Hunting for the first time

[miles71]

My son has shown an interest in hunting. Even though I’m a born WV boy, I’ve never been. We did the hunter safety course, got a rifle, started buying camo (lol), and a friend is taking us out for the junior hunt weekend. My son is excited. This could turn into a def father and son yearly activity if we enjoy it.

Any advice for what we should pack in our new cool Realtree camo backpacks?

TD

 

[outrider58]

What kind of hunting are you guys trying first? And congrats on your new adventure. Just remember, hunting isn't always killing. Enjoy the full experience.

 

[[Kev308]]

Very cool. Doing the same with my son. I've never gotten a deer but we went out scouting today in the woods for some ground blind spots for bow hunting.

As for backpack there's a lot you could pack or just go minimal.

First Aid kit
Flash lights
Water
Knife
Orange ribbon or tape
deer call
Phone back up battery pack
Wet wipes
Gloves
Marker or pen
Snacks.....

 

[Yellowdog]

TP

 

[hobiecat590]

Beer :-) or some water
Nitril gloves
Gal sized ziplocks (heart and liver)
Some Paper towels/reg or small not white towel.
LED light clip to cap or head mounted for hands free field dressing.
Dragging strap. I like the dual person version with 2 loops.
I usually pack a tri leg adjustable stool w/ a ball bearing seat that rotates. If this is too much, go for a belt attached seat cushion.
Compass
whistle
small binoculars

Amazon product ASIN B00JYEBUPW(might want to buy the gut hook blade while your are at it.

Good luck this season.

 

[outrider58]

Here's what I carry:

What Do You Carry in Your Deer pack?

You can list it or shoot a picture(worth a thousand words). Here's mine. This is my bow kit. Come gun season, a couple changes; the tree hanger comes out and I generally don't carry my range finder unless I am going to hunt over a field. Pretty much everything else stays. A side note on the...

www.mdshooters.com

 

[miles71]

What kind of hunting are you guys trying first? And congrats on your new adventure. Just remember, hunting isn't always killing. Enjoy the full experience.

We are starting with deer I guess, jumping right in lol

 

[[Kev308]]

I would add this too for mosquitos, but I think junior hunt is in November?


Amazon product ASIN B07JCQ8GQJ

 

[Inigoes]

What kind of hunting are you guys trying first? And congrats on your new adventure. Just remember, hunting isn't always killing. Enjoy the full experience.

This, keep expectations low. As both of you are learning to hunt together.

The key: have fun, even if it means buying hamburger at the store and calling it deer burger to the girls left at home. Just remember to remove the price.

If you do manage to harvest something, that is a bonus.

 

[pre64hunter]

Confidence, expect to get a deer and see deer. Enjoy being out. If you don't get a deer then that's ok but look for them, expect them, be quiet, be alert. Listen, watch, take it all in, pay attention. The deer are there, watching, listening, sniffing, alert, trying not to be seen nor shot.
My list is hunting license, knife, drag rope, water bottle, gun, ammo, pull up rope if hunting from a tree stand.
Between myself, two of my sons and young grandkids, we harvested over 400 deer fair and square, legally in season without special places to hunt. All three of my sons told me the best, most special advice they ever got was from me, expect to see deer, be ready. Couldn't tell you how many hunters have said about seeing a deer, nice deer, buck, "I wasn't expecting to see a deer!" WTF!

 

[outrider58]

We are starting with deer I guess, jumping right in lol

Not a problem with that. That's pretty much what I did. Best of luck to you two.

 

[outrider58]

A few tricks I've learned through the years; Binocs, snacks(crackers and cheese, a sugary treat like tootsie pop, and some kind of nuts(cashews, pistachios, etc.), sharp knife and gloves, simple first aid, a warm hat, a drag rope, a compass, tags, good small flashlight, water and anything else you think you'll need.

 

[Brickman301]

My son has shown an interest in hunting. Even though I’m a born WV boy, I’ve never been. We did the hunter safety course, got a rifle, started buying camo (lol), and a friend is taking us out for the junior hunt weekend. My son is excited. This could turn into a def father and son yearly activity if we enjoy it.

Any advice for what we should pack in our new cool Realtree camo backpacks?

TD

Awesome, some of my best memories are hunting with my son. Hopefully we get to keep making memories for a long time to come.

The gear we carry depends on where/how we are hunting. Mostly we hunt small wood lots, or farm fields. Either way we aren’t far from the truck and ATV. With that being said, we all carry pretty light. I usually just carry some extra ammo, something to drink, an apple or granola bar, a range finder, and of course my cell phone.
The knives, skinning gloves, ropes, extra clothes, flashlights and 1st aid kit all stay in the truck.

Of course if you are a long walk from where you are parked, you need more gear.

 

[Doco Overboard]

Take your hunters safety courses seriously.
A six year old girl was shot in the face with a SG the other day when her 14 YO brother who passed a Hunters Safety course at 8, pulled the trigger on her at relatively close range in a fit of excitement dove hunting.
One young child in Hopkins and a brother who nearly mortally wounded a sibling is not what its all about.
The rest will come naturally with dedication, commitment and respect for the sport.

 

[Uncle Duke]

Trust your eyes. If you think you may have seen motion, you most probably did. And you'll notice some sort of motion before you note the form of a deer.

The woods is alive with motion. When you're attuned to motion in the deer woods, you're looking for horizontal motion, in what is a largely vertical world.

 

[remrug]

Dont rely on gadgets . Basic things will get you deer. You will not fool a deer's nose. Learn how to use wind direction to your benefit.
Set yourself up to be in the shadows at all times. Have something big behind you to break up your outline.
Stay as still and quiet as possible. Dont let metal things clang together,candy wrappers crinkle, etc.
Deer notice movement. Wait til they cant see you to get ready for the shot. As soon as you have a clear ,steady shot for the vitals, squeeze the trigger NOW!!!
Dont be afraid to ask a question to experienced hunters. We were all beginners making beginner mistakes at one time.
Hunting crop field edges in the late afternoon til dark, is a great way to see deer.

Good Luck !!!

 

[Brickman301]

Another thing I’d like to add. I’m not sure how old your son is, but if he’s young a hunting blind would probably be best. It covers your movements a lot which can save your hunt. I’ve taken several kids out hunting before my son was old enough to hunt. They all had success, in the blind. Haha, I’ve had to wake kids up to shoot deer before too!

 

[outrider58]

Don't forget to pack the TP!

 

[gwchem]

Don't forget a good headlamp and extra batteries.

Clothes to keep warm, if hunting rifle season. License, knife, chair, orange vest, water and snack. First aid kit. Rag to wipe off blood.

Camo isn't as important as warm and dry. You can get away with just wearing earth tones, or only your outer layer being camo.

 

[Uncle Duke]

Don't forget to pack the TP!

The first time he has to climb down out of the tree stand like a scalded cat, and then has to cut up his undershirt, he'll have that covered.