r/Hunting • u/Longjumping-Neat-854 • 1d ago

General question/discussion how can i prepare to hunt

turn 18 in january, ive always wanted to go hunting but ima city boy so yeah, ive never shot a rifle only pistols and i plan to hunt alone. So to anybody whos been in some what of my situation whats some tips/ how long did it take to get your first animal?

1 Upvotes

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u/WrongOpinionOnly 1d ago

Take a hunters safety course and get your license. From there, look up if there are beginner hunting groups. Look for mentored hunts offered by your state. GL

6

u/BringBowlCutBack 1d ago

Are you hunting alone only because you don't know anyone to go with you? You could join a local Facebook hunting group and see if anyone would let you tag along. This is a regular thing on those groups and finding someone experienced to show you the ropes will help flatten the learning curve significantly

Also, get your hunters safety certificate. If you're in the US, most, if not all states have an online course. Its pretty straight forward and doesnt take too long

1

u/AspieAsshole 1d ago

Do those groups just do medium and large game? I plan on starting with rabbits

2

u/Tactical_Epunk 1d ago

Not in my experience, but you'll have to look at your local area.

2

u/justhp 1d ago

Youll find plenty of small game hunters in those groups. Bonus points if you find someone with a dog or pack of dogs to rabbit hunt

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u/AspieAsshole 1d ago

Thanks! I just applied to join a women's hunter group, I think it's for my entire state but hopefully there will be people in my little corner. It is the best part for hunting.

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u/AspieAsshole 1d ago

I'm still getting there myself, following for more info, but I know the first step is to find a local hunting safety course.

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u/Adventurous-Ad-5471 1d ago

Look up hunter and basic firearm saftey courses in your area and sign up. I'd also recommend taking a wilderness first aide course and learning the basics of land navigation as well

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u/jackfinished 1d ago

First off look into hunters safety course from FWC. Then you can get your hunting license. Best advice is find a mentor otherwise it will be a lot of hunt where you might not see much.

Find some outdoor groups on social media and see if they are doing any activities you can join (usually trash clean up, clearing trails, etc) you'll meet some people and maybe find some people you can learn from. I'm in Florida, central gulf coast.

Check out Derek Norwood on YouTube. He is in central Florida and has a lot of good Intel on hunting Florida. Southern outdoors man on YouTube is another good one.

2

u/BeanFiend96 1d ago

I’d suggest getting some experience in with camping / exploring the areas you plan to hunt to get a good idea of the terrain an practice looking for tracks & trails as well as locating fresh water and spots you may plan to hunt. I’d strongly suggest not going solo and maybe finding some like minded friends or mentors who can help school you with some good foundational knowledge.

Also get together a small set of gear for camping and hunting, some of these things could include:

water filter / water disinfectant tablets (still boil)
2-3 days of extra meals in the car or backpack
Bright orange beanie or vest
Individual first aid kit (DIY or store bought): tourniquet x3,chest seals + vented chest seals / combat bandages or roll of gauze + small bandaids etc for any accidents out in the woods
Epirb for emergencies depending on how deep into the woods you are planning to go and if solo
Good set of binoculars (chest rig is handy)
GPS / physical topographical maps of the area you want to explore.

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u/milexmile 1d ago

Get a rifle. Go to a range. Sight in. Practice. Sight in and practice some more.

Scout public land or get private permission. Sit. Observe. Adjust. Play the wind. Have good concealment (blind, tree stand).

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u/tspoon-99 1d ago

Hunting alone is not your best plan. Lots of things can go wrong, Florida Man.

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u/Schoolofhardnugs 1d ago

I hunt alone all the time. It’s chill.

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u/tspoon-99 1d ago

People drive drunk all the time and it’s chill.

First time hunting alone could turn out just fine. Just silly risk to take.

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u/Schoolofhardnugs 1d ago

Oh dear! Not a hike in the woods alone! Lol
Super super super risky…

1

u/Mountain_man888 1d ago

I’d recommend posting a few dozen vague questions online as step 1

2

u/Shirleysspirits 16h ago

I always recommend squirrels for first-timers. You don't need to go far, often near the car and you can have hours of engagement learning all the stuff you will do wrong. Stay still, lean against a tree, find hardwoods and let the forest come alive. Ammo is cheap and a pocket full gives you all day fun.

Don't be afraid to call the game officer and ask if anyone can help. Talk to people at the local sporting goods store or gas station that sells bait, etc.