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Tips for a person interested in hunting ?

YoungTaxidermy

Junior Member
2
0
Ive been slingshotting birds since I was 10ish but I've never really went on a hunt. I'd love some advise on how to start! I'm 18 and a girl. I've fired guns before and I know how to work them and I'm a pretty good shot. I'd like advise on how to start off at being a hunter. Tips and tricks from experienced hunters would be awesome
 

bigten05

*Supporting Member*
3,675
151
knox county ohio
Start out with small game squirrel hunting is what alot of us started with. You can learn alot watching the woods wake up. If you interested in deer hunting walk your areas and find the most sign you see and set up there. Keep it simple and fun.
 

Bigslam51

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
25,778
127
Stark County
Welcome! Like bigten said, small game hunting would be a great start. I started on rabbits before I ever deer hunted. While you're out take mental notes of any animal sign you see, deer tracks, rubs, scrapes, beds, trails, etc. Knock on plenty of doors in hopes of gaining access to some private ground. If and when you do get granted permission to hunt, scout the hell out of it.
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,720
248
Ohio
Access to hunting ground is one of the biggest hurdles. As stated, tons of info on this website. Small game hunting is a great way to start. Just being in the woods and observing nature is good for the soul whether you shoot an animal or not.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
Welcome! Small game will lead you to the more expensive things. Dove hunting is also a good time for a new hunter.

What area of the state are you thinking? I'm sure some of us would be more then happy to point you towards what to expect from public land. Some land is good, others...not so much.

My number 1 tip for a new/young hunter would be to keep your camera handy. You can really pass some time out in nature with a camera.
 

Jackalope

Dignitary Member
Staff member
38,841
260
The number one thing you need to do is enjoy yourself and have fun. Never lose sight of that.

The number two thing is ask yourself why. If you're walking and jump a deer go over there and look around. Ask yourself why was that deer here. Look at the plant tips to see if they've been eaten. Are a lot of them eaten? Was tge deer laying here?

If you see a squirrel in a tree ask yourself why that tree. Is it an oak, a walnut, maybe a beech tree. Never stop asking yourself why.
 

Dannmann801

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
10,640
191
Springboro
Find a mentor. Maybe someone who can take you out and show you some ropes, or talk through all your questions.

Sign up and attend a Hunter Safety Course. You can do the course online, but you might learn more and interact with others if you attend in person. Either way, you gotta do it once to get a license.

If you're near a sportsmens club/rod & gun club, go do some trap shooting and talk to some folks.
Know someone who likes to fish? They might also be a hunter.

One great thing about sportmen (and women), when they find another with the common interest they LOVE TO TALK about it. Just ask a question then listen.

If you want to go deer hunting, join this group in Athens OH on the weekend of October 20/21/22. You could tag along with someone, hang out, or if you wanted to go all-in and buy a license and tag as an apprentice we'd make arrangements to have you tag along. Can someone post a link to the thread about the Stroud's hunt?

Next time you're in the sporting goods section at Walmart or at a Dick's Store or anywhere that sells hunting gear and hunting licenses, ask for a copy (they're free) of the Ohio Hunting Regulations. The regs are online, but a paper copy is best for reference. Must Have Item.
 
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