Deer Hunting Tips for Beginners

Almost all of the hunting groups that we have hosted were comprised of fathers and sons and other close family members. It’s very gratifying to see them enjoy an activity together, an activity they started many years before. And even though deer season is many months away, now is the time to take a few steps to make that first hunt as successful as possible. Deer hunting is one of the finest ways to spend a fall day. Out in the wild, learning patience and the virtue of silence – the hunt teaches all sorts of skills to young hunters. Perhaps this is why so many adult hunters find young people interested in the sport and take them along for the experience. The adults remember the feeling of shooting their first buck and want to share that moment again with the next generation of hunters.

Age does not matter when it comes to deer hunting – a beginner is a beginner. A novice hunter’s inexperience is exciting, because he or she will soon trade it for seasoned knowledge. However, it’s important to remember that inexperience can also be a liability.

Tips for Beginners

Advice is aplenty among circles of hunters. Veteran buck trackers are known for their personal tactics, some of which support (or perhaps contradict) the best known strategies. Regardless of where new hunters seek their advice, it’s important to consider guidance from an experienced hunter. The following tips help ensure a safe and enjoyable first hunting trip:

• Take a class: If possible, take a class on buck hunting before the first trip. This is particularly important for those with little or no knowledge of deer hunting. A class will teach proper shooting techniques, how to clean a buck, and ensure state hunting regulations are known. A class can also walk students through the process of obtaining a hunting license.
• Review gun safety: This will be somewhat covered in a hunting course, but new hunters may also want to consider a separate course in gun safety. There is always some degree of danger involved when a sport requires gun usage, so solid, recent gun safety knowledge could be a life saver.
• Walk the wood: Before hunting season begins, explore the range on which you will hunt. Get comfortable with the idiosyncrasies of this land. Where is the water? Where does the ground slope suddenly? Are there briers or sink holes? This information will be useful once hunting begins, though the bucks know the land far better than a hunter on his first hunting trip.
• Travel light: It can be tempting to buy elaborate new gear, but it will likely weigh down a beginning hunter. The basics are really all that is needed: relaxed clothing including good shoes, a sharp knife, a light rope, and a gun. Deer calls could be included as well.
• Don’t go alone: Finally, remember that it can get lonely in the field. Beginners may want to consider finding a more experienced hunter to take them on as an apprentice. This will not only be helpful, but it will give the seasoned hunter a chance to relay some of their knowledge, a pastime that both you and he will enjoy while you wait for that elusive buck.