As hunting season approaches, you may start to feel excited but also overwhelmed, especially if this will be your first season. Hunting is a fun sport that can be very rewarding, but it does require some knowledge, preparation, and respect for not only other hunters around you, but also wildlife.
Whether you are planning on hunting small or large game, having the right gear, following safety precautions, and understanding local regulations will ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.
In this article, we will cover how you can prepare for hunting season and this beginners checklist will help remind you and keep you on track so that you are ready on day one.
Learn Local Hunting Regulations
Before you even set foot out in the field, you need to make sure that you fully understand and know all of the local hunting regulations and rules. These rules are in place to ensure your safety, the safety of other hunters, and to conserve wildlife. Regulations are often set by the local governmental agency in charge of where you plan to hunt, but these regulations can vary in different areas, so you must do your research and know the regulations.
Remember, simply not knowing is not an excuse.
Things to Research and Understand:
- Licenses and Permits: Many areas require that you have a hunting license or permit in order to participate during hunting season. Sometimes, you may also be required to place special tags on certain game. You always want to make sure your license is valid as you hunt because you never know if you will be asked to present your license.
- Hunting Season: Make sure you know when hunting season starts and ends and for what species. Typically, hunting seasons are divided up based on species such as turkey, deer, small game, etc.
- Bag Limits: This refers to the number of animals that you, as a hunter, are allowed to harvest. Make sure that you know this number and do not exceed it as hefty fines may be the penalty.
- Hunting Methods: Certain methods of hunting are allowed during certain times, so you must pay attention to what methods are allowed. For example, hunting with a bow or hunting from a tree stand may be prohibited during certain months.
- Hunter Education: Some areas require that first-time hunters take a course before they can be issued a license or permit. Make sure to find out if your area requires this so that you can complete the class well before hunting season starts.
Find the Right Area to Hunt and Set Up Your Equipment
Hunting is more than just finding a field and shooting down some game. In fact, hunters spend quite a bit of time finding the perfect spot to hunt during hunting season and this is something you will need to do as well.
Before hunting season starts, you want to make sure you know the terrain of where you plan to hunt. To do this, you should scout out the area and look for not only places to set up, but also evidence of animals tracks and feeding. Some hunters find it useful to set up trail cams to assist them in deciding if an area is ideal for hunting.
You also want to make sure you have a GPS and device with you, especially if you plan to go to an unknown area. The GPS device can help you navigate and will also keep track of where you are should an emergency occur.
Once you have found the area you are comfortable hunting in, you should spend some time setting up your equipment such as any tree stands or ground blinds that you will use. While some tree stands are portable, you want to go ahead and set something up before you start to hunt so that you have a place to go – this is especially true for more permanent tree stand fixtures. This way, if you need to move spots, you will have time to do so.
Choose the Right Gear and Have It Ready
Having the right gear can make or break the hunting season for you, so as a beginner, it is important to make sure you spend time BEFORE the season starts getting ready. You want to invest in quality equipment that is going to keep you comfortable, safe, and efficient.
Here are some basics to keep in mind:
Firearm or Bow
If you do not already have your weapon of choice, you will need to spend some time deciding what it is you plan to use. Both a firearm and bow have advantages and disadvantages, so only you will be able to decide what works best for you. It is better to try both options out unless you are already set on which one you want to choose.
Once you have your weapon of choice, you want to make sure you have more than enough ammunition or arrows for the weapon. Make sure that you choose the correct ammunition for your rifle or the correct arrowheads for your bow.
Before you go out to hunt, spend time adjusting your firearm or bow to meet your needs. This means adjusting any scope you plan to use and making adjustments to the trigger, string, or any other element of your weapon that will improve your shot.
Hunting Apparel
When it comes to hunting, both camouflage and comfort are key. You do not want to be spotted, and you do not want to be uncomfortable.
As you pack up to go hunting, make sure you include a variety of clothing options to match the weather conditions. Remember, you can always take layers away or add layers, but if you do not have them with you, you can’t do either thus resulting in a bad hunting experience.
