Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Rookie on March 19, 2012, 05:30:30 PM

Title: Rookie Hunter!!
Post by: Rookie on March 19, 2012, 05:30:30 PM: I am a rookie hunter, I just got into hunting and I have no clue where to hunt. I live in the tri-cities, I won't mind driving a few hours. I am not asking you guys for your honeyholes but just some descent spots for mule & white tail deer. I would really appreciate the help. I am really looking forward for this upcoming season. I have no hunting experience at all. Also,what kind of equipment would I need? I am going to buy a TC Venture 30.06, but I have no clue on what to pack. THANKS!!
Title: Re: Rookie Hunter!!
Post by: 400out on March 19, 2012, 06:01:16 PM: Man you are behind the 8 ball! I would have to say head toward tucannon and try and get off the road early and let other hunters push the deer toward you. You'll see whiteys and mulies. as for gear if your just going for the day pack your knife,ammo,glasses,rubber gloves, and patience! try and find someone to hunt with that you can learn from. Good luck :hello:
Title: Re: Rookie Hunter!!
Post by: Eli346 on March 19, 2012, 06:04:12 PM: Survival kit; which should definitely include a compass. I'd try to find a friend or a mentor to help you with the break-in process and then just learn as ya go!
Title: Re: Rookie Hunter!!
Post by: Swiftkid on March 19, 2012, 06:31:42 PM: Best advice i can give you is look for as much info online and on here as you can about hunting in general, 2nd find an area you know you want to hunt for sure, 3rd find out who owns the land in that area and ask them for permission it's crazy how just asking people actually works. You have 8 months till modern season so do as much homework as you can possibly on that area and the animals around there and it'll pay off.
Title: Re: Rookie Hunter!!
Post by: mrmoskillz on March 20, 2012, 06:28:00 AM: get a guide the 1st year
Title: Re: Rookie Hunter!!
Post by: lilredhead on March 20, 2012, 11:28:37 AM: I prefer toilet paper to rubber gloves, but whatever. Talk to the guys at the local outdoor stores they can be helpful.
Title: Re: Rookie Hunter!!
Post by: NWBREW on March 20, 2012, 11:42:44 AM: The Regs. Pack a copy with you, read and understand them. NE corner has some good whitetail. Good luck.
Title: Re: Rookie Hunter!!
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on March 20, 2012, 05:51:36 PM: First thing i would get is a hunting partner...someone thats hunted to teach you first hand...alot easier than listening to all of us on here lol...as far as a spot to hunt...get out and drive...its never to early to scout for a.spot
Title: Re: Rookie Hunter!!
Post by: Odell on March 22, 2012, 10:39:29 PM: I would recommend reading as many hunting articles in magazines and online as possible. You would be surprised how much you can learn about the basics of hunting. Start hiking in the woods and practice like you were hunting. Begin to train your eyes to spot deer. The outline of a leg, or belly, ears, antlers...I am always surprised how hard it is for people to see deer when I point them out but the realize I've been looking for them my whole life...

The more you learn about deer the better off you will be. Learn their habits, where they eat, bed, etc. Finding the animals is the hard part! Shooting and game handling is the easy part. Apply common sense and safety, move quietly and slow...etc.

Personally I wouldn't waste 1 cent on high tech gear like scent control clothes etc...lots of deer are killed by old rifles and guys in levis. Get an accurate rifle, good boots and enough clothes to be warm and dry. Always have a basic survival kit if you are going to be away from camp. Learn to use a compass and a map...a good knife is a must.

When I deer hunt I carry my weapon and ammo, some water and snacks, a knife, some surveyors tape, lighter, whistle, short chunk of twine, my cell phone and wet wipes. I know the area well so I don't always carry a map or compass or full survival kit because I am not far from camp and the weather is usually mild. I am going to start carrying something for a tourniquit next year in case of a bad fall or a knife slip. But most gear is left at camp. If you are going to be hiking really far you should carry more on you.

call the WDFW office in the region you want to hunt and ask them for some spots to start looking, sometimes stopping by the forest service office is helpful...start chatting up other hunters. You would be surprised what people will tell you!

One last general tip... Patience is key. Don't get in a hurry, don't get frustrated. Be patient, keep looking...eventually you will find deer and be successful. I can't count the number of times I have started moving fast, being loud, thinking "i'll slow back down when I get to that spot..." and then blown deer and elk out of the area.