Did you know that 101.6 million Americans over 16 years old participate in wildlife-related activities? This includes not only watching wildlife, but hunting and fishing.
Getting out into nature can help you disconnect from everything. And hunting and fishing aren’t just gruesome activities either; they can give you a new appreciation for life. Not to mention, it’s satisfying knowing you hunted the meat you’re eating.
If you’ve been interested in hunting but didn’t know where to start, then read on. Here’s a quick guide on hunting for beginners.
Get in a Hunters’ Education Program
Every state requires that you take hunters’ education before you’re allowed to hunt. Even if it’s not legally required, it’s important for you to get into this program because it teaches you all about how to use guns safely. Not only that, but it teaches you about hunter safety so you keep yourself and those around you out of danger. ilearntoboat offers an interactive online FL hunter safety course, to ensure everyone’s kept safe on your next hunting adventure
Get the Proper Licenses and Permits
To hunt legally, in addition to completing hunters’ ed, you’ll have to acquire a hunting license. This allows you to hunt in 1 state for an entire year. Usually, you’ll have to get a license before you can get other permits and tags.
Also, you’ll need to get a rifle hunting or bowhunting license. This doesn’t allow you to hunt any in-season game animal; you’ll also have to get a tag. Hunting tags are pieces of paper you’ll need to put on the animal once you’ve hunted and harvested it.
Depending on the state you’re in, you might be able to buy hunting tags at your local sporting goods store. Otherwise, you can buy them online.
If you’re ever confused about what you want, contact your local wildlife management office and they’ll help you out.
Hunt With a Guide
There’s no better way to learn how to hunt than with a guide. These are professionals that take you on a hunting trip and teach you along the way.
This can be pricy, but it’s well worth it when you get invaluable lessons and skills from these trips.
Join a Local Wildlife Conservation Group
This might sound counterintuitive, but wildlife conservation groups are great for hunters to join. For example, the Iowa SCI protects your right to hunt, but also teaches its members how to conserve wildlife. And they don’t only do this locally; they’re actively trying to conserve wildlife in the state, nation, and even internationally.
This will teach you how to hunt in a respectful way. And you’ll also pick up some pointers along the way!
Get The Right Equipment
Hunting is a sport that requires the right equipment. If you go ill-equipped you could end up hurting yourself and those around you. The equipment comes down the what you’re wearing, the tools you’re using to hunt, and general service gear for longer trips. Hunters require specialized gear such as camouflage clothing, a PVS-14 Parts Kit, and scent-control products to remain undetected and increase their chances of a successful hunt. Don’t forget to camouflage yourself. In addition, your curtains and shelters must also be hidden in accordance with the terrain.
Choosing the right tool is paramount. If you’re hunting fowl you’ll want to use a shotgun. They can be hard to handle so if you’re using a Benelli you’d want a Benelli M4 charging handle to make things a lot easier. It’s not just about selecting the best tool, but ensuring the tool is fit for its purpose. Once you’re happy you’ve got the right equipment you’ll be able to concentrate on the hunt properly.
Use This Hunting for Beginners Guide for Success
If you needed a guide to hunting for beginners, then this article’s covered all the basics. Get yourself into a hunters’ education program, apply for the right hunting licenses, permits, and tags, hunt with a professional guide, and also join your local wildlife conservation group. All these things will shape a great future for you as a hunter!
If you need more hunting tips or want to learn more about wildlife, then take a look at our other blog posts today.
