Post by: police women of America on September 04, 2014, 08:03:12 PM
or just a tip for hunting in general. How to find the perfect spot, gutting, shooting, supplies, brands, calling tips, ect. Or maybe something you wish you would have known when you started. Or maybe something you wish you wouldn't have done :bdid:
Post by: bobcat on September 04, 2014, 08:11:03 PM
Post by: rtspring on September 04, 2014, 08:12:00 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on September 04, 2014, 08:15:09 PM
When it goes wrong, analyze everything that happened and how it could be done better next time.
Post by: Duffer on September 04, 2014, 08:16:03 PM
Read as much as you can. Try to hook up with someone here to go out with, either to hunt or just to scout.
Or if you can, do what I did when I first started archery and do a guided hunt.
Just soak it all in and don't get impatient.
Post by: police women of America on September 04, 2014, 08:22:08 PM
Post by: pd on September 04, 2014, 08:24:06 PM
Being quiet is important, we all know that. But deer and elk are noisy, too. The thing is, deer (and elk) don't walk like humans, they take one or two steps, and stop, and look around. If you want to avoid spooking the deer, you have to do what they do.
So, how do you do this? The theory is very simple. Take two steps, and stop. Look around. Slowly look around (ideally with your eyes, not your head.) Only then do you take another two steps.
If you do this, you can literally walk right up to deer (sometimes). :twocents:
Post by: Tbar on September 04, 2014, 08:44:29 PM
Post by: police women of America on September 04, 2014, 09:10:47 PM
Slow down!
Being quiet is important, we all know that. But deer and elk are noisy, too. The thing is, deer (and elk) don't walk like humans, they take one or two steps, and stop, and look around. If you want to avoid spooking the deer, you have to do what they do.
So, how do you do this? The theory is very simple. Take two steps, and stop. Look around. Slowly look around (ideally with your eyes, not your head.) Only then do you take another two steps.
If you do this, you can literally walk right up to deer (sometimes). :twocents:
thanks! I heard walking directly at the deer helps too because they can't see very well directly in front of them.
Post by: police women of America on September 04, 2014, 09:12:20 PM
First I will say stay positive. You are with the majority if you are not successful. As others have said slow down and keep the wind in your face. Next I will say is enjoy the little things, mountain sunrise/set, the beauty, and the fact that you are outside enjoying what many never take the time to enjoy. Last, you get out what you put into a hunt (scouting, attention to detail pays off). Good luck and have fun.thanks! I sure will.
Post by: KFhunter on September 04, 2014, 09:41:49 PM
It's overwhelming to start out on your own not having been at least exposed to it, worst thing would be to shoot a deer then have no clue what to do with it after the shot. A big Whitetail is heavy, I can't pack it far with out first breaking it down to manageable bits.
So before you go hunting, make sure you have a good foundation on how to break down animals, rabbits and grouse are a good start!
Have you been grouse or rabbit hunting? Can you gut and clean them? Well a deer is pretty much like a big giant rabbit.
The best way for a beginner to hunt whitetail is to put your back to a tree and sit there, let the deer come to you. first though you need to find trails and areas they move through to feeding areas during the night. Anywhere near hayfields, cattle or orchards will hold lot's of deer. Also ponds, logging areas and edges of old burns and tree farms will have deer moving through. It doesn't do any good to sit all day long if the deer aren't coming through your area.
Don't try to stalk through the woods like Elmer Fudd, deer can hear too well, see movement too well and their noses will smell you out even with the best cover scent spray gunk you can buy.
Post by: ghosthunter on September 04, 2014, 09:42:54 PM
Go to a nice range with nice shooting benches. And no time limit. Take two three boxes of ammo.
Don't have anything else planned that day. Leave the non shooters at home.
Take the time to know exactly where you are hitting.
Don't settle for close. Dial it in.
Be friendly to everyone one you meet.
Good luck.
Post by: police women of America on September 05, 2014, 12:32:12 PM
I'd like to see you with a mentor, or if you have cash, a good guide.
It's overwhelming to start out on your own not having been at least exposed to it, worst thing would be to shoot a deer then have no clue what to do with it after the shot. A big Whitetail is heavy, I can't pack it far with out first breaking it down to manageable bits.
