1st year newbie looking to learn to hunt!

[StelleriOutdoors]

Hey everyone, happy to be here! My name is Cameron, I'm a 24 y/o photographer in Vancouver, WA. I've been wanting to hunt for several years, and learned as much as i can through books, videos, etc. and made the choice last year to jump into it. This spring i completed hunter safety training, and bought my first rifle, which i've been practicing with all summer. I'd love to connect with other hunters and sportsmen/women in the SW WA/Vancouver area, and learn all i can. Or even better have somebody show me the ropes! I'm more than willing to pull my weight, and i'd be happy to help you out in any way be hunting related or not as thanks for your time and effort. I didn't grow up in a hunting family, so even though i'm late to the game, i'd love to learn in the field from people who have experience and knowledge. I'm not looking for a trophy Buck, just to experience the magic of nature, and put some good meat in the freezer! Thank you all so much for even considering! I can't wait to see what i learn through this forum!

Have a great day!
Cam

[2MANY]

Practice by stalking the neighborhood animals.
If you can consistently close the gap to 10-15' on cats, dogs, birds, etc then you have the skill required.

Congrats on your hunters safety.

[pickardjw]

Welcome, I'm not particularly close to Vancouver but I'll be bear hunting and checking cameras down by St. Helens the weekend of 9/22. If you'd like to tag a long for a day or two feel free to send me a PM if you can. Can't remember if there's a post count requirement before you can send those.

[ducks4days]

Welcome!

I universally suggest starting on small game instead of big game for first time hunters. The opportunity is greater, investment is lower (to start out, dont ask a waterfowl hunter how much they spend on boats / blinds / decoys),  and people are much more open to taking you out with the longer seasons and lower pressure for success.

[Special T]

Firearm? Bow?

[2MANY]

This bait might have the perfect roll?

[Fajalker]

hunting black tail is the most discouraging and rewarding!! Every area is totally different as far as bedding cover, feed, etc etc, however the basic building blocks are all the same from what Ive found. My group find the most succes focusing on finding what the deer's primary feed is and how they are using it as well as how changing seasons may affect it blacktail operate on two things, feed and bedding. It might take you a year or two to figure out how the feed, and bedding areas adjust (if at all) as the seasons change! The last week of October is magical for the blacktail, and if you plan on taking time off and only have a day or two, take the last two! a few things i have found to be 99% universal with these deer, is topography and hardwoods. If there is a ridge or hilltop check the top! Hardwood patches also always seem to hold deer consistently. If you can find a spot that combines the two you're in the money. Spend time in the woods shed hunting is a great tool, the antlers only fall off where the bucks are, so they help you put the pieces together quickly. you may find ten sheds to one buck actually seen most months on the year. another thing i have noticed with the deer where i hunt at least, theyre either on top or on the bottom. hill sides almost never seem to hold the deer or antlers. (this doesnt mean that your area will be the same just an example of how things might differ) Best thing to do is get out there and find the does, then come about october 24 you start hunting those does. the bucks will follow. does tend to have very small home ranges so finding them isnt usually difficult. Good luck out there man hope you kill a monster!!!

[GWP]

Firearm? Bow?

Well, he did say he bought a rifle and practiced a bunch. I am thinking rifle.