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New hunter trying to feed the family
#7805065
04/13/20 08:40 PM
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 3
SeanB
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 3 |
Hello to you all. I'm new to hunting but not shooting a weapon. Buying a firearm is getting harder and harder so I've opted for a crossbow. I'm looking for any kind of advise/pointers/do's and don'ts that you all can give me. I live outside the Houston area toward the coast. Thanks in advance!
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805092
04/13/20 08:56 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13,614
1860.colt
emoji colt.45
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emoji colt.45
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13,614 |
ta HF... ta & chill.. it can get pricey... Unless ya have family or friends with property... public hunting land tis cheapest...
i'm postaddic
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805122
04/13/20 09:24 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,866
PMK
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,866 |
there is another thread of a new to hunting that gives a lot of advise ... likely public land is your best option
"everyone that lives dies but not everyone who dies lived..."
~PMK~
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805125
04/13/20 09:26 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 10,496
Halfadozen
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 10,496 |
Welcome Sean - first check our classifieds for firearms. Get out to the smaller towns near you and go into the local feed store. They know the ranchers and if you want to start with pig hunting they might appreciate it.
Freedom is a fragile thing ...Those who have known freedom, and then lost it, have never known it again. -- Ronald Reagan
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805144
04/13/20 09:34 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,255
Hunt Dog
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,255 |
Find a way to get the money together for a firearm it will vastly expand your options.
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: Halfadozen]
#7805151
04/13/20 09:44 PM
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 3
SeanB
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 3 |
Welcome Sean - first check our classifieds for firearms. Get out to the smaller towns near you and go into the local feed store. They know the ranchers and if you want to start with pig hunting they might appreciate it. That's a great idea. I've been woken up on the weekends by what sounded like a nail gun roofing a house...turns out it was a hog hunt. Thanks for the good advise.
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: Hunt Dog]
#7805175
04/13/20 09:56 PM
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 3
SeanB
OP
Green Horn
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OP
Green Horn
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 3 |
Find a way to get the money together for a firearm it will vastly expand your options. I agree with you for the most part. One of the deciding factors of going with a crossbow is the availability of ammo. A co-worker just got an AR and he's having trouble finding ammo for it. A lot of the stores are sold out of the common caliber shells. I figure realistically I'll be shooting in the 40 to 60 yard range. Beyond that, I'm not sure I'll even see the game. And paying very close attention to what's beyond my target, a crossbow bolt won't travel near as far. I'm trying to be set up for several different hunting situations, may be flatland, or a stand or a blind... But like I said, I'm open for suggestions and I appreciate them all.
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805183
04/13/20 10:00 PM
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,355
TXGH
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,355 |
40-60 yard range I would suggest a shotgun... Abundance of ammo for it including slugs ect... If you dont want to go with a rifle that is... But rifle go with a common cartage like a .308 - you will be able to find it even now with people freaking out.
but crossbow check out the bearx line of crossbows under 500 and 415 fps..
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805191
04/13/20 10:05 PM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,796
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,796 |
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805208
04/13/20 10:24 PM
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306
DLALLDER
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,306 |
If it is an actual need for food in the house. Talk to ranchers around you & let them know about your situation. Let them know you would take hogs that other hunters have killed. A LOT of hunters will even help you get them in the freezer or fridge. It does not take long to take the hams, loins, & shoulders off a hog and there ain't much left. I wish you the very best in your situation. Daniel
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805209
04/13/20 10:24 PM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9,972
Old Rabbit
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9,972 |
Sean, I have guns, bows and crossbows and would recommend a rifle or shotgun. The cost of cross bow BOLTS can get expensive not counting the broadheads. Shooting pigs I ruin several each year even if I get a full pass thru they sometimes get damaged. For good bolts you are looking a $6 each or more.A good broadhead, anywhere from $6 to $16 each for a decent one. Any bolt that has visible damage should not be used again, as they can shatter and cause great physical harm to the shooter. Just my 2 cents.
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805262
04/13/20 11:32 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,239
Double Naught Spy
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8,239 |
Find a way to get the money together for a firearm it will vastly expand your options. I agree with you for the most part. One of the deciding factors of going with a crossbow is the availability of ammo. A co-worker just got an AR and he's having trouble finding ammo for it. A lot of the stores are sold out of the common caliber shells. ammoseek.com https://ammoseek.com/ammo/223-remington
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805521
04/14/20 04:14 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,796
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,796 |
Saving money on the food bill by hunting is a pipe dream
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: dogcatcher]
#7805656
04/14/20 12:49 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,265
maximus_flavius
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,265 |
Saving money on the food bill by hunting is a pipe dream No kidding. OP, your living in a fools paradise, especially with a crossbow. WTH do you mean “buying a firearm is getting harder & harder”? A couple of hundred bucks will get you what you need.
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805669
04/14/20 12:57 PM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,078
TKandMike
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,078 |
Ammo shouldn't be too big of a concern anymore, a lot of places are stocking back up and it's available online again.
