BRL234
Posts:3
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| 22 Dec 2012 07:34 AM |
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I've always wanted to get into hunting, just never really had the time before now. I just want to know where do I start.
For a new hunter, what would the best gun choice be?
What is the best game to hunt for a Rookie?
And what gear would I need to actually go out on a hunt?
Would appreciate some feedback, thank you. |
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Steve
Posts:1686
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| 22 Dec 2012 08:22 AM |
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First off welcome to the board. This place has a wealth of knowledge on pretty much any type of game. There are thousands of posts you can draw off of.
But you've asked a lot of questions and provided no background information on your self.
How old are you, can you already shoot proficiently, where are you, what kind of animals are around, what kind of animals are you interested in, what's your reasoning for taking up the sport, are there any seasoned hunters that you know that you could draw off of... and the list would continue but a LOT more info is needed from you before anyone could even think of formulating any sort of reasonable advice to you.
Not trying to be combative but to really help, that kind of information needs to be put out there. |
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| Steve:
OSOK - Poughkeepsie, NY |
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BRL234
Posts:3
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| 22 Dec 2012 09:23 AM |
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Well im 20 years old, Im currently in the military stationed in South Korea, so this is more for when I get back to the states next November, I have a decent shot and love shooting guns so i'll get plenty of practice in. Im from North West Illinois, I have quite a few buddies that have been hunting all their lives, so im sure i could tag along and learn a few things from them. Hope that helps! |
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Camo Dave
Posts:36
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| 22 Dec 2012 11:43 AM |
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Posted By BRL234 on 22 Dec 2012 10:23 AM
Well im 20 years old, Im currently in the military stationed in South Korea, so this is more for when I get back to the states next November, I have a decent shot and love shooting guns so i'll get plenty of practice in. Im from North West Illinois, I have quite a few buddies that have been hunting all their lives, so im sure i could tag along and learn a few things from them. Hope that helps!
Learning from your buddies is the best way to learn. Just be ready for a few pranks to come your way, and don't worry, if these are your hunting buds, the pranks will be all in good fun. We Hunters stick together. |
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mowgle
Posts:212
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| 22 Dec 2012 08:54 PM |
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Sorry but I'm not from Illinois but before thinking about buying a gun, check your state's laws. Not for sure but I think you have serious limits on weapons for deer. You could check on line for your state game laws. |
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SFC B
Posts:86
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| 22 Dec 2012 09:49 PM |
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Hey brother, I believe if you are hunting in Northern IL you will be shooting either shotgun or Black Powder. Definitely check with your DNR to make sure of the rules. Conservation officers for your area are also a great resource. Do you have your return assignment yet? Depending on where you get stationed yo might have some opportunities there as well. Buddies or other mentors (a lot of folks are willing to mentor, that is how I started at 33) are greatways to start. In the Midwest Whtetails are the big daddy of game and reasonable creatures to learn about hunting with. If you are going to get a gun for Illinois I would go with a shotgun. My personal suggestions would be a Remington 870 (great gun at a reasonable price that can be customized easily) or an H&R slugster. I was in your shoes 10 years ago. while it is some work to learn it is great fun and very rewarding. This year I shot my first elk and was resonsible for shooting, quartering, hauling out , butchering, packaging and now cooking it. A lot of satisfaction in it. Feel free to message me and I will answer everything I can. SFC B
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| Never apologize for being a Patriot!!
SFC B |
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Cherokee
Posts:194
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| 22 Dec 2012 10:25 PM |
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Posted By BRL234 on 22 Dec 2012 08:34 AM
I've always wanted to get into hunting, just never really had the time before now. I just want to know where do I start.
For a new hunter, what would the best gun choice be?
What is the best game to hunt for a Rookie?
And what gear would I need to actually go out on a hunt?
Would appreciate some feedback, thank you. WELL FOR STARTERS GO THROUGH A NRA HUNTERS SAFETY COURSE AND THEN AFTER YOU PASS IT THEN AND ONLY THEN WILL YOU BE ABLE TO KNOW ABOUT HUNTING THE SAFE WAY.. I TO HAVE SERVERED .. USMC RETIRED SNIPER FOR 17 PLUS YRS.. WELCOME TO THE FORUMS AND IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE HERE CAN HELP YOU WITH WE WILL TRY.. I MY SELF STARTED HUNTING WHEN , I WAS 7YRS OLD WITH MY DAD AND UNCLE'S AND PASSED MY NRA TEST 99% AND WOULD BE VERY PROUD TO HELP YOU IN ANYWAY .. HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEARS.. BE SAFE..  |
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bigrig
Posts:323
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| 23 Dec 2012 07:25 AM |
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Cherokee threw out a good point. Because of your age. The first thing you will have to do is go through a hunters safety course. It's not expensive. And is a fairly short course. I didn't have to do the course because my age. But, did it with my son anyway. It's not required in all states depending on your age. But, it is in others no matter what your age is. In my experience. Other states will accept the certificate. No matter what state you got it in. Get together with other guys you know to get info about hunting from. Get out with them too. you can learn a lot from the others. As was said. You will experience pranks. It's all in fun. Don't fall for the snipe hunting one. They will try to get you to get a bag and a flashlight and hold the light behind the bag and call the snipe after dark. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Thats the only way your going to learn. Just remember. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask. The club is a good start. All of are more than happy to answer questions. There are lots of opportunities to hunt where ever your stationed. I've hunted in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Kansas while I was in. |
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Steve
Posts:1686
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| 23 Dec 2012 07:47 AM |
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Most (all?) states have mandatory Hunters Safety Regs. PA didn't when I was that young but the other piece of the pie is if you have a prior valid license. Now I took the course and have actually taught it. I think everyone should have to re-take it every five years... but that's a different story. Hey bigrig... don't steer him away for one of the most fun experiences! Sheesh...  Ask away here and you'll get answers. More specific questions would probably yield more helpful detailed responses. It sounds like you're going to be in shotgun country. I hunt in both. I have a Mossberg 500 combination set. It has a cantilevered rifled barrel for slugs as well as a shot barrel with three choke tubes. Very flexible setup and won't drain your wallet. It does take some trial and error shooting with various brands and types of slugs to determine which one your particular gun "likes" but once you find it, you're good. I could easily reach out to between 150 an 200 yards with mine. Hopefully you'll be back here soon. |
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| Steve:
OSOK - Poughkeepsie, NY |
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bpearce
Posts:181
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| 23 Dec 2012 08:24 AM |
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Suggesting a gun option is almost impossible without knowing what type of hunting you want to get into. If you want to hunt upland game birds you might want a light weight shotgun, for duck or geese you would want a shotgun that was capable of shooting magnum shells. the same goes for varment hunting and big game hunting. You would use a smaller caliber for varments than for big game.
