Best way to get into hunting?

[Eurodriver]

I grew up in suburbia and never had any family down here that hunted. I have some in PA that have many deer heads on the wall but I was never able to get up there in winter because frankly...we were terrified of the snow.

Now that I'm an adult, I'd like to go out and get some meat for my freezer but I don't know the first place to start. I've already taken a Florida hunter's education class, I'm not an obnoxious idiot, I can shoot, prior .mil...basically I won't cause any problems and have all the requirements out of the way aside from buying a hunting license/WMA permit.

Anyway...whats the best way to get started? Assume I'll be going solo or with someone else that is new to hunting, most of my buddies, even the gun guys, hate the outdoors. My 338LM friend doesn't even like outdoor ranges (I know.)

I'm mainly looking at deer and hogs, but next year I'd like to take a trip out west and get something bigger.

[C4IGrant]

You could try a local hunt club and see if they are taking new members or find a family member (or friend of the family) that is into it.


C4

[Stangman]

Euro, I was in the same boat as you. I ended up just going out & doing it this year. I have read up a ton on different styles & tactics on how to hunt in different temps & weather conditions etc, but I'm just learning on the fly with it. This is typical for me though with the way I grew up, if I wanted to do something I taught myself. Field dressing the first time is going to be interesting for sure

[SteyrAUG]

Anyway...whats the best way to get started? Assume I'll be going solo or with someone else that is new to hunting, most of my buddies, even the gun guys, hate the outdoors. My 338LM friend doesn't even like outdoor ranges (I know.)

I'm mainly looking at deer and hogs, but next year I'd like to take a trip out west and get something bigger.

In nearly every location there are very qualified hunters trying to earn beer money as guides and outfitters. The tips and tidbits you can learn from these guys (the kind of stuff that rarely makes it into books) are easily worth the money spent.

Roll out there with a BTDT guy a few times and you will be able to skip several grades in your hunter education.

[Eurodriver]

In nearly every location there are very qualified hunters trying to earn beer money as guides and outfitters. The tips and tidbits you can learn from these guys (the kind of stuff that rarely makes it into books) are easily worth the money spent.

Roll out there with a BTDT guy a few times and you will be able to skip several grades in your hunter education.

I like this. But where do I find them?

[SteyrAUG]

I like this. But where do I find them?

Once you decide what you want to hunt and where start looking for advertised guides/outfitters for that area. You can probably find local message board forums dedicated to the same where members can get you hooked up with the right people. Might even be able to call local gun stores that carry a lot of hunting gear and get a referral.

It's really not hard to find people who are willing to get paid to take you hunting.

[pmarc]

Have you been to longrange hunting forums?
It might be more appropriate since you already mentioned a 338.

[SteyrAUG]

Have you been to longrange hunting forums?
It might be more appropriate since you already mentioned a 338.

Nuge Forums might be useful too.

[yellowfin]

Easiest and best way to get into hogs (and coyotes) is to find a local farmer with a problem with them. They'll tell ya where and when they can be found.

[ArRazorback]

Getting in touch with the state's local game and fish office could be helpful. It seems that public ed and outreach from these agencies is becoming more popular in several states.

Also look into local chapters for groups like Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, National Wild Turkey Federation, or Buckmasters. Even if the guys associated with those groups can't help with what your considering getting into, they are likely to know someone who can.