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Totally New to Hunting #3985734 01/23/13 11:34 PM
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ChipChipperson45 Offline OP
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Hey Guys,

Ok, I have never been hunting in my life and just turned 30. Lately, I have been spending almost all my free time outdoors, either camping, hiking, or shooting down at the range. And now, I really want to start hunting, or at least give it a good shot and see if I like it.

I was supposed to go hunting with a few friends numerous times over the last year, but every time the trips would either get canceled or someone would lose a lease, etc. Some excuses were valid, but I think that ultimately, nobody wanted to have to babysit a newbie.

I do have a lot of experience shooting and I am very safe, so that is not a problem. But I need to learn the basics of hunting, (etiquette, dressing/skinning, shot placement, do's and dont's, etc.)

I really think it is something that I would be in to. I did go dove hunting one time, but they weren't flying and we got a big fat zero. Even then, it was still something I had a blast doing.

So, my question is, what's the best way to get started? Should I hire an outfitter or guide? Do they/can they help show me the ropes?

Just looking for some direction.

Thanks guys

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: ChipChipperson45] #3985927 01/24/13 12:24 AM
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welcome
This decision needs to be yours, there are plenty of options available. But, to learn there must be opportunity



Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: artrios60] #3986395 01/24/13 02:03 AM
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make sure you have your hunter saftey course and if you cant find a place to go try some thing along the lines as a inexpensive hog hunt

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: ernamal] #3986542 01/24/13 02:35 AM
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Originally Posted By: ernamal
make sure you have your hunter saftey course and if you cant find a place to go try some thing along the lines as a inexpensive hog hunt

Ya, I've thought about a hog hunt and even have been looking at a few guided hunts. Do you think the guides would help me with some of the basics?

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: ChipChipperson45] #3986552 01/24/13 02:38 AM
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landsurveyor Online Content
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welcome
Find a buddy in Austin. Lots of good hunting near you. Good luck.


"A hungry dog hunts best." Lee Trevino

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Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: landsurveyor] #3986651 01/24/13 03:02 AM
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Sounds like you're on the right track. Just keep at it and line up a good hunt for some dove come next opening weekend. Book a hunt off of craigslist (lots of opportunites from guides posting there) - and book it a month in advance as they fill up fast.

Get your hunter's safety course out of the way.

Read up on some first aid. Trust me.

When you're out in the field don't forget your hunting license, probably keep a first aid kit in the car, carry extra water, maybe some hearing protection, and a lemon.

Pretty soon you'll be ground checking like the rest of us!

Oh, and pick up your trash! OR I'll come after you!

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: Gacman] #3986662 01/24/13 03:05 AM
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Originally Posted By: gacman
Sounds like you're on the right track. Just keep at it and line up a good hunt for some dove come next opening weekend. Book a hunt off of craigslist (lots of opportunites from guides posting there) - and book it a month in advance as they fill up fast.

Get your hunter's safety course out of the way.

Read up on some first aid. Trust me.

When you're out in the field don't forget your hunting license, probably keep a first aid kit in the car, carry extra water, maybe some hearing protection, and a lemon.

Pretty soon you'll be ground checking like the rest of us!

Oh, and pick up your trash! OR I'll come after you!

Ok, thanks for the tips. Although, I have to ask..... A lemon?

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: artrios60] #3986693 01/24/13 03:12 AM
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The best thing you can do is find someone with land that doesn't mind letting you take a doe or hogs.

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: ChipChipperson45] #3986742 01/24/13 03:22 AM
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Originally Posted By: ChipChipperson45
Originally Posted By: gacman
Sounds like you're on the right track. Just keep at it and line up a good hunt for some dove come next opening weekend. Book a hunt off of craigslist (lots of opportunites from guides posting there) - and book it a month in advance as they fill up fast.

Get your hunter's safety course out of the way.

Read up on some first aid. Trust me.

When you're out in the field don't forget your hunting license, probably keep a first aid kit in the car, carry extra water, maybe some hearing protection, and a lemon.

Pretty soon you'll be ground checking like the rest of us!

Oh, and pick up your trash! OR I'll come after you!

Ok, thanks for the tips. Although, I have to ask..... A lemon?


Gotcha!

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: Gacman] #3986779 01/24/13 03:32 AM
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Originally Posted By: gacman
Originally Posted By: ChipChipperson45
Originally Posted By: gacman
Sounds like you're on the right track. Just keep at it and line up a good hunt for some dove come next opening weekend. Book a hunt off of craigslist (lots of opportunites from guides posting there) - and book it a month in advance as they fill up fast.

Get your hunter's safety course out of the way.

Read up on some first aid. Trust me.

When you're out in the field don't forget your hunting license, probably keep a first aid kit in the car, carry extra water, maybe some hearing protection, and a lemon.

Pretty soon you'll be ground checking like the rest of us!

Oh, and pick up your trash! OR I'll come after you!

Ok, thanks for the tips. Although, I have to ask..... A lemon?


Gotcha!


lol
you can also go snipe hunting im sure someone around your area would take you. thats always fun


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Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: caldwelldeerhunter] #3986828 01/24/13 03:45 AM
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Originally Posted By: caldwelldeerhunter
Originally Posted By: gacman
Originally Posted By: ChipChipperson45
Originally Posted By: gacman
Sounds like you're on the right track. Just keep at it and line up a good hunt for some dove come next opening weekend. Book a hunt off of craigslist (lots of opportunites from guides posting there) - and book it a month in advance as they fill up fast.

