Hey Guys, thanks so much for the thoughts and advice. Everyone I know that hunts has done it since they were young and learned a lot from their dads. Just getting started at my age can be tough since all the books, videos and magazines seem to be written for those who have been doing it for a long time. Just a couple questions for you all...
ORIGINAL: A5Mag12
Talk to people at your local hunting stores.
Down here deer leases are every where.
Check local papers for clubs looking for members.
And welcome to the club, it's a good one to be in.
A5Mag12, I'm always worried when I go into the hunting store that I'll look like a total idiot. I guess those guys would be the ones to talk to about getting into hunting in this area though. I'll give it a shot next time I'm in there.
What is a dear lease?
Where in the paper would I look for hunting clubs? Classifieds? Outdoor section? Any tips on that would be great.
It's great to be in the club. So far I have loved learning about and actually trying to hunt, even though I've yet to even SEE a buck.
ORIGINAL: Swampmonster
1. This first year, I would go hunting alone if I couldn't scrape up a buddy.
2. learning ethics, the basic upsoken rules all good hunters follow,
Hope you score a whopper this year. But don't look for it.
Swampmonster, thanks for your monster reply. Lots of really good info in there. I have thought about going hunting alone, my only concern is what to do if I actually shoot one. I've read a little on feild dressing, but don't know if I could actually do it without some sort of actual guidance. Is it OK to shoot a deer and not feild dress him till later that day when I get home when I could have a friend or the internet to help me?
Your second point is the one I'm most worried about. The ethics and unspoken rules of hunting. I totally respect them, I just have no idea what they are. How does one go about learning the ethics and unspoken rules of hunting. I assume most of them are good ol' common sense.
I too would love to shoot a whopper this year, but am not counting on it. So far I have really just enjoyed being out there.
ORIGINAL: cardeer
Good advice given ,Where are you from?
Keep a journal to refer back to.
Cardeer, I am in Boise Idaho. I would love a mentor and hope to find one.
What kind of info would you keep in a journal? It sounds like a good idea.
Thanks again everyone for your awesome advice.
Matt J.