New Yorker looking for some guidance

[Firemandivi]

I’m 33 and have never hunted anything before, I’m hoping its never to late to get started though.  I’m looking for someone to give me some guidance and listen to some very beginner questions.  I’ve read a couple of books but that only gets you so far.  I’m looking to hunt deer by stalking as I can’t see myself sitting in a blind or tree stand for hours at a time.  I would like to hunt turkey also but I see that stalking isn’t really safe when hunting them, at least that’s what NYSDEC says.

Either way if I don’t take anything I’ll still be happy just to be in the woods.  If there is anyone in the Hudson Valley area who hunts like that and is willing to spend some time sharing their experience and helping a new hunter learn I would greatly appreciate it.  

Thank you.

[Skipmaster1]

There are plenty of great guys in the area. I'm sure more than a few of them will be willing to help you out. I'm in westchester county and would be willing to help in any way I can.

[ron w]

I'm most likely to far north for you ,but I will help you any way I can.I spend most of my time on the ground in natural blinds or still hunting in areas where there are very few deer. Feel free to contact me.

[Recurve50 LBS]

You will find a bunch of guys on this site who are willing to give you advise. There are also some guys here that live in your area so you might be able to meet them.

[Scattergun2570]

Originally posted by Firemandivi:
I’m 33 and have never hunted anything before, I’m hoping its never to late to get started though.  I’m looking for someone to give me some guidance and listen to some very beginner questions.  I’ve read a couple of books but that only gets you so far.  I’m looking to hunt deer by stalking as I can’t see myself sitting in a blind or tree stand for hours at a time.  I would like to hunt turkey also but I see that stalking isn’t really safe when hunting them, at least that’s what NYSDEC says.

Either way if I don’t take anything I’ll still be happy just to be in the woods.  If there is anyone in the Hudson Valley area who hunts like that and is willing to spend some time sharing their experience and helping a new hunter learn I would greatly appreciate it.  

Thank you.

I am from Queens NY,,Turkey Hunting is what I do the most..So any questions you have I will help you out.

[Firemandivi]

Thanks for the info, I hope to eventually meet up with some of the people in my area.

[1/4 away]

Jeremy, I'm in the lower Hudson Valley. I hunt deer & turkey but from the ground & treestands. If I can answer any questions for you let me know. Fred

[Pope Co.]

Here's my two cents. First, get with some of these local guys so they can mentor you. Second, when hunting for deer, consider hunting from a tree stand the first few seasons. I have a few reasons for this. You have to learn to be "still". I mean "stone still". And when you do move (like scratching your nose) you have to learn to move in slow motion. You have to learn not to be figitey. A deer will spot you from far off if your moving. If your in a tent it will not be as important to develop these skills. Then when you have learned to be still, move in slow motion and not make any unnecesary movement then start stalking.

Most likely you will have to hunt turkeys from a blind. There might be some folks that can sneak up on a turkey, but I think you would have to be a ghost to do it. Turkeys are keener in this area. The reason I say that is this. How many times have you been walking in the woods and walked up on some deer and you were closer than you would expect before they took off. With turkeys you never just walk up on them. Another way to put it is this, you might be scouting for turkey and your convinced there isn't any in your woods. The reason you think so is because you never see any. But after some time goes by you find physical sign, such as scat, tracks or scratching.

Continue to ask questions. Read this forum everyday. I learn things from these guys all the time. You'll get there.

[LongStick64]

Best advice is to first understand you will make mistakes, lot's of them, and that is completely normal. Hunting in this area is not a high percentage sport. The deer will win more than you.

So if you are humble enough to not get discouraged, find some decent property and get out there. Do it year round if your can. Read about deer behaviour and take a walk in the woods. The more you encounter deer, the more they will teach you. There aren't any shortcuts but the schooling is fun. I've been at it for 30 years and I still learn a thing or two.

