As a noble pursuit, hunting helps you learn a lot about surviving and independence. There’s the opportunity to learn essential outdoor skills, solve complex problems, and keep you physically active all in one session. This might also be why you want to take up hunting as a pastime in the first place.
If that’s the case, then you need to be on the right track in learning everything there is to know about the art of hunting wild game. To make the most of the experience, it pays to get started on the basics. As a first-time hunter, you must check out the guide below before heading out into the woods.
1. Start with the easiest game
If you’re new to the sport, starting with the easiest animals is important. The reason why you will need to begin with pheasants or turkeys is that you need to develop basic firearm skills which include safety and marksmanship. You can only progress to the bigger game once you have gained considerable experience with smaller critters.
2. Get a good gun
Much of your effectiveness as a hunter is attributed to your marksmanship skills, but in most cases, it’s the type of firearm you use that trains you to become better. With that being said, take time to choose a hunting rifle that suits you along with accessories like scopes and a hard rifle case.
As a beginner, you might come across more experienced hunters recommending the Ruger 10/22 which was once a standard within the hunting community. Another ideal option within the bolt-action category is the Remington 783 which has a more subdued recoil. If you have room in your budget, go for an AR-15 which is also great for beginners who are starting with fast-moving game like rabbits and deer.
3. Review local and national hunting laws
There are hunting rules and no one is exempted from complying. That includes beginners like yourself. To avoid running afoul of the law, you need to make sure you have acquired the necessary licenses. You need one for owning a firearm and another that allows you to legally hunt in certain areas across the country. A separate license might also be required at the national level if you’re opting to hunt migratory birds, especially within Canadian territories. It looks like much work on your part, but being a hunter also means being a good steward of nature.
4. Don’t go without a mentor
The worst mistake you will ever commit as a first-time hunter is to go out on your own. There’s excitement in that, but from a realistic vantage point, you will expose yourself to numerous risks lurking in the surroundings. You may also haven’t learned enough about surviving in the wild, so you should go with a group or an experienced hunter on your first shoot. Apart from practical advice, you will also have someone to support you when things don’t go according to plan.
Endnote
Hunting is a rite of passage to some, but if you have other reasons, then it’s a pastime you can enjoy. You just have to learn these tips as you prepare for the next hunting season.
