How do I start Hunting?

[RaybanMan]

I have never been hunting before. I dont know anyone that hunts.

I really want to go hunting. I own a winchester model 94 in 30-30 from the early 80's and a 30-06 w/ Leupold scope (i think its 3-9x40 but i could be wrong).

I know to get a hunting license, make sure the guns are sighted for the ammo i want to use. but that's about it. I don't even have a preferred ammo for the 30-06, or have any idea which gun i should take.

I don't know were to go for hunting, i know there are wildlife management areas to go to but i have no idea what to do once i am there. I read about people using cameras and binoculars and feeders and salt licks and all that but it seems like that would be for private areas. and were would you hunt from? tree stands seems like a set it and leave it item, but again, that seems like a bad idea for a public area. then there is what to were, i always see the camo outfits and such, but if your wearing an orange vest so you dont get shot, whats the point of all the camo? and then there are things to remove your sent, things to give you scent, ect.

I have had folks tell me to just find someone with a lot of land and ask if i can hunt on there property, but not only do i not know were to find these people, im a bit of a shy person and would feel rude asking random people if i can hunt on there land, even with cash in hand. (im not saying it is rude, i just feel like i would be, if that makes sense). i have heard about hunting clubs were you pay a big price to use there land, but im not sure how that works either, or were to find such clubs and I would like to keep cost at a minimum. and even at these options, theres still the problem of not knowing what to do when i get there. I wish i knew someone that hunts in my area that could show me the ropes on a trip or two but i do not, so im here asking how to get started on my own.

I am in Lakeland, FL. I am no marksmen with a rifle. I wasn't raised around guns, i shoot when i can, but not as much as i would like. Im not bad, im not great. just average i guess

I should add, im looking to hunt Deer, and i have "hunted" squirrels with a .22 a few times on my uncle propery when we still got along (not enough land for much else there anyway). I didnt really consider that hunting, there wasnt much skill involved.

 

[courtgreene]

The days of just going and asking strangers to hunt on their land are over. Hunt clubs do exist, but it's a little late to get in now. I don't personally go that route because I can't afford it but maybe you can. Public land is difficult to hunt (on the east coast) but it's doable. The key thing is to be careful of other hunters both when you're shooting and when they may be. Make sure they know what you are and where you are.
As far as guns, either of those will work. I'm assuming you're talking about deer but there are hogs in your area as well, and both of those guns/cartridges will do well with them.
Most places require that you pass hunter's safety to get a hunting license, and you should do it anyway because safety is important. The classes are free and the course is easy if you use common sense.
Don't leave a tree stand on public land, it will be stolen. I learned the hard way.
Climbing stands are portable, you wear them like a backpack and then use them to climb the tree. Ground blinds can work, but you need to put them out and let deer get used to them but you can't do that on public land for the same reason (theft) as leaving a tree stand.
Baits work well on private land, and some states let you use them on public land but some don't, so you should check. Also, they need to be put out enough ahead of time for the game to find them and that means other hunters can find them, so don't expect to have a bait sight to yourself on public land.
Orange is a color deer can't see. That's not true, they see it but it doesn't stand out to them. Blue does, so don't dress in jeans. DEFINITELY WEAR ORANGE IF YOU'RE ON PUBLIC LAND... wear it on private too because no one wants to be shot.
Camo breaks up your silhouette, and more importantly doesn't look like one solid color. It's not the camo itself that hides you. Another thing it does is mark itself as your hunting clothes so that you don't grab the wrong thing that smells too human.
that brings us to scent control. Keep the wind in your face, and set up as well as you can to ensure that wind comes from where you think animals will be to your nose and not the other way around. Scent control products aren't that affective, because you still need to breathe and your breath has odors. The best scent-related product out there, in my opinion, is a thermacell. It does nothing to hide your scent or attract animals but it's great for using a scent that doesn't spook game animals to repel flying insects... and you're in florida.

 

[Skyshot]

Welcome Rayban, Try to find a mentor. A good way to do that is by joining some of the non-govermental wildlife organizations, like the National wild turkey federation or Quail unlimited ect. You could join a sportsmans club in your area and ask around for some help in the Lakeland area. Read as much as you can on the subject and If you want to go it alone that's OK too. Take a hunter safety class also. The thing is is hunting is a constant learning process and most of us on here had a mentor to show us the basic fundamentals as we where growing up. You'll need to be persistent, but hooking up with a mentor is your best bet.

 

[Ed Ames]

As someone going down the same road...

In the states I have lived in, anywhere that sold hunting licenses also had free booklets from the state detailing laws, zones, etc.. Start by reading that. It will tell you if you need to take a hunter ed class (depends on your age but probably), as well as legal means, zones, bag limits, etc..

Talking to Hunter ed instructors may be worthwhile. Those guys are all volunteers who do it to encourage hunting. They won't hold your hand for you but they want to help. Even if you don't need to take a hunter ed class I have had instructors invite me to come audit their class for free to learn more about the local take on rules (I had taken Hunter ed in another state and never used/lost the card).

Beyond that...I can't be a huge help as I have yet to go hunting myself. I have a location selected and my plan is to start by scouting (no guns at all) then starting with small game and a .22 rifle. Larger game with higher power weapons will come later.