So before you go hunting, make sure you have a good foundation on how to break down animals, rabbits and grouse are a good start!
Have you been grouse or rabbit hunting? Can you gut and clean them? Well a deer is pretty much like a big giant rabbit.
The best way for a beginner to hunt whitetail is to put your back to a tree and sit there, let the deer come to you. first though you need to find trails and areas they move through to feeding areas during the night. Anywhere near hayfields, cattle or orchards will hold lot's of deer. Also ponds, logging areas and edges of old burns and tree farms will have deer moving through. It doesn't do any good to sit all day long if the deer aren't coming through your area.
Don't try to stalk through the woods like Elmer Fudd, deer can hear too well, see movement too well and their noses will smell you out even with the best cover scent spray gunk you can buy.
I haven't done any kind of hunting so fare. But I do know how to gut a deer and my dad knows how to do some of it too. A couple other members of my family will be going so I won't have trouble carrying it. Thanks for the tip!
Post by: police women of America on September 05, 2014, 12:37:57 PM
Go to the range before the hunt. Not the gravel pit.
Go to a nice range with nice shooting benches. And no time limit. Take two three boxes of ammo.
Don't have anything else planned that day. Leave the non shooters at home.
Take the time to know exactly where you are hitting.
Don't settle for close. Dial it in.
Be friendly to everyone one you meet.
Good luck.
thanks! I will.
Post by: Badhabit on September 05, 2014, 01:12:35 PM
Post by: grizzlyadams on September 06, 2014, 01:59:55 PM
Hunt with the wind in your face not on your back.
And know the thermals!!!
Post by: RadSav on September 06, 2014, 02:21:17 PM
Anyone have any tips for white tail (or just deer) hunting with a rifle (.308 win).
or just a tip for hunting in general. How to find the perfect spot, gutting, shooting, supplies, brands, calling tips, ect. Or maybe something you wish you would have known when you started. Or maybe something you wish you wouldn't have done :bdid:
Well, these days my first tip to new hunters is different than it was ten or more years ago. My first tip now is, don't be anxious to be a movie star. Get a few deer under your belt before buying a video camera.
First deer should be the one you have the best shot at. As should the second one too. So often new hunters judge animals based off canned hunts on television. And while Washington does have that class of deer get the hard ones in the bag. Those hard ones are usually the first two. After that things get a lot easier and hunting bigger and bigger bucks balances out the challenge and enjoyment.
Applying for doe tags is a good start as well. They can really help a new hunter develop the skills needed to find success regularly. And they eat/taste REALLY good!
As others have mentioned, good binoculars, watch the wind and patience top the list of important tips when hunting. Those three things have probably led to more big buck successes for me than any weapon choice, ammunition choice or camo choice.
If you are still hunting, especially for women, footwear tends to be a great investment. You tend to hunt longer, quieter and with a greater degree of patience with good footwear. Especially during late seasons. I think my wife considers it her most important hunting item!
I personally believe a good pellet rifle is worth the investment to a new hunter as well. Cheap to shoot, can be shot just about anywhere and it helps develop gun handling and target acquisition skills. Plus most pellet rifles have a hard long trigger pull. Much more than your rifle will. So it really teaches good form. Plus they are really fun!
Final tip from me is to never forget...Hunting is meant to be fun! Whether successful right away or not hunt in a way that makes you happy. Meat at the store is cheap. Enjoying everything nature holds is priceless!
Post by: SGTDuffman on September 07, 2014, 12:43:25 PM
Post by: The scout on September 07, 2014, 01:17:33 PM
Post by: luckyman on September 07, 2014, 02:35:55 PM
find a partner that will take the time to get you tuned in. going it alone is a tough way to start even with good advise.
