My first deer hunt-help

I unexpectedly got invited to hunt on a family friends land next week. He said only does for now. I was also told "if things go well" i could come anytime I wanted to hunt. Hmm. Makes me wonder what that means. So, I'm open to any suggestions on how to make things go well. I would be shooting from a blind...this old dude hunts in tennis shoes and a purple jacket so I don't think "all camo" is necessary. Any tips on Deer hunting etiquette, gear, do's/don'ts, I've never field dressed a deer, he'll be around to monitor. I have a Tikka 3 in 270 I'll be using. Any info is appreciated!! Thanks.

You rifle is perfect for the job. Don't be loud, rowdy, or rude. If work is being done, be front in line to help out, in other words, be an asset not a burden.

Also safety 1st, they will be watching to see if you are capably safe with a weapon.

Don't even hint at wanting to shoot a buck. Even if a monster walks out.

First, I wouldn't call him old dude! Lol. Be respectful to him and his place. Let him know how much you appreciate the invite, several times over. Help in any way possible, and most of all say thank you!

All sound advice

Be very respectful and appreciative. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and help get some work done, even if that means doing something as simple as cooking a meal or doing the dishes.

Good advice. My view going in was- be respectful, follow directions, listen closely, and Do NOT ask if I could come back. I'll jump in and help wherever I can. This will defiantly be a learning experience but I feel blessed I was even asked to join him.

Yep, better to just watch any buck that shows up but be sure to let it be known that you passed on good reason, such as not being able to get a good shot.

And if you're not sure you can make the shot at a doe, do the same.

Also, be the quietest person in camp.

Dan did you read the OP post? Quote - "He said only does for now" as told to him from the landowner. I agree with your overall thought though, if the shot isn’t there then don’t take it. You don’t have to shoot to have a story.

Nick1, I can tell from your follow-up post that you get it - go have a ball. The landowner already knows you and extended the invite, so go and just be you. If you do see that great buck, remember every detail you saw and report it to the camp!

Bring a few sacks of corn, a bottle of good booze, and enough steaks for everyone.

Oh, I almost forgot. If you have been around here for awhile, you'll no doubt have seen this...



Don't forget your camera.

Bring 5 or 6 bags of corn, some thick steaks, and plenty of cold beer. If he shoots something, jump in to help skin and quarter. Fix dinner, cleanup. Don't forget dessert.

Make sure your rifle is sighted in, and that you are comfortable shooting it. Don't take a long shot. If its your first deer, keep it under 100.

Covered most of my points -

No rancher/hunter I know will turn down some bags of corn.

Bring food/snacks/drinks for all, or chip in on the food cost.

Lend a hand. I've invited folks out that watched me cook dinner, then watched me do dishes while they drank and made wise cracks. I am not your mamma. Jump in and help. It will be noticed either way.

Do not trash the place. Take all trash out of blinds (even if it was already there) and do not throw so much as a bottle cap on the ground.

Try not to snore too much...

First visits are not a good time to get stupid drunk, especially if the inviter is not a big drinker. Non drinkers or casual drinkers are not impressed by how much booze you can drink before you fall in the fire.

Have fun and be thankful. Say how much fun you had even if you get skunked.

Make sure that your rifle is sighted in and don't take a shot you are not comfortable with.
Don't bring a Bowie knife for gutting/skinning.
If there is something you don't understand ASK!
Be on time.
Don't get drunk, even if the rest of the crowd boozes it up.
Leave the blind cleaner than you found it.

THIS!!! There is nothing I hate worse than taking someone hunting to only get there and they say, "you know, I haven't shot this rifle in years..." Another pet peeve of mine is when they show up with a hand full of ammo, take at least one full box, maybe 2. You never know when you run into a herd of pigs or coyotes. If you're on my place and you see a coyote, you'd better shoot it. That is a guaranteed way not to get asked back when you tell me you saw a coyote and didn't shoot. Cattle prices are WAY too high for me to loose a calf.

help with the clean up around the camp. I don't know how many times I have taken people out on the boat, I clean the fish, they take the bag of fillets and leave. Then I am left to do all the scrubbing on the boat... Show effort and a good attitude, be respectful, and you will get invited back Good luck!!

Was gonna say exactly this, with 1 small caveat: Do you know the landowner well enough to know if he's a Southern Baptist? Kidding.

Seems like you've got a good idea how to act. Don't take any shots you're not comfortable with. You don't want to put that guy through a long tracking job of finding little pieces of hair/meat but no blood ("this kid can't shoot"). The cleaner the situation, the more it looks like you know what you're doing and are the type to make a responsible decision.

Have fun.

Thanks for the input. Seems we are on the same page, but did find many good ideas as well. I will post a follow up. I did find out more info. The blind is exactly 100 yards from feeder, be in blind by 4pm or don't come at all, landowner will 1/4 the deer, it's my responsibility to clean it further or take to processor.

Pay very close attention to the field dress process.

I was in your shoes many years ago when a relative of my wife gave me a similar offer. He showed me, once, how its done. Since then I have field dressed and boned out countless deer for him and his friends while having total access to his ranch for Birds, hogs, deer, camping, booze, you name it. He knows that he and his friends, all in their 70s, have all the help they need from me. Its a perfect relationship that allows me to enjoy the outdoors and fill the freezer.

I might bring a small thank you gift. I make jelly, and that always goes over well.

If you see a huge Buck, Tell them where, the time and direction its headed...help them pattern a big buck will get you closer to shooting your own... and if you go to town buy them breakfast,or just be respectful, grateful and appreciative of the invite
Good Luck!

First and foremost is show yourself to be knowledgeable and display gun safety practices. Many great points here on the thread that can go along way to an invite back. Do not over drink, be respectful and have fun, soak it all in enjoy the experience.