Go peddle your poison somewhere else, you need a prison cell with a huge man who likes men for a cell mate!!

You realize that your quoting his post leaves his website address up even after mods deleted his post?

I reported it days ago and it is still here along with other reported spam.

I agree, now there is no need to hire an instructor and you can watch everything on YouTube:)

Having a great pair of hunting boots is essential for any newbie

First-Time Hunter: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Season”
 

Here are some tips that can help you have a successful first season:

1. Do your research: Before heading out into the field, make sure to research the area where you’ll be hunting, the game you’ll be pursuing, and the regulations that apply to your hunt. This will help you be better prepared and increase your chances of success.
   
2. Invest in good gear: Having the right gear can make all the difference in your hunting experience. Make sure to invest in quality clothing, footwear, and equipment that will keep you comfortable and safe while you’re out in the field.
   
3. Practice your shooting: Being able to shoot accurately is crucial for a successful hunt. Take the time to practice your shooting skills before the season starts, and make sure to sight in your rifle or bow so that you’re ready when the time comes.
   
4. Be patient: Hunting can require a lot of patience, as you may need to wait for long periods of time before seeing any game. Make sure to bring something to keep yourself occupied, such as a book or a game, and try to stay positive even if things aren’t going your way.
   
5. Stay safe: Safety should always be your top priority when hunting. Make sure to follow all safety rules and regulations, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
   

I hope these tips help you have a successful first hunting season! Good luck and happy hunting! 😊

I am curious: where did you take your Hunter Education training? Being a Hunter Education Instructor myself, I do take it as an insult to hear "it was a joke".
yes, some instructor teams are better than others and I have experienced dealing with many who thought they knew everything also and they are the ones that I hope are not hunting anywhere near me, consider taking the course again at another location or at least look into an online course. it is not all about YOU it is about the safety of others as well as the proper respect of our wildlife, ethics and securing the future of hunting.
ever think of taking up tennis instead.

stupid is as stupid does

Since the OP's last post was over 7 years ago, I doubt you'll get a response. He didn't say what state he lives in so it's a little had to assess Hunter Safety/Ed requirements in his state. He could have phrased his opinion differently but he also made a valid point about the length of the class. Three 8-hour days of instruction is a little long and could be condensed down. In CA, it's a single 10-hour day in the classroom.

I disagree with him about the gun and hunting safety aspect (although he did say some of the info was useful). Since it's been implemented, the Hunter Safety requirement has drastically reduced hunting accidents and saved lives. Hard to argue with success. I think he was a bit unrealistic in his expectations for a class that often does involve people who have little or possibly no gun experience. Calling him stupid or suggesting he consider tennis instead, however, isn't helpful. We don't need to chase anybody else away from hunting.

I’d keep it simple: play the wind, be quiet getting in and out, hunt fresh sign, and don’t overhunt one spot. The basics matter more than gear. Keeping notes after each sit helps a lot too.

Welcome to the community! Great that you've got your stand in a proven location — that's honestly half the battle right there.

On your food/drink question: scent control is smart to think about. Stick to unscented or low-odor snacks — plain nuts, granola bars, or tightly wrapped jerky work great. Avoid anything with strong smells like chips, fast food, or coffee. An insulated water bottle is ideal too, won't crinkle loudly. Some guys even wash their containers with unscented soap before a hunt. Small details, but they add up.

A few other tips that made a big difference for my first seasons:

1. Wind direction is everything. No matter how good your stand location is, if the wind pushes your scent toward the deer trail, they'll bust you before you see them. Check wind before every sit.

2. Get there early and stay quiet. Give yourself at least 30-45 minutes before first light to settle in. The woods need time to calm down after your entry.

3. Don't move. Movement is what deer key in on most. Practice staying still, especially when you hear something approaching.

4. Use your trail cam data. Since you already have one out, check it regularly and pattern the deer — morning vs. evening movement, which trails they prefer.

5. Dress in layers. Sitting still in the cold for hours is a totally different experience than walking. You'll need more insulation than you think.

I actually put together some more detailed pack list and first-season prep guides over at youcinez.com if you want to dig in further — might be useful as you get ready for opener. Good luck this season!