hey bud,
welcome to the world of hunting, you're definitely in for an awesome ride! im only 20 so im a young hunter myself, but here's a few things i've learned over the years....the best way to get started is experience, once your confident with your gun and everything, get in the woods and experience hunting in its truest form...the jitters you'll get when you see that first deer, well they'll still be there 30 years from now so don't think thats a first time thing!!! As far as a gun, i'm with the guys/girls on the muzzleloader, but as long as you have the proper instruction and someone to teach you, you'll be fine with anything you like...scent control stuff does work, i guarantee you that and could give you a could story about how well it works from my opening weekend hunt, but you dont have to go by scent-lok stuff from head to toe...just get a 5.00 bottle of scent away spary and you're set...you definitely don't have to use scent away spray if you watch the wind and all that, but it definitely helps...as far as field dressing, you can find a lot of info on here i'm sure or on the web elsewhere where people can help you out with that, once again its another thing where the more expereince you get the better you will become

best of luck and happy hunting man!!

Sit down with your dad and see what he thinks is best. Spend your time hunting together and that'll make it even better. You are 13 years old and should be getting your guidance from "dad" not a bunch of guys on the hunting forums. I'm not saying that other people are not giving you good advice, only that at this stage of your life your pops should be where you'll get the best information. Good luck with hunting.

linkppn, glad to see new recruits in the wonderful world of hunting. And I especially like it when a newcomer is hungry for information and asks lots of questions.

As others have said, get out there and observe what the wildlife in general is doing when not disturbed. You may not deer hunt this year, but any knowledge of behavior you gain this year will be invaluable in the future.

Since you're not allowed rifles and black powder seems to be not what you want to use, I'd say a 12 gauge shotgun is the best option; you can use a 16 gauge if you like, but I found a 12 to be just fine when I was your age. Consult your regulations to see whether you can use a slug or must stick to shot, whether you can use a rifled barrel, and so on. Once you settle on a specific gun and obtain one, practice is of prime importance to become comfortable with it and really know the limitations.

For deer anatomy, check the following link. A heart/lung shot is usually the best option by far, whether it be with archery tackle or firearm.
http://www.angelfire.com/bc/canuck2/anatomy.html

Prompt field dressing is very important and, while it may seem difficult, it's not that bad. Just don't shoot something too far back. If you get the odd squirrel, for example, this year, that will be a great learning experience. The innards of a squirrel are pretty much like those of a deer - just a tad smaller. Take a look here:
http://www.angelfire.com/bc/canuck2/gutting.html

Best of luck on your new adventures.

And ditto what AF Hunter said.

Have a good time with it. Dont let yourself get frustrated if you dont shoot anything or if things dont work out like planned. Therewill always be another day to get a nice deer. If youdontgive up and dont ever quit you will eventuallyget a deer. Remember that.

I would ask my dad but he is fairly new to the sport too. he has only had some unsucsesful hunts as a kid. I am also looking for a nice remington 12ga autoloader.

link, what's up. I'm new to hunting as well but not new to guns. it sounds like you need to get some practice in (we all do, not just the new guys) to build your confidence (safety first, always) in that first. also, you mentioned a Remi 12ga, I have an 11-87 and love it, great gun, good price.

I think I lucked out, I have a friend who A) has land and B) has hunted for 25+ years to help me out. If you don't have that, maybe an ad in your local paper asking for a mentor for you and your dad? hmm, dunno.

If I went to Cabellas before the gun season do you think i could get information and get outfitted?

I need some information about anything. [:'(]Like, to attractants work? like doe urine or like acorns?

linkppn,

Welcome to hunting and to HNI. Congrats on aceing your hunter safety class! Hunting is a wonderful activity to share between father and son. Right now, it sounds like you need to focus in a little bit. You've already mentioned some of these answers, but this might help you to decide what to devote your time on. What game do you want to go after? If deer, will you be going after a buck, or is a doe okay? What weapon? Where will you be hunting? Woods? Farmland? Will you be hunting from a treestand, spot and stalk, or from a ground blind?

Practice shooting! Read - Books, magazines, and the Internet. Watch hunting videos and TV shows. Try to focus on instructional information, rather than just watching other guys hunt, especially if in areas unlike those you will hunt.

You and your dad may want to join a local hunting club. The learning curve can be shortened significantly by spending time with experienced hunters.

As you read and watch, you'll come up with a lot of questions. Bring them here!

-- FLIX

Hey guys! yesterday my pa and I went to an outfitter and bought some guns! benelli 12ga autoloader, remi20ga pump, and a savage 223 centerfire. I just shot my20ga for the first time!(the first timei shot a shotgun)I'm going hunting with my cousin and uncle. any more tips would be usefull!