Hunting 101: Tips For Beginner Hunters

Hunting is a very common type of recreation for many people around the world.

One is usually taken hunting by their family members when they are young. If one hasn’t gotten this exposure, doing this might seem quite daunting. Hunting requires a lot of preparation, practice, and a lot of gear.

Requirements can range from rifle scopes to knives. It might be hard to start hunting without the proper guidance.

Here are some tips for beginner hunters.

Types of Hunting – One should decide on what type of hunting they plan to do. One can choose to hunt for birds, small game or large game. There is also the option to choose between rifle and crossbow hunting. Deciding on the type of hunting first can narrow down the upcoming tasks. For example, it can dictate the requirement of gear. Taking the opinion of experienced hunters is recommended before choosing what to go for.

Research – Doing research is the next step. One should try to gather as much knowledge as possible before actually setting out on the trip. Talking to people is probably the best way to research hunting. They can often guide beginners and suggest spots or gear that they prefer. They might also be able to provide seasonal information. Online forums are a great way to talk to other people with expertise in these fields.

Gear – Beginners will have a ton of items to purchase and add to their hunting list. Procuring these items are essential. The right equipment can make even the hardest trails seem easy and enjoyable. One would be able to notice at once if something was missing from these essentials.

Practice – No one has completed their first hunting trip perfectly. While the weather and terrain are the main factors that affect a hunting trip, there are others too. Hunting involves a lot of variables. This means that there is great room for error, and one has to be comfortable with adapting to the situation at hand. This takes practice. One should master the equipment they are using and be familiar with the behaviour of the animal they are hunting.

Types of Hunting

There are a few different types of hunting based on the type of game. These categories were mainly created for the ease of making regulations. Species are broadly classified into these categories – big game, small game, furbearers, predators, game birds and waterfowl. One can be even pickier and choose to hunt a particular animal within this category. This allows for more specific preparation. For example, one can choose to hunt deer and prepare only for the same.

On the basis of the weapon used, hunting can be broadly classified into rifle and bowhunting.

Rifle Hunting – Rifles are easier to get familiar with and are recommended for beginners. It also requires fewer essentials. However, it allows one to take down only one animal as the noise might scare the others away. One should choose a simple firearm as their first and progress as they get better. One’s first firearm should also be a balance between quality and cost-effectiveness. There is also the option to go for other add ons like rifle scopes.

Bow Hunting – Bow hunting is very extensive and requires great skill. It is not recommended for beginners. Bowhunting involves way more equipment. It also needs more precision as there is less force available. One should already be familiar with basic hunting before getting into bows and arrows.