learning to hunt

[Fletcher]

I was fortunate in that my dad hunted a lot and always included me.  He didn't bowhunt tho, so I was kinda on my own for that.  My first suggestion would be to join your local archery club and state bowhunting organization.  You will find folks there that will be happy to introduce you to hunting and help you get started.  You could also do a search for and PM other TradGang members in your area.  Meet with them at some of the area shoots over the spring and summer.  Other than that, get out there and do it.  Don't get frustrated if success seems to elude you, just be sure to have fun and enjoy the journey.

[Mocsin1]

I was raised hunting from so young that I can't remember. So it has always been a part of my life. Like many has said the fastest way to learn is to get with someone who knows how to hunt. My advice would be 1st: Get to be as good as shot with your bow as you can. Go to 3D shoots and shoot with friends to help you learn to shoot under some pressure. Learn to shoot from hard angles and up and down hills or from a tree stand. 2nd: Get in the woods as much as possible. Just go out sit down and clear your mind and try to become a part of your surroundings. Study the animals you come in contact with. Watch how they move and how they react. Watch where they travel. Just try to learn where they like to be and how they get there. The most important thing is to have fun. Hunting is not about killing something every time you go out. Hunting is getting back to nature, relaxing and enjoying yourself, and when you do finally kill something always give thanks for it. Hope you enjoy your new life style. Once you start you will never be the same.

[LC]

I recieved my desire to hunt from my father who only gun hunted. But I learned to bowhunt on my own and from reading tons of bowhunting mags back in the day plus tons and tons of field experience. Back in the day it was the national average to take five years to kill your first big game animal. I was average for sure. Nowadays sadly most if not all bowhunting rags only tend to write articles that should be listed as info commercials selling stuff or telling you where to go to collect big bones or what the score was of their animal where they went. Sad really. I'd suggest small game hunting first. It's tons of fun and you will learn alot. Just picking any neighbor or someone who hunts  to mentor from might teach you more bad habits than it's worth, just be careful of who you learn from. It's a fun journey and  bowhunting especially will give you a great appreciation of this awesome place we live and call earth. Enjoy the ride.