 

[WestKentucky]

Ask around. There are lots of hunters in most areas. Work, church, motorcycle riding groups, car clubs....whatever. folks are typically helpful. For wma hunting I suggest you go where you think nobody else will go because it's too far, too rough, too swampy etc. Learn the land and find game trails. Look online for footprint drawing for the quarry of your choice. Once you find a trail with the right footprints get away. Come back 1 hour before sunrise and get set up a good ways away from the trail but not too far to shoot. Wait for the critter to come then put a shot on him. For most purposes 30-06 and 30-30 are used for the same critters. 3030 up close, '06 further away. Inside 100 yards go 3030 if longer shots are realistic use the '06. Once critter hits the dirt gut it and get it to the truck. Get it cool quickly. Either pay for processing or do it yourself. Don't waste the animal. Some states have wanton waste laws to prevent waste of an animal.

 

[rondog]

My recommendation is to try to find a mentor, someone who's hunted successfully before and knows the ropes somewhat. Make a friend or two who can help you. There's a lot more to it than just finding a place to hunt and shooting a deer. And once you get one down a whole 'nother adventure begins.

You certainly don't want to make a bad shot that only wounds/maims, and you don't want to kill an animal in a place that may be nearly impossible to get it out of. Knowing when NOT to shoot can be as important as knowing WHEN to shoot. And going alone is never a good idea.

 

[buck460XVR]

First off, find and take a hunter safety course offered in your area. Many states require you to take one before you can buy a license anyway. Secondly go to your state DNR/F&W website and see if they offer mentored hunts. Many do or have contact info on organizations that do. Then contact your local NWTF, DU, WU and other wildlife organizations to see if they sponsor a mentored hunt...most do. Outside of folks involve with those types of organizations, individuals are reluctant to give out and share their hunting spots. That means you need to walk the walk and first find a place to hunt and then learn it. Not so bad, unless your expectations are set to high. Don't think that success means a dead animal in the back of the truck. Seeing game, being able to read sign and having "almosts" are a sigh of success for a new hunter. A kill is a bonus. Most public lands are heavily pressure and can be frustrating. They can also be very productive once you get off the beaten path. If you do find a mentor or a individual willing to show you the ropes and take you, be respectful and follow their wishes and rules. While it may be your hunt, it is their spot and any game they put you on is because of them. Be appreciative and humble and practice safe gun handling at all times.

 

[RaybanMan]

Buck, could you tell me what these stand for?

DNR/F&W
NWTF
DU
WU

sorry if this is something i'm expected to already know. i might find myself slapping my forehead after you tell me. Thanks!

EDIT: im guessing F&W is Fish and wildlife.... that's all i have so far...

 

[WestKentucky]

DNR Department for Natural Resources
F&W Fish and Wildlife
NWTF national wild turkey federation
DU Ducks Unlimited
Not sure of the WU

 

[buck460XVR]

Buck, could you tell me what these stand for?

DNR/F&WDepartment of Natural Resources/Fish and Wildlife
NWTFNational Wild Turkey Federation
DUDucks Unlimited
WUWhitetails Unlimited

sorry if this is something i'm expected to already know. i might find myself slapping my forehead after you tell me. Thanks!

Those are not the only Wild game organizations out there. Odds are there are at least one or two in your state for every game animal that resides there. i.e., Pheasants Forever, Grouse International, Quail Unlimited. The larger organizations tend to have more local chapters and generally are the ones that mentor hunts. I know NWTF mentors first time turkey hunters, youth or adult and it is one of their primary objectives.

 

[RaybanMan]

Thanks so far guys! i will see what i can find on mentor hunts. i would love to go turkey hunting as well and may contact them too.

 

[CMC]

Hi Raybanman

I would take the hunter safety course and try to make some contacts.
You can hunt on wildlife management areas (WMA).

If you cannot find a mentor , see if you can get a family member to go with you.
I would start on the WMA's in your area by squirrel hunting as you are familiar with it.
While you are doing that you can scout for deer by looking for deer scat.
Find you a good oak hammock and find out where the acorns are , you may find deer signs there while shooting squirrels.
Start with the 30 30 and hunting on the ground, no permanent stands are allowed in WMA's.
I was lucky I had a mentor.
Link to wma's in florida http://myfwc.com/viewing/recreation/location/

 

[kanook]

You must take the Hunters Safety Course.

Chances are during the class you might meet someone who would help mentor you.

During small game would be a better time to get into the woods to learn than right now during season.

Learn as much as you can. Get into the woods with a camera and see how much you need to learn by taking pictures of things and learning what they are. Learn what a Bobcat/Panther/Coyote track looks like. Buck and Doe prints, ect.

If you have the money, do a paid Hog hunt. You will learn a bunch from them and no license is needed for that.

Most important, learn the smell of the Skunk Ape.

 

[bikerdoc]

All good advice. I must add - do not go alone.

 

[1911 guy]

Check the Hunting Mentor sticky here in the hunting forum.

Take the Florida hunter education class.

Try to find a local mentor who will show you the ropes.

Ask lots of questions. The only stupid question is the one you were too embarrassed to ask.

Squirrel hunting and paying attention while doing it will prepare you to hunt almost anything east of the Rocky Mountains.

 

[blueridgeMTNs]

where are you from?

go check out the WMA's. A couple years ago I went hunting with my son on WMA for squirrels and not less than 30 yds a buck passed by us. Not huge by any standards but a buck nonetheless. And we were not even trying to be scent free. You can learn alot by going to WMA's and watch deer movement and learn where others are hunting. Also for the first try you will probably not get your deer but there is never a better time to learn.

 

[d2wing]

A lot of good advice, first learn the laws, second always carry a compass and a map, GPS or something and pay attention to landmarks. Third always be aware of things like snakes and other dangers. Wear orange. Be safe, be safe , be safe. Then just go out and relax and enjoy being in nature and learn. Success will come. Be patient.