Hunting is a great skill to master whether it'll be for sport or recreation, learning to hunt has many benefits. But before you go plan a hunting trip with your buddies make sure to check this comprehensive list of what new hunters need to know about how to get into hunting! Read up so you don't look like a total rookie.
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How to Get Into Hunting 101
1. Undergo Hunter's Safety Education
Hunting is a dangerous sport. To prevent accidents and abuse of wildlife, the government regulates the sport to ensure only sound, mentally stable, and responsible individuals are allowed to hunt. That's where Hunter's Safety Education comes in.
Undergoing Hunter's Safety Education is the first thing any newbie hunter has to consider. This comes even before all the weapons, tactics, and techniques because you won't be able to hunt anywhere in the country without a license.
The course duration varies from state to state. However, in most cases, applicants can finish the program in around 10 hours from the comfort of their own home. This includes a combination of quizzes and lectures on wildlife identification/management, state laws/regulations, and moral rules/ethics when it comes to hunting animals for sport. You can sign up for a class online!
2. Sign up for a Mentorship Program
Most people learn how to go hunting for the first time from their father, older brother, or uncle. This is fine and all, but if no one in your family hunts, there's a good chance you'll go your whole life without anyone offering to teach you even the basics of the sport.
A good approach here is to find a mentor. There are plenty of legitimate instructors in the country. Look for licensed, certified professionals in your state, reach out to them, and see which one best suits your needs.
3. Know Your Weapon
Everyone knows the importance of weapons in hunting. Unless you're capable of knocking out wild animals using your bare hands—please don't try this— you'll need to have a weapon on hand.
Some of the essential hunting gear for beginners include a mix of knives, rifles, and handguns. Of course, you don't have to use them all. What's important is you can safely and efficiently wield these tools to your advantage when pitted against a wild animal.
4. Do Your Research
Contrary to what your old uncle from the countryside might say, reading books is a very essential activity for newbie hunters. Some great reads that'll teach you how to hunt, butcher, and cook include:
- Traplines: Coming Home to Sawtooth Valley
- Call of the Mild: Learning to Hunt My Own Dinner
- Hunt, Gather, Cook: Finding the Forgotten Feast
- The Best of Outside: The First 20 Years
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Once you've chosen a hunting club—or clubs— to join, inquire about the upcoming trips and strive to sign up for as many as you can. As with any other sport, the key to becoming great is practice. Yes, reading various books and resources is important, but there are many things you can only learn through experience.
Plus, you'll hone your decision-making skills. Reading about how to escape the attack of a wild animal is different from actually escaping one in the wild.
These are just some of the most essential tips to help beginners on their first hunting trip. Feel free to explore other guides and articles that explain how to get into hunting.
Overall, the goal should be to stay safe. Bring your weapons along, but leave your ego at home. Practice discretion when handling weapons such as knives and firearms, because otherwise, you'll put yourself and everyone around at risk.
Are you ready to go hunting? Check out this video for a list of gears you need for your hunting adventure:
Did this help clear up the misconceptions or misunderstandings about hunting? If you have any more questions on how to get into hunting, feel free to post them in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 23, 2020, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
