Questions from someone who never hunted before.

[SomeKid]

...but would like to learn about how to go about it.

I have never hunted before. My family is not exactly filled with hunters, or pro-gun type folk. Overall, they are slightly pro-hunting, however that doesn't mean any of them taught me anything. I learned to shoot on my own (mostly) and became involved in the RKBA side of gun ownership years ago. However, shooting at a range and lobbying for rights isn't hunting. I am pretty much a blank slate here, regarding hunting.

I have a rather limited understanding of TN laws regarding hunting. I know that the rifles I am considering to use are legal (either a 1903a3, or 24/47 Mauser).

I do not know any rules/regs about hunting other than: Must keep less than 5 rounds in the gun.

Background aside, where is a good place to learn about the laws I have to comply with? Is there a place I can read basic hunter ethics? (I read Field and Stream, and another outdoor mag, but somehow I think magazines are going to lack something). What about other equipment? I would guess an extra pair of socks, a snack, water, something to kill time with that doesn't make noise maybe, and an orange vest (already have that though).

What else have I not considered? What else should I know?

 

[nhhillbilly]

Somekid, I would recommend taking the NRA hunter safety course or your state equivalent. Most states require this type of course and they are normally inexpensive. In NH the cost is under $10.00. Sign up for a course now as in the fall they normally are full.

 

[SomeKid]

billy,

A good idea. I will actually have to post-pone that until next year, or the dead of winter (Christmas break) at earliest, as classes are starting back up right now.

 

[Art Eatman]

Insofar as is feasible, take your books with you on weekends to state parks and do homework and just sit. Watch for critters around late afternoon and sundown. When you need to take a break, walk around--but work at walking quietly. You'd be surprised at the learning process for avoiding twigs and sticks while still looking for critters instead of looking at your feet. (Glance down for your next few steps and then look back ahead while taking those few steps. Repeat.)

Critters don't march. They take a few steps and stop and look around. So, you have to learn to move quietly, and without being rhythmic as you travel. And never stop looking--and even looking behind you to see what's being sneaky.

The more time you spend outdoors, the better off you'll be--and you don't even need a gun.

 

[SomeKid]

Art,

Good all around. Not very feasible to do schoolwork though, my textbooks tend to be 2000+ pages in length, and are roughly 12x8 hardcover. I will more than likely take relaxation reading such as sci-fi. Maybe a good Heinlein novel.

I always liked hiking, thankfully I grew up where I could. I had never thought to stop every couple of steps though, I will need to practice that. Might explain why I saw more wildlife when I was relaxing under a tree instead of strolling though.

 

[cjanak]

+1 on your state's free Hunter Education Program. You'll get some good basic info out of that class and it'll be a good starting point for better understanding the Tenn regs. You may want to check the Hunting Mentors sticky as well.

 

[Tennessee Ned]

Hey I know where you're coming from since I've never hunted here in NET but have often been curious about it.
I walked into Walmart to buy some ammo about a week ago and there on the counter was a free 2008 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide. It's a very informative little magazine put out by the TWRA.
There's always the TWRA website too.

 

[Grumulkin]

In my family, my mother was against hunting and my father was in favor of it but not an enthusiast. All I learned about hunting, shooting and handloading I learned from reading books, Outdoor Life, Sports Afield, Field & Stream, etc.

My first gun, that I really had to nag to get around age 14, was a Daisy Model 1894 BB gun. My mother counseled me not to shoot anything with it. Yea, right. Several birds and a couple of rats fell to it.

Finally, with a bit more nagging, I got a surplus 7X57 Mauser from Sears. My father, being Norweigen was quite cost conscious. A rifle being considered a frivilous item was not something to spend a lot of money on. In retrospect, it had a pretty crappy pitted barrel, but it made a lot of noise and I taught myself to reload for it on the kitchen table with a Lee Loader.

I had nagging down to a science. I nagged my way into a Marlin .22 LR single shot rifle and finally traded the Mauser in on an M1 Garand also with a pitted barrel. The Garand was fun; it digested anything I fed it.

To make what could be a very long story short, your case isn't hopless.

1. Take a hunter safety class. It will answer many of your questions.
2. Join a gun club. If you join the right one you will meet people who will teach you how to shoot better and can answer questions about hunting. You might even find a hunting buddy.
3. Get a copy of your states annual hunting regs and read it. It will answer many of your questions.

 

[Mike Franklin]

See if you can meet a Game Warden. You might even see if you could ride with one for a shift.
There's a lot to learn and shooting a game animal is just the start. You need to learn how to take care of the carcass and use what you shot.

 

[Zip7]

I'd suggest taking up squirrel hunting as a start. It's fun, and will teach you most of the skills you'll need for other types of hunting.

As Art said, be patient, observant, and learn to move slower than you are used to.

 

[HunterGirl]

I think just about every state gives out a hunting and trapping regulations book. Go pick one of these up first and foremost. You have to know the laws....

And definitely a hunter safety course.

Then start small and work your way up. Take your time with everything.

have fun!

 

[matrem]

You've received a lot of good info here,and I'm guessing the hunter education course could mean more than just "class" learning.It has potential to introduce you to the best source for "what you need",people that are experienced hunters(usually there with their kids or nephews/neices etc.)

 

[Jst1mr]

Do whatever you can to find an experienced hunting buddy - increases the enjoyment and learning opportunities 10X. Learn all you can about any animal you intend to pursue, including how to field dress and care for the meat. Know what to do if you make a poor hit (hopefully not!), and be prpared for some possibly unexpected emotions that come from harvesting an animal. Be ethical, be responsible, and be respectful.