Did you know that according to statistics, there are an estimated 15 million people in the US who take part in hunting? It’s an incredibly popular activity, with some states having larger pockets of hunters than others. If you’ve decided that 2022 is going to be the year that you give hunting a try for the first time, there are several tips worth knowing. These will ensure that you have a fun and safe time, prompting you to want to hunt again.
Start with the Proper Safety Certification
Before you head out on your first hunting trip, make sure you do your research and get your hunter’s license. While this isn’t the case for every state, the majority of them to require hunters to purchase a license so they can hunt legally.
You will also need to research the specific requirements in that state and with that particular species to ensure you follow the regulations. Remember, different animals have different hunt seasons, and there are often limits in terms of when and how much you can hunt.
Read Up On Hunting
The next step can be to read up on hunting, familiarizing yourself with the basics as well as more advanced information. The more you can learn in advance, the more knowledge you’ll have at your disposal when you are out there hunting. You never know what piece of information may come in handy.
It’s Time to Purchase Your Hunting Gear
To be successful and safe while hunting you’ll need the proper gear. Not only will you need the gear, but you also need ample time to practice before you go out on your first official hunt. It’s a good idea to look at starter lists of hunting gear and use that as the base. Those will be the bare minimum you need, and from there you can purchase higher quality items and more advanced items like these scopes. You also need to decide if you want to use a rifle or a shotgun, both have their strong points. In addition to your gun, there’s also endless accessories to can can be bought for your firearm. If you are opting for a shotgun such as the Benelli M4, which is a very popular shotgun, you can check out some aftermarket accessories here.
No matter where you shop for your hunting gear, they should also be able to offer advice and tips on what you need as a beginner.
Do You Plan On Hunting with Buddies?
Hunting can be a solo activity and there’s nothing wrong with heading into the words on an adventure, but for your first hunt, it may be wise to go with more experienced buddies. They can give you some tips and help you to feel more confident. In other words, going with friends can act as a learning experience.
Don’t Challenge Yourself Too Much with the First Hunt
For the first hunt, it’s also wise to keep things low-key and don’t try anything too challenging. It will be a lot to remember and take in, so keeping it simple makes sense. There is a list of animals that tend to be “beginner-friendly” for hunters so they can be a good place to start. These animals include:
- Squirrels
- Pheasant
- Raccoons
- Doves
- Geese
- Ducks
- Turkeys
- Feral hogs
- Rabbits
- Opossums
- White-tailed deer
This list has a real mix of animals ranging in size and challenge level, so it will be more than enough to keep you busy.
Safety Always Needs to the Be the Priority
The final tip is that safety always needs to be the top priority. Sure, it’s fine to want to push yourself and do the best you can on your first outing but you need to keep things safe and realistic. There will always be another chance to head out, you don’t have to pack all the adventure in one hunt.
Head Into the Hunt with Confidence
Using all of these tips will help you to be better prepared for your first hunt, which means you’ll go into it with confidence.