New to hunting

Elemaoh · 07-16-2007, 05:57 PM

I recently started to play with the idea of Hunting. Ive never done it, Shot a gun id say a handful of times, Moslty Shotgun and when I was much younger. Im currently 23, 5'9 and 210lbs so I think I should be ok with a rifle (Id assume?!)

Anyway, Im looking for some advice as to where to start. Im under the assumption, that as a Beginner Id want to start with small game? Am I wrong?

Also - The gun. What would you all recommend I start with? Ive been told a .22 is decent, and affordable to see if hunting is enjoyable to me.

I live in So. Nevada right now and been told, Hunting is a little different here then most other places.

ruger357w · 07-16-2007, 06:59 PM

What will you be hunting for?

Elemaoh · 07-16-2007, 07:38 PM

Id say most likely rabbits, Snake, the biggest thing Id shoot (and VERY unlikely at this time) would be a coyote. But that isnt likely while Im learning.

SamPAhunter · 07-16-2007, 09:11 PM

A good starting gun for what you said would be a 243 if coyots is the biggest thing you will be after. But for snake or rabbit a .22 would be fine. Maybe go with a 22-250. That's a gun really for your second or third. The range on game you gave is pretty large though. Do you plan on eating the rabbits or just " Blowing them away " ??? If so the 243 would be fine.
Good Luck enjoy your gun

SamPAhunter · 07-16-2007, 09:15 PM

Just remember maybe a 223 as well

Bloodsaw · 07-17-2007, 07:40 PM

wouldnt a 22 magnum be good for rabbits and snakes, and even yotes under 50 yards?

rem250 · 07-18-2007, 10:36 AM

Elemaoh
You are on the right track .22 long rifle is the way to go starting out they areaffordableand cheap to shoot lots of fun(just plinking /target shooting) Then go hunting rabbits, squirrels, snakes, and small game to see ifyou enjoy it.If not you don't have a whole lot invested. IF YOU DO ENJOY HUNTING THEN YOU CAN GET BIGGER THINGS TO HUNT WITH(centerfire rifle)AND FOR (deer, coyotes, bear, and the list goes on)

hope this helps good luck and enjoy

rankbull · 07-18-2007, 04:17 PM

hard to beet the versatility of a good 12G

boonecountybowhunter · 07-18-2007, 09:18 PM

yeah i like rankbull's idea. the way it sounds for what you're planning on hunting, i think the best thing to go with is a 12 guage. you can hunt just about everything with one

BowHunterJim · 07-20-2007, 07:08 PM

a good 20ga would be nice for a beginner.