Thinking about taking up hunting, have questions.

[Ukraine Train]

I've been shooting for a couple years but never got into hunting. I have no clue about the subject so I'm just looking for some basic information on equiptment I need, what's required to get a license, stalking and dressing deer, etc. I would be using my Mosin-Nagant 91/30. I've heard that in Ohio you can't use a rifle for hunting but in Michigan you can, can anyone verify this? Thanks.

 

[Coltdriver]

I would suggest you go to your states wildlife department web page and pull down the regulations on what and how you can legally hunt.

Most states will require you to be a resident in order to get the resident rate license (ie lots cheaper). You will probably need to attend a hunter safety course.

Once you see how your wild life department regulates hunting,what you can hunt, what seasons you can hunt, legal methods of take etc you can then start to get a handle on what you would need to go hunting.

You may also want to take a look at a small game license since that is a great excuse to go scout the areas you will eventually hunt larger game for and since much of the gear you will use is the same it is a great excuse to begin building your inventory of hunting stuff.

 

[ojibweindian]

I think Ohio is shot gun and muzzle loader only. You'd have to look at that state's hunting regulations to know for sure what is and isn't legal. I think that rifles are allowed in Michigan's UP but, again, you need to look at state regulations.

As far as how to hunt, if you know of some friends who do, ask them for advice. I've learned what little I know on my own, and have so much more to learn. I like still-hunting because I get to practice at being very sneaky.

 

[ACP230]

Rifles can be used for deer in the U.P. and in part of the L.P. in Michigan. The shotgun and muzzleloader only areas are shown in the rule booklet available from the DNR and at license dealers, hardware stores etc.

The local library should have some books on hunting which should include info on dressing and butchering deer. If your doesn't you could get them through interlibrary loan.

Do you know anyone who hunts? If so, maybe they could take you out and show you the ropes.

I have seen some lousy gun handling in the deer woods. That shouldn't be, safety should be as much a part of hunting as of range shooting. Seeing a deer is an exciting experience, but you have to keep control of your muzzle and your emotions. Try and find an area where a hill will stop your bullet after it exits the deer. I use a .250 Savage, a much lighter round than your Mosin uses, and have still shot right through most of the deer I killed.

When I started out I used to find an area where there were lots of deer trails. If two crossed there I figured that was an even better place. Then I'd sit and watch the trail. Later, I found it hard to sit for as long as I could when a kid. I snuck around the woods for quite a few years. Now, I'm older and in poor shape so I watch trails again, usually from a blind.