Hunting for beginners… It seems like a simple subject, but there is a lot to learn for any hunter, and the learning process never ends. After hunting for a couple years, I am still learning. But we all have to start somewhere. Beginner hunters, start here.

I’ll do my best to teach you well, but if you are a hunter who began hunting as an adult, your experience could be very valuable to others.

First Step: Find a Hunter Education Course!

The best first step for a beginner hunter would be to attend a hunter education course, sometimes known as a hunter safety course. For more information on this, check out britishcolumbia. This should help you understand more about hunting and wildlife.

Although an online introduction is no replacement for taking an actual hunter education course in person. Be sure to check with your provincial wildlife agency to find a hunter education course near you.

Find a Mentor; Be an Apprentice

In most cases, a non-hunter can accompany a licensed hunter in the field, if you can find a mentor, go along with him or her without your gun and simply watch them hunt.  This will let you get a feel for hunting and see what it’s like. Some states even offer “apprentice licenses,” which allow people who have not completed a hunter education course to give hunting a try. although I still  recommend taking the course beforehand.

Know the Regulations!!!!

You need to look at your provincial license requirements and make sure you can meet them. This will also help you understand what’s required of you as far as licensing and hunter education goes. While you’re there, review the regulations for the species you’d like to hunt, and be aware that a province wide season may very well not apply to Crown hunting land, such as Wildlife Management Units (WMU).

Many WMUs have unique restrictions on when and what you can hunt, which may differ from province wide seasons and which may apply only to private land. Find out what kind of equipment is allowed; some areas allow any hunting tool, while others are very restrictive, even when other parts of the Province may allow the use of a wider selection of hunting tools.

Review Gun Safety Rules

Before you handle a gun, make sure you read and understand the rules of firearm safety. It is always a good idea to review these rules from time to time. Even if you are experienced with guns. Don’t forget that most of these basic safety rules also apply to archery equipment such as bows and crossbows.

Practice!

Okay, so now you’ve fired a few shots from a gun,  maybe you’re well-versed in its use from prior experience. Either way, you need to practice with it to become proficient. Go to your local range and get started.

Don’t Hurry Out to Buy a Gun!

You should practice with borrowed guns before you buy your own. If you have friends and family who will go to the range with you and let you shoot their guns that is ideal. If not, try calling some local ranges. Tell them you don’t have a gun but you would like to try shooting. Many ranges offer gun rental, and some provide loaners. So give it a try. Make sure the gun you buy is appropriate for the game (Species) you plan to hunt.

 

Learn the Area

If possible, get out in the woods before the season opens and take a look around. Scout out some nice view points or meadows depending on the animal you will be hunting. Learn the terrain, and look for signs of the animals you’ll be hunting. Be sure to read the regulations first! to be sure you’re allowed to go in there. Some public areas have severely restricted access.

Get Your Hunting License

You need to get a license before you can legally hunt. As mentioned earlier, check your Provincial hunting regulations to find out what’s required of you. There may be special licenses and permits for certain types of hunting. For example, hunting with archery equipment or a muzzleloader often requires extra fees. Do your research beforehand so you know everything that’s required before you head out to hunt.

Get your Gear Together!

You will need some basic gear in order to begin hunting, including comfortable clothing, a strong sharp knife, good footwear, light rope, gun or bow and ammo/arrows, etc. But you absolutely do not need to go out and spend a pile of money on the latest camouflage!

Expensive gear is not necessary. Make sure you can stay warm, dry and comfortable, and that you can perform all the tasks you need to do (including retrieving, dressing and preserving any game you take).

Start Small

Small game hunting is a great way for a beginner hunter to learn, because it usually offers more opportunities, and a greater chance for success. It also provides a successful hunter with an idea of what’s to come. Should you keep hunting and move on to larger animals in the future? or you may decide hunting isn’t your thing. Some people may not be suited to hunting, it’s better to find that out after shooting a grouse or rabbit than after a moose or deer.

Small game hunting also provides a great practice and experience for woodcraft skills, such as stealth and finding your way around the woods.

Learn More About Hunters and Hunting

Make sure you read up on hunting and hunters. It is always good to listen to other hunters opinions, and strategies! The more ways you know how to do things differently the quicker you can find/come up with your own way.

Enjoy!

Get out there and enjoy yourself! I think you’ll find that hunting is one of the very best ways to spend time. It will provide you with a better understanding of (and a greater appreciation towards) wildlife and how animals live in the wild, and a deeper appreciation for all types of life. It will also help you stay more in touch with your roots. Hunting is natural and has been a part of human life and existence ever since the beginning. So why not admire it?

Don’t forget to always be respectful towards the animals because they are providing you, and or your family with 100% natural food. It is the best feeling to provide your family, and to share your knowledge among the younger generation.

Please note,

There are people out there who are against hunting and that is okay. Not everyone is going to look at it the same way you do, and so you have to remain respectful towards others opinions at all times.