into getting your hunter safety certification. Go do that and then you'll be able to buy a license. I don't think you're going to have much luck with that this time of year. Look for a local class in the spring. Then you'll be legal for next fall.

Huh? This guy needs still needs to figure out if he wants to invest into equipment at this point. I think Hunters Safety will come later.

Cityclip: Google Outdoor guides in MD and VA. I'm sure you will find something. I'm pretty sure you DON"T need a license when being guided on a hunt.

Go out on a hunt and see how you like it. If you like what you see they will tell youhow to proceed and will give plenty of advice on whatever you need to know. Try searching for something on the Maryland Eastern Shore.

Good Luck.

[Planter]

Huters safety course first and hunting later. Read lots of mags and take a lot of walks in the woods of DC.. Hang out at the local bow or gun shop and suck up all the info you can. Befriend someone with a few acres you can get on..

No buds who hunt other than the VP?? It always helps to have a pal.

[Slackdaddy]

Hunter saftey course first, You can not get a lic with out it .
You can not "rent/borrow" a weapon to go hunting without having a Lic.

Squirrel and rabbit can be had with a used $50 single shot 20ga on public land.

Nick

[DeerandbearhoG]

Welcome to the greatest addiction in the history of mankind!

Xs3 . The 1st thing I tell someone who wants to get started hunting, is to take hunters safety,and get a license. It might be hard to find another course until early spring, though.

Unless you have a friend or relative with a lot of guns and spare equipment, youll need to invest in a relatively inexpensive pump shotgun (mossberg/ remington) with interchangeable chokes . That would at least cover most small game and clay target shooting and even home defense. Some decent camo and a few calls would be necessary for turkey, and waterfowl.

Good luck.

[cityclip]

What's the best place to find a hunter's safety course in the Washington Metro area?

Thanks.

CC

[slicendice]

Go to the following link. It lists all Hunter Safety courses for the state of MD. I doubt DC offers courses, but I could be wrong.

http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/nrp/huntingclass.html