I'm not talking about new to the site, although that is true as well....

I'm new to hunting. In a way, it's something I've always wanted to do. While my parents were not anti-hunting, they weren't pro either. My grandfather on one side wasn't a hunter, and on the other, by the time I was of age wasn't in a condition to go hunting, so we went fishing instead.

I'm now 33, and I think it's long past the time I should eat something I stalked, killed and put on the table.

And...I'm not alone.

AT LEAST two of my good friends are in the same boat. Problem is, we don't know where to turn. Equipment is easy...we've spent the last couple of years researching, learning how to shoot a long gun, buying the very basic necessary equipment, firearms, binoculars, good boots...etc...etc...

Now we need to figure out A...HOW, and B...Where. I'm hesitant to approach farmers and ranchers in the area without having experience under my belt...

So white tail is my primary aim at this point, maybe hog, maybe even some predator hunting here and there...

I just really don't know where to start...outside of internet research that is...

Suggestions?

Thanks

Welcome to the site! Your first question is how. I am a stand hunter, Meaning I find a place to hunt and put up a ladder stand then I just sit and wait for the deer. You have to get permission from a farmer and then just start walking around looking for sign. By sign I mean deer tracks, tree rubs and bedding and feeding areas. When you find a good spot set up a stand or blind and just wait and see what happens. AS far as where well were are you? Im from northwestern ohio so its flat with lots of farming. I just look for a nice big woods and then start asking. But if you in the mountains and have mainy all woods then you will have to talk to someone else cause I have never hunted mountains or areas where its all woods and no open areas. Some people have good areas with public hunting you could look into that if you don't want to look to foolish to a farmer. But around here the public hunting is very little and what there is has been wore out like an old strip mall. But with this kinda question im sure you will get alot of replys and ideas so just go with whats sounds good and give it a try. Just go out there and get in the woods and look for them, you will find one sooner or later.

I knew I forgot something...

Laugh.

I'm from the Houston area...

Where are you located? I wouldn't worry about not having experience and afraid to ask farmers to use their land. I wouldn't think they would mind as long as you know how to use your gun! Your 33 yrs old, its not like your a punk kid who don't know how to use a gun and wanting to use someone elses land to shoot up. You could offer to help them do a little work around the farm in exchange for using their land for hunting. Just curious as to what guns you have picked out. Well, good luck hunting and welcome to the site!
Brandon

Guns I've picked up thus far...

Remington 710...yes I know, shoddy reviews back and forth, but for the $200 I paide, with aluminum case and 20 rounds, only having 20 rounds through it and a year old...It was hard to say no...it'll be a nice backup gun or a loaner if one of my other friends wants to go to the range shooting with me.

Other is a Remington 700, 30.06, Leupold 3x9

For giggles and maybe hog or coyote, I'm building an AR15 in 6.8...I'm checking on the legalities of using that...and what will be required, but worst case scenario, it'll still be fun to shoot.

the 700 is a not so new gun, but a new purchase...I'm gonna take it down to sight it in one of these upcoming weekends....

Welcome

Welcome Rowdy. Hey, there's alot of Texans on this forum that can answer your questions.

Thank ya cardeer

\An update...I might have found 200+ acres halfway between wichita falls and lubbock, hasn't been hunted on in over owners memory of property *been in his family for some odd 200 years*, has a fresh spring, gravel pit, and the owner has seen deer in his front yard several mornings.

I'm going up there to pick up a 74 International Dually from him...perfect time to talk about leasing the hunting rights...hell he might just let me hunt for free, but I'll offer him something...doesn't feel right to just take from the land and not reimburse the owner...

Question for you ? Did you and your buddies take a hunters safety class ?

welcome