New Hunter Resources and Tips
It can be extremely difficult to get into hunting, regardless of what age you are doing it at. But while it is challenging, it is not impossible! Luckily there are plenty of different resources out there to help you, as well as some simple tips to get you started out on the right foot. Let’s take a look at some of these resources, as well as a few tips to help you get started!
Hunter’s Education
First things first, one of the best ways to get educated in hunting is to take a hunter’s education course. Every state has their own hunter’s ed program, and many actually require that you take it before being legally allowed to go hunting. Even if it is not legally required, it is still a great idea to take it as it is a wealth of knowledge from experienced hunters.
But while a hunter’s ed course is sometimes required to hunt, it will generally revolve around things like gun and hunter safety. If you want more in depth hunting strategies and tactics, you will have to check into the other resources!
Hunting Programs and Camps
Many states offer state-sponsored programs and camps to help hunters learn and progress in the areas they are hunting. Many times these programs and camps are designed to give mentored hunting experiences with newer hunters to teach them how to get started in the field. It is a good idea to check into what programs and camps are going on in the state that you plan to hunt, as these can be some of the best learning experiences out there!
Guides and Outfitted Hunts
If money is not a concern, one of the quickest and easiest ways to learn how to hunt is to go with an experienced guide or outfitter. These hunters make their living by hunting with others and teaching them the tips of the trade. While this is the most expensive option, it will give you the best opportunity to learn from the pros and skip many of the hard parts of the learning process along the way. Of course, there are a few other ways to go about learning without spending the money too!
Find a Mentor
Much like hiring a guide, finding a good mentor could accelerate your learning and get you started on the right foot. Even better, most mentors will not charge you for their time either and will generally do it as a favor. So ask all of your friends and family to find out if any of them are hunters, and if they are, ask them if you can tag along on their next hunt. Most are happy to have the extra help!
Final Thoughts
Getting your start in hunting can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. With all of the different resources that are out there, in addition to getting a great mentor, you can rest assured that you will know everything you need to to get off on the right foot!