Make sure to include this hunting apparel:
- Weatherproof gear such as a durable jacket, weatherproof boots, and gloves
- Camouflage clothing and masks that match your surroundings
- Proper hunting boots that are ideal for long distances and rugged terrain
Hunting Kit
A hunting kit can be any combination of things that you will need out in the field. These additional items will aid you in making sure that you have a great hunting experience and that you do not feel like you are not prepared.
Some items to include in your hunting kit include:
- First aid kit with medications
- Bright orange safety gear
- Binoculars
- Rangefinder
- Headlamp or a flashlight
- Food
- Hydration such as water or a Camelback
- Hunting knife and sharpener
- Fire starter kit
Practice, Practice, and Practice
Hunting is not a sport where you can just show up, shoot off your rifle or bow, and win. In fact, hunting takes a lot of practice to really become accurate.
During the off season you should plan to spend a lot of time at the range to practice your rifle or bow skills. You want to make sure that you feel proficient with your weapon and that any adjustments that need to be made are made so that you are ready to go on day one.
As you practice, make sure that you are also conditioning yourself to be able to be out in the elements and also hold your rifle or bow. These weapons can get heavy over time and a fatigued hunter is not going to make the shot.
Remember to Practice Ethical Hunting
Hunting is fun, it is a great way to engage in a traditional sport, and it can help provide you with food for your family, but it is important not to forget that there is an ethical component to hunting and you need to familiarize yourself with this and practice it.
First and foremost is a respect for wildlife.
Fair Chase: This is a phrase that is used to refer to hunters always making sure to strive for a fair chase, which means that they will avoid tactics that give them an unfair advantage over the game that they are hunting.
Field Dressing: If you plan to harvest an animal, it is important that you do so in a timely and proper manner to preserve the meat and prevent spoilage.
Second is conservation awareness.
Leave No Trace: This refers to hunters leaving no sign of them being there. This means that you will pick up all of your trash and equipment when you are done. You should leave no litter behind. You want to help preserve the environment and the wildlife there – not harm their environment.
Contribute to Wildlife Conservation: This is a principle where you may make a commitment at some point to help out wildlife organizations or you may want to consider donating or volunteering some time to help local wildlife organizations. This is not a requirement, but some hunters do engage in regularly giving back.
Prepare Yourself Physically and Mentally
Hunting can be physically and mentally draining, especially if you are not prepared for it. As a beginner to hunting, you want to make sure you spend as much time preparing yourself as possible for the upcoming season.
Here are some tips and ideas to help you get into the best shape possible.
Physical Preparation
- Flexibility – Work on your flexibility by stretching and practicing different positions and poses you may find yourself in. For instance, you may need to lay at a certain angle for quite some time to get the perfect shot and if you are not stretching for this, you may find your body is quite sore. Practicing stretching and flexibility can allow you to sit or stand for hours.
- Endurance – Long hours sitting in a stand, hiking, and climbing require physical stamina. You can prepare for this by engaging in regular cardiovascular activity, hiking with your gear, and strength training.
Mental Preparation
- Emotional Control – Controlling your emotions is important when it comes to hunting. If you are unsuccessful, it is important to avoid becoming frustrated or giving up – it happens quite often too. Just the same, if you do have a successful hunt, make sure to handle the game with respect and so know that dressing and processing an animal, especially for the first time, can be an emotional process.
- Patience – You need patience to hunt and a lot of it. You need to mentally prepare yourself to sit for long periods of time without any interaction with an animal. You will need to stay quiet and free of movement too, which can be mentally taxing for people. Before hunting season begins, practice meditation or take time and engage in different exercises that test your patience and build mental stamina.
Hunting Season Approaches Quick So Get Ready
Preparing for hunting season, especially as a beginner, will take some time. You must make sure that you fully understand the regulations and laws surrounding hunting in your area and you must spend time not only packing up your gear and making sure your weapon is ready but that you are physically and mentally prepared.
While it does seem like a lot of prep work, it will pay off in the end when you have a successful hunting season. And remember, always respect wildlife and hunt in an ethical way. With the right knowledge, information, and attitude, beginner hunters can enjoy hunting game every season.
