6 Things to Know When You Start Hunting

There is no age limit on having your first hunt, whether you’re 18 or 45. To have a successful hunt, you need to make sure you’re prepared for everything best tree stand for your hunting conditions.

There’s a great probability that your first hunt can turn into your first successful kill. You need to make sure you have everything you need. Before you embark on your hunting journey, you’ll need to check the regulations of the area you’re planning to hunt in. We have compiled a list of 6 things you need to know when you start hunting

1. Hunting License

Hunting is an extremely regulated activity, which means that hunters need a license to hunt wild animals like deer, squirrels, turkeys, and more. Each state has different requirements for buying a license, some only require a hunter’s education certificate. It doesn’t matter what your state requires, it’s always a great idea to take the course, as it teaches safe firearm handling, anatomy of the animals, placement of ethical shots, your state’s regulations, and a lot more. There are a few stages that you have to go through in order to get your hunting license. Step 1 is to pass a hunting education course, step 2 is to visit the website of your state’s wildlife agency for licensing information. Then, step 3 is to review license options like whether you’re a resident or not, you want a short-term license or an annual one, which species are you hunting for, etc. The last step is to check out and pay.

2. Do your Research

It’s always a great idea to do research beforehand because that’s the best way to gain knowledge about hunting. Talking to people will help you in finding the best spots, identifying the best seasons, and buying the right gear according to your needs. Also, talk to people on different forums to enhance your knowledge. If you know somebody who already hunts, begin from there and ask them to take you along, try to learn things from their experience and their tactics. If you don’t have anyone in your circle that can offer such facilitation, you can always look up the Internet. There are multiple channels on youtube and lots of reading material available online. 

3. Keep Practicing

Familiarize yourself with the whole process. Give yourself some time to learn about the deer’s behavior, how to stalk them, the best attractants to use, where to hang your treestand, how to handle the equipment, and about the area you are hunting in. Choosing where to hunt from is extremely important and if you’ll be hunting from a tree stand, make sure you choose the best tree stand for your hunting conditions.  Try different areas and figure out in which terrains you feel the most comfortable because the hunt will be slightly different in different areas. It is most likely that it will take a couple of tries before your successful hunt. If you’re hunting with a rifle, try taking up shooting classes before going into the wild. 

4. Buy Quality Gear and Equipment

The right gear and equipment enable you to hunt properly. Take advice and recommendations from an experienced hunter. This will save a lot of time for you that you would waste in trying everything and then figuring out what works best and what doesn’t. The smart approach is to not buy everything at once because every hunter has his/her own personal preferences. It is not absolutely necessary that gear and equipment that works for others would work for you as well. There’s a long list of things to be added to your hunting gear list when you start hunting. Every beginner needs a hunting guide to make sure he has all the essentials in place. Having the right gear makes a huge difference when you are out there in the woods stalking your prey.

5. Reduce Noise and Clear Obstructions

As a beginner, the most important thing you need to work on is eliminating noise as much as you can, and clearing obstructions so that you will have a clear view.  Wild animals such as deer have very sensitive noses and ears. They can even hear small noises from a distance and it is crucial that you move quietly once you spot your prey. Buy the equipment and gear that doesn’t make any noise. Clearing obstructions help in reducing the noises when you’re walking around to stalk your prey. When hunting, you don’t want anything that gives away your presence and alerts the animal.

6. Don’t Give Up

It can take a couple of tries before being successful in your first kill. It is a slow process and patience is the key. When you decide to be a hunter, be ready to remove every obstacle that is in your way. There will be days when you won’t even be able to sight any animal. The more you will go out, the more you will be able to learn about the animals and their behavior.

In the end, Hunting is a great sport and a rewarding hobby. It is a perfect distraction from your daily life and helps you focus and prioritize your goals.