I was sure that swimming was fun and easy to do when I noticed other neighborhood kids swimming in a nearby pond. I told my father that I want to go swimming in the pond. He asked me about my plan. I told him that I would directly jump into the pond and start swimming.
He smiled at me and said, “I will help you get started”. The next day he enrolled me in swimming classes and I learned the basics of swimming and got trained to perfection. Now I realize why my dad smiled at me that day.
It doesn’t matter if you are 14 or 40 and you’re thinking about entering the hunting world, you must be wondering how to get started. Maybe you’re thinking about what all gear you will need to hunt. Buying the necessary hunting gear is a secondary task; your primary job is to learn how to hunt, and where to hunt. Answers to these questions can be tricky if you do not know anyone who has been involved in hunting before.
Let’s get started
Type of hunting – There are several types of hunting like bird hunting, small game, big-game. Then comes the question of the weapon to use. Generally you can use a crossbow, bow, a shotgun, or a rifle.
- Safety – In most states, you need to attend a proper hunting course to get your Hunter Safety Card. The Hunter Safety Card is proof that you have gone through the course and you are capable of ensuring your safety. This course is valid in all states and is very expensive. You can also opt for online courses and learn at your own pace.
- Gain knowledge from experts – Find and talk to people who are experts in the field because a simple course won’t make you ready to go for a hunt right away. Experts will tell you about their experiences, and you gain valuable insights about the terrain and the right gear for your type of hunt.
- Practice with experts – Nobody is going to complete a successful big-game hunt all alone at the initial stage. Go on hunts with experts and learn by asking questions, taking advice and watching. Only expert guidance and supervision can help you become a trained hunter.
- Take time – Don’t give up if your initial hunts do not go as planned. First hunts are likely to fail, but it is these experiences that help you learn and grow. The best hunters will tell you that there are always some uncertainties that cannot be seen and there are high chances that you’ll fail during your initial hunts. We all are humans, and everyone learns at his own pace.
- Rules – States have their own hunting rules and regulations. Always have a deep understanding of the rules that need to be followed and permissions to be taken. In certain cases, there is a need to seek permission from landowners as well.
- Weapon – Choose your weapon wisely and according to the type of hunt you wish to go for. For example, if you want to go for a deer hunt, start with a rifle. A rifle is one of the easiest ways to get the job done. After gaining expertise, try different weapons (such as a standard bow or crossbow).
- Gears and accessories – Correct gear and accessories are as necessary as the weapon. They are helping hands in a successful hunt. Choosing the right equipment involves using the right jacket, tactical pants, backpacks, boots, binoculars and the like.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that practice makes perfect. The job is not done just by reading about hunting and selecting necessary weapons and accessories. Go on hunting trips with people who are in this for a while, make mistakes, have fun and learn.
Good hunting.
