Getting a start in hunting.....

[fjolnirsson]

So, I want to hunt. I think it's something everyone should learn, I want to teach my daughter when she's older, and If the price of gas keeps rising the way it has been, I think it may prove cheaper to kill my own than go to the store for it.
I grew up in CA, and though I always had an interest, it really isn't a big hobby in the Bay Area.
I live in Oregon now, in an area that I'm told is some of the best hunting in the country.
So, I know the NRA has hunter safety courses. But, do they have any sort of mentor program, or something that pairs you with more experienced hunters? Any suggestions for meeting people willing to teach newbies to hunt?
It will be a while, as I need to get my licenses and a deer rifle, as the only rifle I currently own is a Mosin. I imagine it would be doable with the Mosin, butI'd hoped to get something lighter until I'm experienced.
any suggestions for me?

 

[rwc]

Check with OR Fish and Game (or whatever they call themselves). They probably have a hunter safety class. Go, be honest, and you may well find one of the NRA instructors willing to take you along.

Alternatively, hang out on a few boards and try to meet up with someone. I would go to the range with them a few times first to make sure you were comfortable that your idea of safety and his were in the same ball park.

Have fun, be safe.

 

[Sharps Shooter]

Welcome! My wife and I are avid hunters and most of our guns were designed for that purpose. I’ve been hunting most of my life. My wife however, grew up in southern PRK, and like you, wasn’t around it until she followed me back home to Idaho 34 years ago this month.
I wouldn’t count on hunting being a less expensive way of getting meat than going to the supermarket. Hunting costs a plenty! But I know of few things more rewarding than helping my daughter drag out her first deer.
Depending on your age, you might have to take a hunter safety course from the Oregon fish and game department before you can get a hunting license. That’s the law in Idaho. It would probably be a good idea to take it even if it’s not required. I attended the classes with each of my daughters and learned a few things every time. Besides, most of the instructors were just volunteers, hunters themselves, like my Dad. You might run into a hunter who would be more than happy to help you get started. I know Dad would have.
You can probably find a bunch of people who hunt at your place of work too. Just be careful. As someone already suggested, you’ll probably want to go shooting with him or her first so you can determine how safe he or she is around guns. Besides, camaraderie is a big part of hunting.
As far as a deer rifle goes – you have time to decide. I wouldn’t pick one just yet. You can get some good advice right here on this forum after you learn more about the size and type of animals you’re going to hunt, the ranges you’re most likely to shoot, how much weight you’re willing to carry and how much recoil you want to tolerate. Ask around. I’ll bet most of the other hunters you meet will be glad to let you try out their rifles.
Where in Oregon is the Willamette Valley? I’ve taken a few mule deer and a bunch of chuckers on the Idaho side of the eastern Oregon border.
Again, welcome! I'm sure you'll love hunting. Real hunters are safe and ethical - just the way you sounded in your posting.

 

[arcticap]

Read!!!!

I have some suggestions for you, some may be more helpful than others, but I'm trying to brainstorm.
1. Start reading as many hunting magazines as you can obtain. Many local libraries have subscriptions, and the ones that are several months old can sometimes be checked out. Even magazines that are really old are super informative and filled with real life hunting experiences, techniques and skills required. Among these are Petersen's Hunting, Sports Afield, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, North American Whitetail, etc...many have very affordable subscription rates as well. Don't forget about library books!
2. Take the hunter safety class, it's geared for novices, my 9 year old passed it with flying colors, the framework of knowledge it provides is indespensible.
3. You have to select and familiarize yourself with a primary hunting area and possibly obtain a map which includes it's boundaries, if appropriate.
4. It helps to talk to local people, whether they be neighbors, friends, associates (or strangers) to try to locate the mentor that you seek. Game agencies don't usually have a mentor type program that I've ever heard of. Maybe a local shooting club, or fish & game club would have members which you could become friendly enough with to provide you with some mentoring. Most of hunting is learning by doing, once you start the learning/reading process, it's just a matter of spending time in the woods, with a gun, map, compass and equipment of your choosing. Keep asking people for advice & assistance, wherever you go, until you find a mentor, or feel ready to start off on your own. Many hunters are self-taught for the most part! There's lots of hunters in your neck of the woods, "HUNT FOR THEM"!

