How Do I Learn?

[Hynes57]

So i am officially a 29 year old gun owning and loving man that has....never been hunting....i have killed the heck out of some paper targets. Thing is i grew up with my grandmother and so never had anyone to take me. With that said; How in the world do i learn how to hunt? I am interested in all animals and will have no problem fielding the needed equipment. Are there outfitters in MD/PA that work with new hunters and show them the ropes? I mean i can read a crap ton of books and hit the woods but i dont think that will make me good or any of the experienced hunters on the board comfortable!

 

[tundramuscle03]

I would say the best way to learn would be to hit the woods or blinds with a friend or family member that has been hunting before and they should be able to show/tell you how to do things

 

[HardHatMan]

I would say the best way to learn would be to hit the woods or blinds with a friend or family member that has been hunting before and they should be able to show/tell you how to do things

This is the best advice. It's how I learned.

 

[Hynes57]

Well....I would love to...Problem being is that i am the more moderate family member and therefore the one that owns guns or would be interested in Hunting...The ones interested in guns are the ones that everyone would agree should not own them. I grew up in an area where most people didn't hunt...I don't mean to be the guy that always has a a "that wont work for me" excuse...I will look around and see if any outfitters will take my cash

 

[HardHatMan]

I'm sure someone here would be willing to show you the ropes. Hell, I would if I was actually able to make it out this year .

 

[wilcam47]

one way is jump into it...and learn by trial and error...deer season is almost at its end (31 Jan 2011)...one thing to do is get the maryland dnr hunters guide book for regulations...

or try this

http://hunt-tioga.com/

 

[Hynes57]

I was figuring i would wait until next season as most people probably have plans and most outfitters were probably booked. Also, i figured it would give me time to get any equipment i didnt have and learn to use it I will check out that site!

 

[davelenard]

Take a hunters safety course, and in the fall post up that you are looking for someone to hunt with.

If you want to meet up with me on Saturday, I'll be heading in at Mullnix Mill Road around 6:30 am. you can watch the sun rise, and the slightest possibility that I'll shoot a deer. I'll split the venison with you if you help drag it out.

 

[boricuamaximus]

First thing would be to take a hunter's safety course as stated before.
Next, I would join a club like the Izaak Walton League. It's a conservationist group and some chapters have hunting on their grounds.
Another good thing to join would the AGC, now living in Fredneck, I do not know if there's any clubs close to you but I know the Izaak Walton has a chapter in Mt. Airy (it's in Damascus).

That's how I plan on learning the ropes. Also, watching a lot of hunting shows to get a glimpse of something

A co-worker of mine hunts on public land out in Western MD. Dont know the exact place but he pulled a nice 8 point this season and a few huge does. Wicomico is an under hunted public area from reports on this site.

 

[HardHatMan]

...Next, I would join a club like the Izaak Walton League. It's a conservationist group and some chapters have hunting on their grounds.
Another good thing to join would the AGC, now living in Fredneck, I do not know if there's any clubs close to you but I know the Izaak Walton has a chapter in Mt. Airy (it's in Damascus)...

Frederick chapter: http://www.frederickiwla.org/

They have 49 acres of hunting land for members. You could definitely find someone to take you out if you became a member there. They also have the hunters safety course their. The next one is March 10-12.

ETA: I belong to the Rockville chapter with only 11 acres and members have no problems hunting there.

 

[SOMDSHOOT]

It's a shame you live so far away. I'd certainly be willing to help you out. I'm sure by next season you'll have all the book learning you need and then have time to find someone to take you out in the field for the real education, but, certainly get that hunters education certificate first. You can learn about that HERE

 

[Jim Sr]

So i am officially a 29 year old gun owning and loving man that has....never been hunting....i have killed the heck out of some paper targets. Thing is i grew up with my grandmother and so never had anyone to take me. With that said; How in the world do i learn how to hunt? I am interested in all animals and will have no problem fielding the needed equipment. Are there outfitters in MD/PA that work with new hunters and show them the ropes? I mean i can read a crap ton of books and hit the woods but i dont think that will make me good or any of the experienced hunters on the board comfortable!

Go​

 

[SOMDSHOOT]

Go​

Boy you're good LOL

 

[Jim Sr]

Boy you're good LOL

I have been involved, as a Hunting Safty Instructor, for about 25 years now.

Thanke for your comment!

 

[Hynes57]

I will certainly take this class soon. i was planning on taking at Cresaps but it didn't fit my scheudle that week..

As for the IWLA. I have been seriously considering joining for a while now based on its conservation efforts. I am torn between Frederick and Damascus. I am very close to the Frederick site and the website looks nice. The Damascus site shows it to be a VERY active group and i am impressed.

davelenard, I will PM you as soon as i check with the wife. I think we have to pick up a side of beef from the buthcer's that morning but i am unsure at the moment.

 

[BenL]

Guided hunts are a great way to start hunting if you aren't friends with anyone that hunts (Besides, hunting public land can be a hard hunt, even if you know what you're doing.) Guided hunts are good way to go with an experience caller/stalker and see how its supposed to be done. It will cost a lot more than just going at it alone, but will pay for itself in wasted time and frustration.

Do you know what kind of hunting you want to do? (upland, waterfowl, big game, varmint, etc...)

 

[Jim Sr]

I will certainly take this class soon. i was planning on taking at Cresaps but it didn't fit my scheudle that week..

As for the IWLA. I have been seriously considering joining for a while now based on its conservation efforts. I am torn between Frederick and Damascus. I am very close to the Frederick site and the website looks nice. The Damascus site shows it to be a VERY active group and i am impressed.

davelenard, I will PM you as soon as i check with the wife. I think we have to pick up a side of beef from the buthcer's that morning but i am unsure at the moment.

Take the wife, to the class also!

She may not take to hunting, but it will be better if she knows the truth about the subject.
Just my 2¢

 

[boricuamaximus]

Frederick chapter: http://www.frederickiwla.org/

They have 49 acres of hunting land for members. You could definitely find someone to take you out if you became a member there. They also have the hunters safety course their. The next one is March 10-12.

ETA: I belong to the Rockville chapter with only 11 acres and members have no problems hunting there.

Me too!

word on the street is that the rockville chapter is the cool kids hangout spot.

 

[SkunkWerX]

Jim Sr. ,

A semi-hunting-related question for you....

Landowners in Maryland may hunt on their own land without a hunting licence, provided they abide by all laws, rules, seasons, bag limits, etc.

The question is this:
Would the landowner still need to complete the Hunter Safety Course requirement before hunting his own land, sans license?

I know it would still be a good idea, just wondering, legally, if they need to?

 

[shaddydan]

The best way to hunt is to spend a lot of. Slow time in the woods where you plan to hunt. Slow walks with frequent stopping through all the seasons is the best way to learn what is going on. Books and to some extant guides can't teach you to get a feel for how the woods are. Stop often and use all of your senses and you will quickly learn how to tell wahts going on.