New hunter basics

jwedmonton · #1 02-05-2019, 04:00 PM

AS a New hunter what would be the best basic things after obtaining PAL and hunting license

MooseRiverTrapper · #2 02-05-2019, 04:01 PM

Keep the loud end away from your face.

Jayhad · #3 02-05-2019, 04:20 PM

Get Steven Rinella's Complete guide to big game hunting........ it is a great resource for the new hunter and no one will screw you around, like they will here.

I gets into the most basic of hunting needs,

mattthegorby · #4 02-05-2019, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwedmonton

AS a New hunter what would be the best basic things after obtaining PAL and hunting license

As a new hunter myself... just get out there and start looking for animals and practice shooting on crown land.

The hardest part for me has been finding animals and my first hunting season was gone before it even felt it started, though I was out every weekend. While I have yet to be successful at shooting anything, the more time I spend in the field in/out of season the more confident I feel about it all.

Reading the forums, listening to podcasts, and watching youtube is all good, but unless I can practice what I read it is hard to retain.

elkhunter11 · #5 02-05-2019, 04:29 PM

Read the regulations, then read them again. Then read the online draw booklet, and learn how the priority system works.

catnthehat · #6 02-05-2019, 04:33 PM

Safety first , last , and always!
Don't get lazy or complacent, that is how people hurt themselves and others.
That includes carrying mixed ammunition in your pockets, passing a rifle without proving it safe, crossing fences, shooting without knowing about your backstop, being totally sure if what you are shooting at and where your partners are at the time, etc, etc., etc...........
Cat

Nyksta · #7 02-05-2019, 04:53 PM

Pulling the trigger is such a small but important part of the hunt. Being comfortable all day while hiking and tracking before a successful kill is important, and being prepared to get your animal out of the woods is also important. Every step takes preparation.

Speckle55 · #8 02-05-2019, 05:55 PM

hi jw

list of things too do … Day pack
https://www.factorequipment.com/15-e...ting-day-pack/

pick a area you want to hunt - crown land or doing door knocking with county maps

do some more shooting at range

do some scouting of area well before hunting season you will see trails/tracks

good pair of bino's

quite clothes

do some reading and watch some video's on hunting styles

go to gun range again

if you can find a mentor/partner shortens the learning curve

others may add to list

good luck in your quest

David

LandlockedIslander · #9 02-05-2019, 06:18 PM

Where you located?

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old dog · #10 02-05-2019, 06:27 PM

Find a mentor

marky_mark · #11 02-05-2019, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old dog

Find a mentor

X2

old dog · #12 02-05-2019, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old dog

Find a mentor

A mentor that is ethical, experienced and willing to spend the time to show u the ropes

bigwolf · #13 02-05-2019, 06:56 PM

If you think an area holds game, go scout it for yourself. Dont bother looking online for what areas have big game numbers. The first elk I shot was in an area that I had read many times on this forum "has zero to very low elk numbers". I spotted over 130 elk in my first day in that area, and came home with a beauty 6x6. Since then myself and friend have pulled 2 bulls every year from this spot. Even the hunter harvest reports are useless.

Nothing, and I truly mean nothing will can help you find game better than spending time in the field.

Of course this is just my humble opinion. Good luck!

Jetboatn · #14 02-06-2019, 08:44 PM

Go to the range and get used to shooting your weapon before going hunting. You owe it to the animals you will be hunting.

Red Bullets · #15 02-06-2019, 09:14 PM

Aside from knowing your gun, get to a property that you will hunt and get to know it too. Too many new hunters wander around aimlessly hoping. If they learn a property and how the game trails work odds of a successful hunt go up considerably.
Consider joining a local Alberta Fish and Game Assoc. chapter. Lots of like minded people to learn from and to associate with..
https://www.afga.org/clubs-zones/

elkhunter11 · #16 02-06-2019, 09:25 PM

Obtain a landowner map for the county, so you know who owns what property, so you can be sure to avoid trespassing. The first priorities should be staying safe, and not trespassing or violating any regulations. Getting injured or being charged, would be the absolute worst way to start a hunting career. The rest you can learn as you go.

jwedmonton · #17 02-07-2019, 08:03 PM

I am located in gibbons just north of edmonton

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandlockedIslander

Where you located?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

jwedmonton · #18 02-07-2019, 08:04 PM

I am looking for a mentor

Quote:

Originally Posted by old dog

A mentor that is ethical, experienced and willing to spend the time to show u the ropes

Big Grey Wolf · #19 02-08-2019, 09:49 AM

Most important advice has already been covered for new hunter. However wilderness survival should be a big part of learning curve.

58thecat · #20 02-08-2019, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old dog

Find a mentor

and remember it is not a competition, respect the game you pursue, and you and only you are responsible for your actions...be safe....enjoy the time outdoors.

jcrayford · #21 02-09-2019, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

and remember it is not a competition, respect the game you pursue, and you and only you are responsible for your actions...be safe....enjoy the time outdoors.

I think most of the posts have already covered off all the points, but 58's post above means the most to me.... It's all about being out and away from your usual daily routine and enjoying the quiet time in the woods, bringing back the "hunter" aspect that will always reside within humans. We always have been / always will be hunters.

My best hunting season so far was one in which I never spilled a drop of blood and had some very unique and unforgettable experiences that year. That season alone will live on in my memories long after my ability to go afield has passed.

Learn to enjoy the privilege of being outdoors; not everyone has that privilege.

J.

tracker · #22 02-14-2019, 02:27 PM

As echoed elsewhere here but bears repeating, safety and ethics are key and will ensure you a long and successful career in this sport.

Joe Black · #23 02-14-2019, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old dog

A mentor that is ethical, experienced and willing to spend the time to show u the ropes

Oh,

He needs to hire an outfitter then,,,,,,,

catnthehat · #24 02-14-2019, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Black

Oh,

He needs to hire an outfitter then,,,,,,,

Cat

sns2 · #25 02-14-2019, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catnthehat

Safety first , last , and always!
Don't get lazy or complacent, that is how people hurt themselves and others.
That includes carrying mixed ammunition in your pockets, passing a rifle without proving it safe, crossing fences, shooting without knowing about your backstop, being totally sure if what you are shooting at and where your partners are at the time, etc, etc., etc...........
Cat

This ^^^^

Just heard of a young man who had a gun go off when he was cleaning it. WTH? Bullets don't get in chambers by accident. Whatever you do, do not get a semi. End of story. Google shooting accidents. Watch and rewatch.

58thecat · #26 02-15-2019, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sns2

This ^^^^

Just heard of a young man who had a gun go off when he was cleaning it. WTH? Bullets don't get in chambers by accident. Whatever you do, do not get a semi. End of story. Google shooting accidents. Watch and rewatch.

This is the same fella who fell two stories while shovelling snow off the roof.....