Hunting wild game can be a challenge for all hunters, but especially for beginners. Aside from having enthusiasm, novice hunters need to learn about animal behavior, know their equipment and be trained in safety.
Here are some hunting tips for beginners to learn before heading outdoors.
Take a Hunting Beginners Course
Educate yourself with a local Hunter’s Safety Course before you go in the field. A course will teach you the basics of how to safely hunt different types of wild game.
Every state requires you to have a valid hunting license and several will request you take a safety course first. Hunting courses are good opportunities to learn proper techniques and pick up great tips from the pros. They also provide chances to meet potential hunting partners.
Learn the Specific Hunting Laws
One of the most important hunting tips for beginners is to learn about the laws and it is astounding how many don’t study them properly.
Different states have different hunting laws and regulations. Take the time to familiarize yourself with local laws so you don’t get penalized for something you should have known about.
Breaking hunting laws can get you into some serious trouble with state wildlife officials and you could end up with a hefty fine or have your hunting license revoked. Beginners shouldn’t take any chances their first time around. Always know the law and never be afraid to ask about anything that might be unclear.
Practice Gun Safety
Any inexperienced hunter who wants to be a professional must learn everything possible about their firearm, its maintenance and – most importantly – safety. Take an accredited gun safety course. You will learn more than hunting tips; you will learn life-saving information.
Gun safety rules are there for good reasons. Follow them to avoid serious trouble and ensure your safety and that of others. Beginners have more gun accidents than any other group, but even seasoned hunting experts need safety refreshers.
Practice Shooting
It’s one thing to track prey. It’s another to aim and shoot. It requires dedicated practice.
The common pattern for novice hunters is to borrow a gun, before buying one, to get a feel for what they like and don’t like.
Every weapon is different. Train with one only at a designated shooting range and practice your aim repeatedly under supervision. You will also learn how to quickly load and unload a gun, should a hunting situation ever call for it.
Beginners Need to Gain Hunting Experience and Tips
Now that you’ve taken a course, learned the laws and practiced your aim, it’s time to start hunting. A smart idea is to find an experienced hunting partner for the first few trips.
As a new hunter, spending time with an expert will teach you things that aren’t always covered in courses, even including specific methods and tips to lure prey with game calls. You discover what game hunting is really like in the elements. Besides, it’s good to have a friend to celebrate a clean shot.
Every hunter started as a beginner. Take the right courses, know the laws, and get tips from the best. Listen and learn and you won’t be a beginner for long.
Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Dan Thompson Game Calls.