 

[mete]

You can also hunt off season - with a camera.

 

[1911 guy]

Small Game

Don't overlook small game hunting. It will get you into the woods and tuck some savy under your belt before you spend the big money on large game tags. My personal favorite is squirrel hunting. Surprising how much you see when you're looking for bushytails. Also, it's a great way to introduce kids to hunting without the high pressure we tend to put on larger game. If you've got a .22 or shotgun you're in bussines. Do take the hunter safety course. I've been hunting more than 25 years but I did learn a thing or two when I went with my wife a few years ago. Have fun! I'm in Ohio, but if there are any questions you think I can answer, PM me. I'm sure most of the folks here feel the same way.

 

[Polishrifleman]

Welcome to the club, many days of luck to your hunting. I have 4 and 2 yr old boys that I can't wait to take out.

Great ideas guys, here is my two cents in a lot of detail to keep the discussion going.

Meeting someone, you are here on this board and I know there are several guys and gals from Oregon that would love to help out plus the above mentioned ways are great and going to the range with them is a must and then find out where they hunt. Oregon works off a lottery system I believe so there is no real open season.

I live in Washington and have buddies that to out of state and they tell me the regs are different so familiarize yourself with them. Different units have different regs etc... Go to the state web site.

Once you sit down with your new hunting partner see what type of hunting they do. Do they have a stand? Do they have a friend with property? Do they hunt state land? Do they move around a lot? Do they hunt all day? How many deer have they taken? Do they mind helping someone new?

As mentioned it can be a costly habit but when starting out stick to the basics, a plan, weapon, optics, knife and sharpener, food/water, clothing, and gear in about that order of importance.

First the plan, you should plan to have a great day in the field first off and foremost (there is a great thread about what hunting means I will track it down and post a link to it). It is called hunting, not killing. Just like it is called fishing and not catching. Once you know where you are going get a topographical map of the area, pre season scout (with your buddy if possible) but on your own too, this helps to get to know your area the terrain, roads, cabins, well used paths, etc.. prior to hunting, sometimes it helps in the actual pursuit of the game but they usually change habits once they hear the first shot, or rut has started so knowing where you are and what is around the corner is the main advantage. Make sure someone not going is familiar with the plan.

Your rifle brand will depend on fit and function. The caliber will depend on the number of rifles you want to buy, the game you seek, and where in Oregon you are going to be hunting. If you are hunting Eastern Oregon (open terrain) look into a .270 or something geared toward flat trajectory and long shots. If you are hunting Western Oregon a larger caliber shorter shots in heavy timber/undergrowth.

Optics are tricky and can be expensive. Look at posts depending on your budget. Start with a good rifle scope first shouldn't have to go over a 10 power and you can get away with a 30mm objective and then a pair of Binoculars. Go to a shop that has a viewing range or something similar. My local place is on the railroad tracks so they have a perfect 300yd range to see what works best for you. If that isn't available just read the labels on things across the store. You can spend more on optics than on a rifle.

Get at least one knife, heavy bladed drop point is my suggestion first off and have a way to sharpen it in the field. There is another post on gutting your deer once you have downed it, but hopefully your experienced hunting buddy will aid in this too.

Food and water, remember you are out to enjoy yourself so you want to be comfortable. Pack some protein bars, trail mix, or jerky and get a hydration pack to hold water and carry some of your gear.

Clothing, make sure it is quiet and comfortable and dress in layers because it is typically an all day event. You probably have enough stuff in your closet to get started without spending the dough on camo etc... Hunting here in the West is different than back East. Not as much preassure, and not as many people. I can suggest a good pair of leg gaiters is always nice.

Gear, keep it simple, man used to do this stuff in a loin cloth and with a spear. You can always pack too much so this reverts back to the plan, are you going to sit or move. I like to move so I pack light. Rope is a must, small first aid kit, matches, etc. in the event your plan changes and you have to spend the night, walkie talkies, different calls, grunts, rattling horns etc.. for when you really want to start scaring the wife. The list could go on.

Sorry about the length, I am already thinking of early morning sunrises, and the quiet before the bang!!! Good luck and keep us posted.