It doesn’t take long reading various parts of this blog to realize one thing, I did not grow up hunting. Chances are you’re reading this because you didn’t either! I have been asked various times, how I began hunting, where did I start. You look online or the T.V. and you see displays of hunters, in head to toe gear, expensive weapons, and big game harvest. Chances are, from the outside looking in, all of this could be intimidating. I know at one time it was for me. I also know at one time, I was still afraid of the night, when the moon was not visible. Not too long ago, I wouldn’t have climbed 10 foot up anything, only to see myself 30-40 foot high in a tree just months ago. I could barely pick up a bow without needing to twirl it 5 times to doing the handle, and first lite was the same as sunrise to me. In my recent past a fawn was a yearling and deer never lost their antlers, more less grew them back. I could type for days on how I would advise getting started as a hunter. Fortunately like anythig else, hunting is a process, crawl before you walk, walk before you run. So here are the foundational points I would personally give anyone looking to get started as a hunter.
It can be tempting to some to skip this course, for various reasons. Maybe you have private land, maybe you have owned rifles your whole life etc. None of that matters when it comes to Hunter Education and how valuable this is. I promise, there is more to hunting than walking out , making a shot and dragging back. Also check to see if your state requires a bowhunter safety course as well where applicable. Number one value here is the handling and transportation of your guns. Please….Watch where you point it.
Forger the T.V, Facebook, your amazon streaming a hunting show. Stop , think….What terrain DO I HAVE WHERE I LIVE! Sounds simple right? Easy to understand? It’s easy to overlook actually. The environment we have will be the make or break in the ability to endure. For me in the South, I don’t have sand spurs to bother me. While in Oklahoma this past turkey season, I got my tail tore up with ,y pants being too thin and no layer to buffer the sticks. You don’t need subzero muck boots if you live in Florida etc. Think snakes temperature, wind and waterproof needs! Also….If you have low 20 degree weather and long hike to your hunting spot…Son’t wear your heavy layer going in. You will sweat climbing your tree, then freeze from it. Carry it in, I promise you will warm up on the walk without it. Once you climb your tree stand etc pull it up with your rifle once you have your climbing stand and harness set .
Continue reading How To Begin Hunting From My First Year Perspective from Her Humble Hunt here.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
