New to deer hunting - things I learned

[deltaops]

I really appreciated your post. Trying to learn everything on my own has been a daunting task, and I often grumble to myself that every other hunter has had a mentor and teacher except me. Okay....I know that isn't really true, but it feels like it. Hopefully I will be ready to go next season. I just got a rifle and don't even know how to shoot it yet. So thank you for posting, and in a humorous way, about some of the things I too get to experience as I stumble along on this journey.

you are about an hour away from me, but if you ever want to make the journey and or take the time, we can go up and shoot together. I will do my best to help you in any way I can. Both the women and I are ex military and combat vets. I taught my 9yo how to shoot, and he can shoot dang well as long as he follows directions and doesn't hurry.

[n2thecraft]

I really appreciated your post. Trying to learn everything on my own has been a daunting task, and I often grumble to myself that every other hunter has had a mentor and teacher except me. Okay....I know that isn't really true, but it feels like it. Hopefully I will be ready to go next season. I just got a rifle and don't even know how to shoot it yet. So thank you for posting, and in a humorous way, about some of the things I too get to experience as I stumble along on this journey.

How to use your rifle, Rule #1

The really dangerous end has a hole in it,, the other end has you on it. Assume you're going to kill anything that the end with the hole in it is pointed at.

[boneaddict]

I've been hunting officially for 33 years now (several years more in tow), and I am still learning lots, sometimes re-learning things I forgot.   Enjoy.

[JohnVH]

great thread!

[evburt]

Thanks for sharing I'm a first year hunter too and besides pissing on my gear it sounds like we have a lot in common 

[coachcw]

remember 4wd is to get you unstuck from 2wd . I always wonder why it's up hill both ways too.

[huntnphool]

Here are some things I learned out hunting this weekend.

Whether it's 36 or 28 degrees outside, that rifle barrel is gonna feel like it's -30 when ya touch it with bare hands.

Sounds like you should have spent $750 at Cabelas and picked up a pair of gloves.

[n2thecraft]

Here are some things I learned out hunting this weekend.

Whether it's 36 or 28 degrees outside, that rifle barrel is gonna feel like it's -30 when ya touch it with bare hands.

Sounds like you should have spent $750 at Cabelas and picked up a pair of gloves.

didn't wanna piss on my $45 gloves 

[huntnphool]

Here are some things I learned out hunting this weekend.

Whether it's 36 or 28 degrees outside, that rifle barrel is gonna feel like it's -30 when ya touch it with bare hands.

Sounds like you should have spent $750 at Cabelas and picked up a pair of gloves.

didn't wanna piss on my $45 gloves 

[Buckmark]

You will contiue to learn every year, we all do....
Don't get to discouraged either, the success rate last year was 27%, 115000 hunters killed 31000 deer, so 84000 hunters did not fill there tag.....
And of those i would bet more than half of the deer are killed by the same hunters every year...

[Carl]

I’m enjoying this thread and your sense of humor!  

I haven’t hunted big game for over 45 years, so I guess I’m starting over too.

I know what someone meant when they said “it feels like everyone else has a mentor”.   

Keep the humorous tips coming on future episodes… 

Carl

[methowman]

Couple of quick points for newby's

1) Never forget the butt wipe- I've used my tee shirt an a pinch

2) If your on a road with one way in & one way out You better have a chainsaw in the truck to cut the tree that could be laying across the road on your way back out -been there didnt have a chain saw or a tow cable

3) Carry what you need to spend the night in the timber... Ya I know you didn't plan on an overnight hunt
but @#$% happens. Firestarter, emergency blanket, extra water, etc.

4) Learn how to use your GPS before you get lost.. I know a guy who did this..

5) Dont piss into the wind... Its hard on Cabelas gear....

[andrebeergog]

Well said man! Great post!

[Crunch14]

Another thing I've learned... and have to remind myself of sometimes... K.I.S.S.  Keep It Simple Stupid, if youre not comfortable with it don't do it.  Yeah you gotta push yourself, but pay attention to the gut.