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805678
04/14/20 01:06 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,933
unclebubba
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 9,933 |
Pigs are tough. The tend to soak up my arrows and take them with them to die wherever the hell the go to die. That can get very expensive. IMO a bow or crossbow is what a hunter should graduate to, not what he or she should start with. The ammo shortage is temporary. Get a firearm to suit your purposes. You will be able to find ammo, you just may need to search right now. Once ammo comes back, buy a supply that will last you a few years. That way, when the ammo run happens again, you won't have to worry. For your scenario, There are a ton of good firearm selections. 30-30,45-70,35 remington, Pistol carbine (.357 is my favorite), etc in a lever action is great out to 100 yards, and should be easier to find ammo for.
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805732
04/14/20 02:14 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,241
QMC SW/EXW
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,241 |
If you want to hunt to feed your family then forget about hunting bucks. Focus on does and hogs. If you spend some time cultivating some relationships with some landowners you may be able to get them to let you shoot your meat. But it takes time to cultivate that sort of thing.
Retired Navy Chief NJROTC Instructor for Tascosa High School
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: maximus_flavius]
#7805813
04/14/20 03:48 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13,614
1860.colt
emoji colt.45
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emoji colt.45
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 13,614 |
Saving money on the food bill by hunting is a pipe dream No kidding. OP, your living in a fools paradise, especially with a crossbow. WTH do you mean “buying a firearm is getting harder & harder”? A couple of hundred bucks will get you what you need. he's living in When got thar, every one leasing... Back home its always been just price of Gov. food stamps... Had aplied for some of the draw hunts on what was type11 , think what it was called... & was checking inta public land hunts.. Then heard about the 1,100 lease with the 24-7-365 hog hunts for $200.00 year round... So jumped on it... We bought a small shasta camper, we had already been doing the camping with tent since kids in diapers... & we made it a family outing with chance ta put on the & chillen... Seen the games played on some of the other leases, prices of leases going ta highest bidders... & Truely was a Blessing whin WMA opened up just down the road... Price of $40.00 permit with plenty of hunting... Their still is afordable hunts for even low-income workers... Keep your head held high & your powder dry...
i'm postaddic
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805817
04/14/20 04:00 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,002
jhunter77
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,002 |
Welcome Sean
These guys are right. You can pick up a Savage, a Mossberg, or Thompson Center Compass rifle with a ok scope already mounted for about $300. These aren't top of the line guns but they get the job done. I've always been told if you buy a $300 rifle buy a scope in the same price range now to each his own, but if you're just getting started I'd go by that rule of thumb. I've shot pigs with my crossbow and typically it's been a wasted bolt and head because of the damage.
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: dogcatcher]
#7805860
04/14/20 04:27 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,466
freerange
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,466 |
Saving money on the food bill by hunting is a pipe dream ^^^Agree with this. I guess it could be done if you play your cards right but ive never done the math. I agree with others that rifle is likely way to go.
At some point in life its time to quit chasing the pot of gold and just enjoy the rainbow. FR Keep your gratitude higher than your expectations. RWH
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805908
04/14/20 05:24 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,476
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,476 |
A lot of good WMA’s like Aransas that offer good hunts. You are in a good area for public hunting. Most expensive thing about hunting is time, but who cares how many days it does ir doesn’t take to connect, you are out side enjoying nature.
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7805952
04/14/20 06:14 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,472
DQ Kid
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,472 |
Not sure I'd advertise to landowners trying to feed your family off wild game. You would probably create more trepadation than interest from them
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: DQ Kid]
#7806018
04/14/20 07:24 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,265
maximus_flavius
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,265 |
Not sure I'd advertise to landowners trying to feed your family off wild game. You would probably create more trepadation than interest from them Most landowners would tell you to get a job
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7809831
04/18/20 12:05 AM
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,726
10 Gauge
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,726 |
You want to feed your family a diet of game- maybe you should switch to a diet of fish, lol.
You want to be a meat hunter, stick to small game hunting with a shotgun on the corps lakes. Some waterfowl too. Get a 12 gauge instead of a crossbow.
Deer hunting on public land- hey friend that is great but after a lot of careful consideration I just don't think it's cool trying to feed your family on a diet of whitetail deer taken off our public lands. They have done a decent job of managing our deer, if a quarter of hunters start meat hunting whitetails there wouldn't be many before too long.
Lots of pigs around lake bardwell though and many of the corps lakes. 12 gauge, corps lakes, pigs small game waterfowl. That is how you are gonna fill your freezer legally AND ethically, on a budget.
Last edited by laid over; 04/18/20 12:06 AM.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-14
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Re: New hunter trying to feed the family
[Re: SeanB]
#7810479
04/18/20 05:25 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9
jacinda
Green Horn
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Green Horn
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9 |
Last edited by jacinda; 04/18/20 05:26 PM.
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