Hunting for food is one of man’s essential survival skills. Today, the activity has become a past-time for people young and old. There is no perfect age to start hunting and you don’t need to be a gun enthusiast to know how to shoot a rifle.
Those who are new to hunting should know basic techniques and have the right gear. As with any other sport, hunting requires time and effort to learn. While you can’t gain enough experience during a single season, understanding the foundations of hunting can help make the journey easier. Here are a few tips you will need to learn:
1. Pick your game
There is a wide variety of animals you can hunt, so it’s important to know which ones you want to focus on. Should you settle with shooting ducks or should you hunt big game such as wild boar or bears? No matter the case, you need to pick the type of hunting that appeals to your sense of adventure. Before that, however, you can start practicing by hunting quails, squirrels, and other small game.
2. Learn the law
Hunting is strictly regulated across the United States and participants will need to obtain a license within the state where the hunt takes place. This shouldn’t take long since most sports stores that sell hunting gear also sell licenses. Still, you must know where hunting is permitted. Under the National Park Service, there are 76 areas where hunting is allowed. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has also identified 336 national wildlife refuges that allow game shooting. To be sure, check with the local government for a list of hunting zones.
3. Practice your handling
If you haven’t used a gun before, you might want to practice first before going out into the field. Apart from learning shooting techniques, it’s also important to learn the basics of gun safety and maintenance, especially if you live with children. Over time, you can refine your skills just in time for an actual hunting scenario.
4. Invest in the right gear
When it comes to equipment, you don’t have to purchase expensive firearms and tactical accessories right away. Since you are just starting, it would be better to settle for a basic rifle. Ask a local seller or an experienced game hunter for recommendations if you are unsure of what to get. You should also settle for comfortable clothes that won’t compromise your mobility. As you gain experience on the field, you might want to upgrade to more sophisticated gear, including Kryptek camo clothing and all-terrain boots.
5. Join a community
Your hunting education doesn’t stop with developing trigger discipline. It extends toward learning survival skills and using your surroundings to set traps. Apart from that, you also need to enhance your tracking skills and keep yourself in good mental and physical condition. Consider joining online communities or local hunting clubs where you can learn more about the sport from long-time enthusiasts.
There’s a lot you need to take in as a novice hunter, but learning these tips can help you make better decisions as you delve deeper into the sport.