Get your hunter's safety course out of the way.

Read up on some first aid. Trust me.

When you're out in the field don't forget your hunting license, probably keep a first aid kit in the car, carry extra water, maybe some hearing protection, and a lemon.

Pretty soon you'll be ground checking like the rest of us!

Oh, and pick up your trash! OR I'll come after you!

Ok, thanks for the tips. Although, I have to ask..... A lemon?


Gotcha!


lol
you can also go snipe hunting im sure someone around your area would take you. thats always fun

Haha. I ain't that dumb.

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: ChipChipperson45] #3986997 01/24/13 04:16 AM
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A thought for you. Living in Austin you have an active Safari Club. I would become a member and attend some of their functions they have monthly. Sometimes they have hunts they auction off as fundraisers. I am betting you can make the right contacts there to help you with your future hunts.


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Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: stxranchman] #3988982 01/24/13 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted By: stxranchman
A thought for you. Living in Austin you have an active Safari Club. I would become a member and attend some of their functions they have monthly. Sometimes they have hunts they auction off as fundraisers. I am betting you can make the right contacts there to help you with your future hunts.

Thanks ranchman. I'll have to look them up and see what it's all about

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: ChipChipperson45] #4000443 01/28/13 02:16 PM
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Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Going hunting this weekend for the first time with my girlfriend and her dad. Going to hunt doe and hogs. He's going to take me through the basics and get me started.

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: ChipChipperson45] #4000557 01/28/13 02:58 PM
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Where are y'all hunting deer?

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: Sneaky] #4000565 01/28/13 03:00 PM
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Up around Tow, TX.

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: ChipChipperson45] #4000602 01/28/13 03:11 PM
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Is the property under MLD?

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: Sneaky] #4000649 01/28/13 03:26 PM
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What does MLD mean?

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: ChipChipperson45] #4000791 01/28/13 04:00 PM
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I just looked it up and yes, I think the lease they are on is under MLD.

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: ChipChipperson45] #4000844 01/28/13 04:14 PM
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That's good. Make sure before you shoot any deer. I believe all non MLD seasons are closed for deer.

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: Sneaky] #4000906 01/28/13 04:26 PM
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x2 on the hunting safety course. That's a good start. I would hire a guide next season for sure and make sure it's one that will teach rather than just sit there and point at stuff. I'm sure somebody knows who to see in your area.

Dove hunting is a good place to start. Day leases are usually pretty cheap or better yet find some buddies with some ranches. Hog hunting is also another good place to start. Some ranchers hate those hogs so much they won't even charge you to hunt them.


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Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: MDMORROW] #4000987 01/28/13 04:42 PM
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texas has public hunting land that you can get a permit for and not have to woory about other people dropping out or loseing a lease just need to watch out for other hunters just to get your feet wet less expense than deer lease and hiring a guide
watch a few hunting shows about shot placement not hard to figure out might even be some video out there on field dressing and quartering out deer
good luck and safe hunting

Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: MDMORROW] #4001072 01/28/13 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted By: MDMORROW
x2 on the hunting safety course. That's a good start. I would hire a guide next season for sure and make sure it's one that will teach rather than just sit there and point at stuff. I'm sure somebody knows who to see in your area.

Dove hunting is a good place to start. Day leases are usually pretty cheap or better yet find some buddies with some ranches. Hog hunting is also another good place to start. Some ranchers hate those hogs so much they won't even charge you to hunt them.
i was under the impression that was a myth confused2 learned something new.. back welcome ta hunting, every one was once a newbee, just enjoy the day...



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Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: 1860.colt] #4001118 01/28/13 05:16 PM
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Welcome to hunting, Sounds like the girlfriend and her Dad are going to get you started. Some guided hunts the guides love to help you out and teach you while others not so much. If you do select a guided hunt ask about that and check references Lots of great guys guiding and some not so great ones guiding these days.

Spring turkey season is fast approaching and that is another kind of hunting you can learn from and is a lot of fun.

Good luck, have fun and be safe. If you have not already done so get that Hunters Education completed.


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Re: Totally New to Hunting [Re: kmon11] #4010446 01/31/13 04:16 AM
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I was in the same boat as you about a year ago. This year was my first pheasant, deer and duck season. People on this forum were awesome about answering my questions (as ignorant as some of my questions were). Also, I did end up going out with Monty Bennett (M Bennett) for deer on a place he managed, and then with Kirk (DUCKHUNTR35) for ducks. Both of them were great guys, and I would highly recommend them. Kirk (I REALLY hope I am remembering that name right) not only put us on ducks, he showed us how to field dress them, tell them apart, cook them, etc. Very new-guy friendly.

Same deal with Monty, and while deer may be over for most Texans, I think Monty is a good guy to hook up with if you want to hunt hogs. He will also walk you through field dressing and other questions you might have.

Once you are comfortable with what to do with an animal after it drops, I think you'll be more comfortable going out onto public land on your own, especially if you've had all that prior experience in the outdoors (I was the same way).

Good luck!

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