Post by: bear hunter on September 07, 2014, 03:05:08 PM
Post by: bradslam on September 07, 2014, 03:07:51 PM
don't put questionable poop on your weapon
:chuckle:
Post by: bradslam on September 07, 2014, 03:17:38 PM
Anyone have any tips for white tail (or just deer) hunting with a rifle (.308 win).
or just a tip for hunting in general. How to find the perfect spot, gutting, shooting, supplies, brands, calling tips, ect. Or maybe something you wish you would have known when you started. Or maybe something you wish you wouldn't have done :bdid:
I would second what RadSav said. So many people want to be a trophy hunter right off the bat. Get some deer under your belt (even if they don't have the biggest antlers) and then worry about getting a trophy. In the process, you will develop your skills and the big ones will come later if that becomes important to you.
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on September 07, 2014, 03:57:08 PM
Like has been said, don't fall into the rookie trap of looking for and expecting to see an entire deer! Twitching ear(s) or tail, flash of white butt or belly hair as it takes a step, raising or lowering its head as it browses...parts and pieces like that coupled with movement will expose more deer than you may imagine. And sometimes, you really will see whole deer, so don't hesitate to use your bino's or spotting scope, sometimes those "stump" deer turn into real deer!
Practice enough with your weapon so you have the confidence that when you go for the shot, it will be successful.
Dress comfortable, if you aren't reasonably comfortable, your mind will be elsewhere and may lead to a missed opportunity.
Good luck and keep us posted!!
Post by: ELKBURGER on September 07, 2014, 07:43:50 PM
Post by: go4steelhd on September 07, 2014, 08:01:22 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on September 07, 2014, 08:11:25 PM
don't put questionable poop on your weapon
Don't put any poop on your weapon!
Post by: police women of America on September 07, 2014, 08:29:57 PM
thanks for the tips!Anyone have any tips for white tail (or just deer) hunting with a rifle (.308 win).
or just a tip for hunting in general. How to find the perfect spot, gutting, shooting, supplies, brands, calling tips, ect. Or maybe something you wish you would have known when you started. Or maybe something you wish you wouldn't have done :bdid:
Well, these days my first tip to new hunters is different than it was ten or more years ago. My first tip now is, don't be anxious to be a movie star. Get a few deer under your belt before buying a video camera.
First deer should be the one you have the best shot at. As should the second one too. So often new hunters judge animals based off canned hunts on television. And while Washington does have that class of deer get the hard ones in the bag. Those hard ones are usually the first two. After that things get a lot easier and hunting bigger and bigger bucks balances out the challenge and enjoyment.
Applying for doe tags is a good start as well. They can really help a new hunter develop the skills needed to find success regularly. And they eat/taste REALLY good!
As others have mentioned, good binoculars, watch the wind and patience top the list of important tips when hunting. Those three things have probably led to more big buck successes for me than any weapon choice, ammunition choice or camo choice.
If you are still hunting, especially for women, footwear tends to be a great investment. You tend to hunt longer, quieter and with a greater degree of patience with good footwear. Especially during late seasons. I think my wife considers it her most important hunting item!
I personally believe a good pellet rifle is worth the investment to a new hunter as well. Cheap to shoot, can be shot just about anywhere and it helps develop gun handling and target acquisition skills. Plus most pellet rifles have a hard long trigger pull. Much more than your rifle will. So it really teaches good form. Plus they are really fun!
Final tip from me is to never forget...Hunting is meant to be fun! Whether successful right away or not hunt in a way that makes you happy. Meat at the store is cheap. Enjoying everything nature holds is priceless!
Post by: Bob33 on September 07, 2014, 08:30:47 PM
Post by: elkboy on September 07, 2014, 08:42:09 PM
I would only add at this point: practice your shooting (in the following order) from bench-rest position, prone position, ground-seated position, kneeling position, and finally offhand or standing (learn what the "hasty sling" is). Get an experienced shooter to help you with these. The NRA also puts out a good basic rifle booklet, from which you can learn the fundamentals of these positions. Also learn how to aim in field situations: steadying the rifle on top of a stump, the top of a branch, from prone position from the top of a ridge, etc.
Good luck! I did not grow up in a hunting family, and had many experienced people help me learn along the way.
Post by: police women of America on September 07, 2014, 08:52:42 PM
Post by: Dan-o on September 07, 2014, 09:32:03 PM
It's much easier to learn from accomplished hunters by hunting with them than it is to read about it or learn all the hard lessons yourself. It's also more fun.