Learn to read deer sign and follow a trail, pay attention to food sources and security areas, after that it's all in the wind and your patience.

Stalking for Whitetails in this area is real tough, because every snap of twig, rustle of leaves will give you away. You need alomost perfect conditions to get any decent result. It is far easier to get a shot at a deer coming towards your direction that you sneaking up to a deers position. Not saying it can't be done but the odds are completely in the deers favor. And I like I said if you don't mind getting busted by the deer and you consider that a good day, then that will work. But if you want a chance of success, you really need to work on the patience part.
My technique has been to get down with my back to a wide enough tree and zone out, not sleep but get into a completely relaxed state, as if I was in a hammock on a summer afternoon. When the birds are landing close by and the squirrels and chipmunks run over your legs, mission accomplished.

[ron w]

Hunt where there are some deer............Better yet ,hunt where there are lots of deer.

[Firemandivi]

Thanks for the recommendations.  I like the idea of a mentor, and I'll do my best to meet up with some of the local guys this spring.  As for stalking, I've spent a lot of time in the woods hiking, bushwhacking, etc.  I've wanted to hunt for years and am finally now able to.  All of my time spent in the woods I would always try to be quiet as possible to see what kind of animals I could find.  A few times I've been able to get within 5 yards of deer and 10 yards of turkey.  So I know I'm capable of it just never tried it with a bow in my hand and during hunting season, which I'm told is the difficult part.

I know I'll make more mistakes than most and it will probably take me a few seasons to see any success, but I'm fine with that.  I learn from my mistakes, even if I have to repeat then a couple of times, I'll eventually learn from them.

Thanks again for the info and PMs sent

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Welcome.

Spend a lot of time here, you will start meeting people. There are a lot of great people around your area.

I used to live in New Paltz but now live near Albany.

Let me know if I can be of any assistance. There is a lot of good hunting down your way!


Welcome.  and you are never too old to take up hunting if its what you want to do and are physically capable of it.

[mcgroundstalker]

So Jeremy... You want to stalk and still hunt without the use of tree stands and ground blinds... Kinda reminds me of someone I know.    :rolleyes:    That has to be the hardest way, with the least amount of (success) to boot... Most Rewarding When Game Is Just Feet Away! No need to kill 'em. Boy do I know!

This site is the place to learn. But a one-on-one mentor can be just the ticket too. Maybe more than one... Get together with some of us fellas at shoots and gatherings. Start out hunting small game and stump shoot, a lot. Might be your best bet in this soon to be learning curve.

... mike ...

[horatio1226]

Where in the Hudson Valley or am I missing it?
Whatever you do, don't hunt where ron w hunts  

[ron w]

 Gee Brian, I'm sorry I live in N.Y.

[guspup]

Just spend alot of your free time in the woods. Relax, never be in a hurry. Let nature be your teacher. You'll spend a lifetime learning, and that's what it is all about.

[guspup]

Oh yea, and stay away from the horn porn channel!

[njloco]

I noticed you haven't mentioned if you have ever shot with trad gear before ? This is kind of important to know.

[2Blade]

I really wish you were closer ive got some knowledge as ive taken quite a bit of game ( no brag just fact) although not with Trad Gear most of the game I do kill is in bow range. My Uncle whos hunted in several states has a wealth of knowledge on turkey hunting here, I dare say hes one of the best here in NY. Be it fall or spring hunting its all fun! In my area the birds are always henned up meaning they have the females they want to breed so you have to rely on ambush stragies usually. Once in awhile you will strike a gobble but its rare. We hunt big woods so theres not always as much sign deer wise but usually when you find signs its good hunting. Its tough hunting in my area but its rewarding and can be done as I fill tags every year. I love hunting in NY!

[Firemandivi]

I'm in Orange County NY, I've been practicing with a used Ben Pearson bow I bought this summer.  I'm hoping that by next deer season I'll have the confidence to make the shot if one presents itself.