A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get Into Hunting

For many, hunting can seem like a daunting activity - the traditional pastime that has been practiced for generations but remains mysterious and inaccessible to newcomers. However, with some preparation and guidance, anyone can experience the thrill and joy of successfully harvesting their own game.

In this guide, we’ll explore what it takes to get into hunting; from understanding local laws in order to obtain a license, getting equipped with all necessary gear, learning appropriate safety protocols, and how to choose an area where you’ll be able to hunt effectively. By providing practical advice as well as answering any questions that arise along the way, this comprehensive guide should give a detailed demonstration of how easy it is for anyone interested in learning how to get into hunting! Let's get to it!

Get Into Hunters Education Program

Before you learn how to start hunting, it should be noted that hunting is a highly regulated activity. This means you require a license to hunt any wild game, and you will usually need to take a hunter education course to buy one. Every state has its own requirements, with some requiring you to take the course if you were born after a specific date. Even so, taking the course would still be best as it will prepare you with more knowledge and skills and help prevent hunting and shooting incidents. It also helps in improving hunter behavior and compliance with hunting laws.

There are plenty of great online hunter education courses available. Depending on where you live, there are a few options on how classes are conducted, like a classroom, online courses, or a combination of both. Depending on your schedule, you can choose one that works best for you. Attending the class in person is also a good way of making friends and having the chance to ask questions if you have any, as the teachers are usually experienced hunters.

Find Your Guide

Finding a guide or a mentor seems like one of the most daunting tasks when you start hunting. A guide can usually be found amongst your own family, but if your family has no one hunting, there are plenty of other ways to look for one.

If you have friends or family members who are already hunters, that's the best place to start. If you don't, you could ask around your friends, neighbors, colleagues, and church members.

There are quite a number of active hunters in the country, so you'll likely be able to find someone you know who hunts or knows someone who does with some time and dedication.

Joining conversation groups is a great way to meet new or veteran hunters to get the guidance you need while also helping fund habitats for animals you are interested in pursuing.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Ducks Unlimited are among the many non-profit organizations with local branches where you can network and find a guide.

Usually, there are plenty of shooting ranges and local sportsmen's clubs in the communities. If you live near one, they're a great help to learn how to get into hunting, as their facilities often include rifle and archery ranges and trap or skeet shooting areas.

It might require a little investment, but you could meet like-minded people who can support you in your hunting journey if you join a club.

Understand the Regulations

As you may have noticed while taking your hunter education, there are a lot of regulations on how, when, and what you can hunt. As part of the hunting community, you must understand these regulations and be responsible for hunting legally and ethically.

With that said, the first step is to familiarize yourself with the seasons, regulations, and even special regulations of your state, which you can mostly find online. There are severe repercussions for not following them, so read up to know what actions are considered an offense, what areas are off limits, what inedible wildlife parts may or may not be sold, and when you need to wear hunter orange, among others.

Be Well Prepared

Hunting is a safe activity. With the proper steps and tools, it can be even safer.

For outdoor emergencies, what every hunter should carry in their pack usually varies according to the season, environment, game, and how isolated the area they're going. However, a few general things should be prepared, regardless of the situation.

The items would include a personal locator beacon, a first aid kit, an emergency blanket, fire makers, a water filter, a signal, and a knife. Of course, the mentioned items are not the only ones that one should prepare, as each person's needs and preferences will differ. Ultimately, the best way to be as prepared as possible is to speak to those who are more experienced before you head out.

Remember that knowledge is also essential, so make sure also to take some basic first aid courses!

What should a hunting plan include, and what information should be on a hunting plan? A hunting plan should include information on where and with whom you are hunting with, and also the date you are expected to return.

Specific directions of your route to your destination and any alternate destination if the weather changes should also be included. Make sure to include your phone number and cell phone carrier, as this will be used to locate where you are even if you are injured and unable to answer your phone.

If you're planning to be out on a long hunting trip that requires camping, be sure to bring along the necessary stuff like a flashlight, food and water, waterproof gear, a tent, a compass, and a cooler, among others. One of the most important things to remember is also a power generator that can last your entire trip and more to ensure that you remain connected to the world.

As for a product we'd recommend, it would definitely be the Anker 757 PowerHouse. The Anker 757 PowerHouse is a long-lasting portable power station with ultra-durable electronic components, a smart temperature control system, and an impact-resistant structural design. With an ultra-powerful 1229Wh capacity, 1500 wattage capacity, and a swift recharge, it can charge up to 80% in just one hour. Besides, it has thirteen ports that can charge all your devices and appliances, making it the ideal solution to power during your entire hunting trip! This portable power station is a must-have as it's useful for outdoor camping and a reliable choice to navigate blackout situations at home.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Getting started on how to get into hunting may seem daunting at first, but with some patience and research, you will be ready for the field in no time!

There are plenty more resources beyond what was mentioned in this article, so take your time and figure out the best budget and gear before heading out. Happy hunting!

FAQ

Is it expensive to start hunting?

Hunting can be very cheap or expensive, depending on how much you want to put into it. The most costly part of it would be the gun itself. Most guns cost a few hundred dollars, while some more specialized and high-capacity guns will be more expensive.

The good news is that as a beginner, there's no real need to get anything too grand, and a simple rifle will do the job. Other things like camo clothes can be gotten at reasonable prices at Walmart or Amazon, so you can start with a reasonable budget and still get all the gear you need.

What is the easiest type of hunting?

Squirrel, rabbit, pheasant, turkey, duck, and whitetail deer are generally the easiest animals to hunt for beginners, and there may also be other smaller animals depending on where you live.

These animals were listed because they are easier to locate and approach and are safer than bigger games like elk or moose.

Can you make money as a hunter?

Wild game species that can be legally hunted usually cannot be sold but only harvested for personal consumption, and most people hunt for fun rather than profit.

Some ways to get paid as a hunter include hunting guide jobs, government-sponsored hunts, and selling trophy hides.