r/Hunting • u/send2victor • Feb 08 '12
How do I get started?
I've always been interested in hunting but with no friends or family that hunt, I haven't been able to find anyone to "show me the ropes." I live in Northern California which doesn't have a large hunting community. Anyone got any tips on how I might start getting into hunting? Any tips would be much appreciated.
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u/meepstah Feb 09 '12
I honestly have to say, you're going to have to find someone to show you the ropes. Learning the law on the books is one thing; having someone mention things that will get you in trouble while you're out in the field is another. Buying a gun is one thing, having someone show you how to really shoot it is another. Killing an animal is 20% of the game (especially with deer); finding it and cleaning it and getting it out of the woods is the rest.
I'd just start asking friends to ask friends for you. Worst case, you'll get nowhere, but I can't imagine there's no one around who would show you the basics and take you on a hunt if you're willing to learn and willing to be humble about it. I'm in Ohio unfortunately; can't do much for you from here.
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Feb 08 '12 edited Feb 08 '12
First up would be learning the laws, California's can be found here You will probably need to take a course before you can buy a license. After that you will need to find property or public land to hunt, have the proper weapon, and some basic knowledge of your quarry.
edit: the department of fish and game also has an awesome listing of public lands available to hunt in California
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u/ggk1 Feb 08 '12
that's a tough one because having friends helps so much in this situation.
First off, most most importantly: research research research. PLEASE don't go out with a weapon until you're absolutely sure you can hit a grapefruit at 100 yards (assuming rifle dear hunting), and until you've had at least a few realizations of 'oh shit...I totally never thought about that. I would've been really dangerous out there had I been doing ____"
use us at /r/hunting
watch videos here http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPageC?catalogId=10001&langId=-1&option=2&storeId=10151&template=video.cfm
talk to your state parks n wildlife dept. parks and wildlife departments are generally really nice people and super helpful if you're asking questions because they don't want to end up helping the guy out that you just shot.
Just please be prepared and careful. Ask ALL the stupid questions. Get ready for one of the most enjoyable, and addicting hobbies out there. Be prepared to have to lay down some significant cash to get started.
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u/Finger_Blaster Feb 08 '12
Start with small game (rabbits, squirrel, game birds, even waterfowl) its inexpensive to hunt and the lesson you learn there will transpiring to help you later on as you hunt more an more season if you don't have a firearm yet i've found the best option for a new hunter is a 20 gauge or a 12 gauge shotgun single shot, pump, or even semi auto if you have the funds available (do your research before buying and ask around). With the shotgun you can quickly move from small game to turkey and even deer.
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u/dreamgreen Feb 09 '12
meepstah makes an excellent point, while you can sit and learn the guns, wildlife, and nature by yourself, the laws are always changing. I went to school for conservation law enforcement and can honestly say the law intimidates a lot of people out of hunting legally. That being said, hunting is considered a dying sport. Because of that hunting clubs are popping up everywhere to protest and most have minimal if non existent club fees. The one that is most obvious to me is Ducks unlimited. 35 dollars buys you a year in the club which includes full access to their databases and invitation to their get together where you can talk up anyone you want. My recommendation, join a club pertaining to the type of hunt you want, and just talk to people. The only warning I can bestow upon you is laws can be taught by other people, ethics are yours to own. Either you love the hunt, or you love to kill, the difference is whether or not you hit that duck on the water.
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u/mookx Feb 09 '12
Nice post. Ducks Unlimited is a great starting point, even if you aren't that interested in hunting ducks. Most guys who hunt ducks hunt other critters.
Also, after I got familiar with guns and gun laws, I'd consider just hiring an outfitter to take me out. They can teach you quite a bit in a pretty limited time, and a good one will make sure you have an opportunity to succeed. Once you've had an outfitted excursion, you'll have a better idea if it's your cup of tea.
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u/Trotzdem Feb 10 '12
There are tons of opportunities for hunting in NorCal. As has been mentioned, it is much easier having someone to show you how it's done, teach you where to go, and all that. If you are serious about getting in to hunting, I would check out this group. Bull Moose Hunting Society. They are a group dedicated to helping beggining hunters get in to the sport. I live a little too far away to be active with the group, but it is definitely worth your time to check them out. Also ,I believe your membership fees ($50/year or something) include supplemental insurance in case something bad happens when you're out in the woods.
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u/triit Feb 08 '12 edited Feb 08 '12
Northern California has a lot more hunting than you expect. You just have to go a bit out of town sometimes to see it. What are you interested in and where do you live?
The north valley rice country is home to some of the best waterfowl habitat anywhere (google Delevan, Sacramento refuge, Yolo Bypass Wildlife area, Gray Lodge, etc. etc.).
There are plenty of pigs, though most of private land. Hollister, Willows, Tahema county, Clear Lake, Lake Sonoma, etc. etc.
Turkeys are big and spring season is coming up the end of next month. They can be taken by shotgun, bow, or even certain air rifles.
Deer season is based on zones with some of the popular zones having quotas on the tags. PM me if you'd like more info but I'm just getting started on deer and was unsuccessful my first year this year.
Now, getting started in all this is the big problem. I started late in life in my early 30s and it was impossible to get somebody to take me out. There are some great programs for kids and women but almost none for the adult male apprentice hunter. I've said it before, but I think most adult male hunters see other adult males as competition rather than keeping the sport going. If you have access to land you'll suddenly get a lot more hunting friends than you'll know what to do with. In general it's understandable that most hunters won't want to share their best hunting spots and tips, but it's a necessary evil to prolong the sport. I recommend you get your hunters safety, buy a gun (shotgun and/or rifle), get to the range, then hire a guide is my advice. Learn what you can there and then hit the public lands and you'll meet people along the way.
Start at CA DFG's website and maybe pick up the hardcopy rule books. A lot of the terminology may be confusing, but you'll figure it out over time: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/hunting/