If you can only use a shotgun or muzzle loader for deer You could get the 870 with 2 barrels, the second barrel being a rifled slug barrel. Plus one that would handle 2 3/4 to 3 1/2 shells. That would give you the option of using it for several different game.
As for myself. I use my Franchi lightweight 20 gauge semi auto for dove and quail. For pheasant I would use my 12 gauge Rem. 1100. If I wanted to shoot squirrel I would take my 22, and for deer I use a 30-30 winchester or a Stevens 243 bolt action. Once I got hooked on whitetail hunting I have for the most part stopped my bird hunting.
Since rifle season for deer only lasts 10 days in Ks. I have taken up archery hunting. That runs from the end of Sept. through Dec. and am able to spend a lot more time hunting. |
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Steve
Posts:1686
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| 23 Dec 2012 08:53 AM |
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no argument there BP, that was the main point of my first reply but since shotguns had been brought up I figured I'd toss in my two cents on that. More specific information and questions will get much better and more informed answers.
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| Steve:
OSOK - Poughkeepsie, NY |
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bigrig
Posts:323
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| 23 Dec 2012 09:23 AM |
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It looks like he's getting some pretty good advice already. Your right Steve. I remember someone tryiing that one on me.  Goes along with running to FDC to get a box of grid squares in artillery.  |
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Steve
Posts:1686
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| 23 Dec 2012 09:32 AM |
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all in good fun. Those are the kinda of things you remember for a long time, and usually fondly although at the time felt pretty durn taken... ;-) |
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| Steve:
OSOK - Poughkeepsie, NY |
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bigrig
Posts:323
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| 23 Dec 2012 09:44 AM |
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Posted By Steve on 23 Dec 2012 10:32 AM
all in good fun. Those are the kinda of things you remember for a long time, and usually fondly although at the time felt pretty durn taken... ;-)
lol I heard that  |
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Steve
Posts:1686
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| 23 Dec 2012 09:51 AM |
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I can't tell you how many shirt tails were pinned to the walls of our old camp... lol
For those who may not be aware of that, there are traditions in some places that if someone misses, out come the knives and off goes the guys shirt tail... ;-) |
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| Steve:
OSOK - Poughkeepsie, NY |
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holly
Posts:2239
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| 23 Dec 2012 11:13 AM |
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Been there and done that too Steve .Seen a few pranks in my few years . |
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bigrig
Posts:323
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| 23 Dec 2012 11:36 AM |
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Be making a sandwich. If someone else wanted one.We'd leave the plastic wrap around the slice of cheese. Imagine the surprise when its bitten into. |
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Cherokee
Posts:194
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| 23 Dec 2012 10:29 PM |
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Posted By Steve on 23 Dec 2012 10:51 AM
I can't tell you how many shirt tails were pinned to the walls of our old camp... lol
For those who may not be aware of that, there are traditions in some places that if someone misses, out come the knives and off goes the guys shirt tail... ;-)
BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT TO .. BUT SOME OF THE GUY'S DON'T MUCH CARE FOR THE CUTING OF THE SHIRT'S.. OH WELL THEN DON'T MISS WE SAY.. LOL..HAY HOLLY AND STEVE.. 
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mowgle
Posts:212
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| 24 Dec 2012 06:37 AM |
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Reminds me when I was on KP in the army. Sarge sent me out with a big pot to get 20 gals of steam. I came back 12 hrs later and told him I filled it many times but it all escaped. But being drunk I don't think he believed me. KP for a week but no more steam runs. |
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bigrig
Posts:323
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| 24 Dec 2012 04:41 PM |
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It took me awhile to live this one down. I was the supply ssection driver for awhile. When we went to the field. I hauled the mess section around. I was firing up the imersion heaters, and let a little too much gas drip into the heater before I lit it. I saw it coming when the fire was swirling around the bottom of the heater. I didn't move fast enough when thee thing went woooof. The whole firing battery heard it. Luckily, all it did was burn my eye brows and lashes off. I had my helmet liner on. For the newer troops. Our helmets were two piece. A fiberglass liner with the steel pot. I was still aournd when we were issued the kevlar helmets. We once put an opposum in the back of a 2 1/2 ton with a new troop who was a mechanic. We woke him when the -possum was nose to nose with him. He screamed like a little girl and being unable to get his bag open. Ripped it to shreds getting out of it. Well, I guess you can figure out who ended up buying him a new bag. The mess section and me. |
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