Need advice for first time hunt with no experience

[Bassbob]

I think it’s the same or similar in several states ( at least the 5 I’ve lived in), but then I started hunting with my Dad in 1958

I remember when the law took effect. I had already been hunting with my dad for years and suddenly I was supposed to take some class. I put it off for a long time. Then when I did go I took a couple younger kids with me so they could hunt. I was the first one done with the test ( I think it took me about 4 minutes) and I got 100%. The instructor asked me to be an instructor as there was a shortage. I refused.

 

[Recusant]

Lots of good information here. Have an area in mind that you’re going to hunt? Here in central Va there are lots of hunt clubs that accept new members. They lease large tracks of land and hunt with dogs to drive the deer to standers. But if you plan to still hunt and have private or public land that will be available come deer season then now is the time to start scouting it out. Learn the lay of the land and get familiar with its features. Now is the time to be in the woods before the leaves come out. Try to go out either before the sun comes up or go and sit in a spot before the sun goes down. Either way sit for several hours and see what moves. This kind of research will help determine whether that’s a good area to hunt. The deer’s basic defense is its ability to hear, see the slightest movement, and its sense of smell. You’ll have to learn to conceal yourself and be prepared to sit and be patient for hours on end. Hunting is an art that’s based on many skills and after a lifetime in the woods I’m still learning as well.

 

[HayesGreener]

One last bit of advice. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, Some days you eat the bear, some days the bear eats you.

 

[Shibadog]

Maybe consider some small game hunting to learn the basics. I had stalked, killed, and dressed dozens of squirrels and rabbits for the frying pan before I ever took my first deer. The basics are similar enough.

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Excellent advice. Take out a .22 (or better yet a small bore muzzleloader) and go squirrel hunting. It’s teach you patience and woodcraft that’ll come in very handy when you’re after ‘Ol mossy horns

 

[GRANxTIGER]

Excellent advice. Take out a .22 (or better yet a small bore muzzleloader) and go squirrel hunting. It’s teach you patience and woodcraft that’ll come in very handy when you’re after ‘Ol mossy horns

Yeah I am totally doing this, plus it's an excuse to add another tool to the collection.