Have you been contemplating learning hunting as an adult, but are not entirely sure where to start? Besides, nearly all guide books out there are geared toward showing sons and daughters how to hunt.
While it can be challenging to get into hunting when you are an adult, it is not impossible. If you are keen to learn the art of hunting as a grownup, then these tips will help you find your way.
How to Get Started as an Adult Hunter
Wouldn’t it be just awesome if you are the one who brings home venison for the pot or some other prized game?
Before you get too excited and sign up for a hunting expedition, you need to first learn the tricks of the trade by learning more about the tools you will be using, signing up for a hunters’ education course, and tagging along with an experienced hunter to see how it is done.
Do not forget to take along other essentials such as bug spray, compact cooking gear, first aid kits, flashlights, beef jerky, energy bars, and so forth. The more competent you become, the less gear you will need.
Following are some tips that are often suggested by experienced hunters:
- Enlist in a hunters’ safety course and a gun safety course. Speak to your local wildlife agency about enrolling yourself in a hunting course and have a word with your local police department regarding gun safety courses. In most states, you must have a Hunter Safety Certificate to allow you to purchase a license that is also your gateway to hunting. Taking this course is also an excellent way to become acquainted with other folks and getting an insider’s view of the tricks of the trade.
- Get familiar with your surroundings by visiting places where hunting is not allowed, but hiking and camping is. The whole idea is to learn how to read deer behavior without feeling pressured to squeeze the trigger at the same time. It is a brilliant way to ease yourself into getting into the field and discovering how to pick stand sites and practicing stalking.
- Become a keen observer by studying books on hunting and learning as much as you can about this art. No doubt, this would include educating yourself on how to find your way in the field and how to clean your kill. Ask questions by approaching wardens or game biologist that are employed by your local county regarding wildlife behavior.
- Try your hand at various types of hunting trips by testing out whether you would love hunting elk or quail more. It is a case of trying out different styles until you find one you like the most.
- Ask someone you know to show you the ropes and hunt with their shotguns and rifles until you are a hundred percent sure that you will take up hunting regularly. Generally, it is best to buy your hunting gear once you’ve learned what to do and can make an informed decision that will be based on experience.
Get Yourself Geared Up and Ready for Action
You may want to wear what you’ve got at first, such as your crew jacket and a set of comfortable pants that is also hard-wearing. Just ensure your clothing is not brightly colored and will keep you warm and dry. Also in case you bring home any unnecessary passengers after your expedition, it might be a good idea to invest in some bed bug spray to treat your gear bag when you get home.
Sign Up with Conservation Organizations
Learn from the best by approaching organizations such as White Tail Unlimited or Ducks Unlimited. Duck hunters in the West Coast can look up the California Waterfowl Association. These organization will teach you all you need to know concerning the animals you will be hunting. You can book outings where you will be exposed to various types of hunting expeditions.
Two Options for Learning to Hunt as an Adult
You are left with two approaches when wanting to learn how to hunt. If you have hardly any time but enough money to spare, then you can request a big game ranch to take you around and teach you how to shoot an elk, buffalo, or gazelles. You will learn how to load your gun and where to point it.
The more economical choice is to make use of someone else’s gun to figure out what it is like to hunt before accumulating your own hunting gear.
Hunting is great fun as long as you bear in mind that you are the person who holds the life of another being in your hands, which is the prime reason why you should engage in these activities in a responsible manner.
Resources — ManTripping, GearJunkie, Robb Wolf