By Severine Goddard.
In this short article, we have tried to give an introduction to some of the key points you may want to know about if you are curious about getting into hunting. A beginners guide to hunting as a starting point to interest you.
We discuss why to start hunting, changes in the popularity of hunting among women, and then some practical tips about how to get into hunting. You’ll read useful information about what and where to hunt, as well as some of the equipment you might need.
Contents
Why start hunting?
So, why start hunting? Hunting is an activity that has been around since the dawn of time and was a primary food source for our ancestors.
Nowadays, hunting your own food is a fantastic way of making sure that you get high-quality meat that hasn’t suffered from hormone injections or similar consequences of mass production farming.
In fact, morally speaking, many hunters argue that the animals that they kill have most probably had a much better quality of life than animals reared on farms, as they have been able to graze freely and enjoy their lives in the wild.
As long as it is carried out safely, hunting actually contributes to the ecosystem. On the one hand, it helps to control the population of certain species. On the other hand, it allows people to control their own meat consumption and only hunt when they have run out of food, avoiding mass waste as we see so often in supermarket chains.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Pittman-Robertson Act in 1937 led to a proportion of the taxes that hunters pay being reinvested into the protection of the ecosystem, the restoration of natural spaces, and the conservation of species, as well as contributing towards hunter education.
Hunting is also a fantastic form of exercise which helps people get out and about in nature, something not to be underestimated given the sedentary conditions in which many of us live these days. I personally feel that hunting provides a wonderful sense of community to those who hunt regularly within the same clubs. Finding a group of people who share the same interests as you has huge social benefits, too.
Women in hunting
In recent times, the participation of women in what had always been considered a male-dominated activity has been increasing. Of 12 million hunters in the USA, men make up around 89.5% and women 10.5%, which roughly translates to 1.1 million female hunters in the year 2016 (the most recent census available).
These statistics actually represent a percentage increase compared to previous data which showed that in both 1996 and in 2006 only 9% of hunters were female.
Nevertheless, if we compare these figures to those of other outdoor activities, we can see that women represent a far smaller percentage of the total than men. In fishing, for example,, a 2016 study calculated that women represented 27% of all those who fished and 33% of those who wildlife-watch away from home.
How to get started
Let’s look at some essential information for novice hunters to try to get more women involved!
What to hunt
When it comes to hunting there are clear trends in terms of the popularity of some animals over others. A huge 9.2 million hunters pursued big game (for example deer, elk bears and moose) in 2016. This level of participation is higher than the sum of all other animals combined.
The next most popular was small game standing at 3.5 million hunters. This category includes animals such as rabbits, quails, and pheasants. Migratory birds came next with 2.4 million hunters, and the remaining 1.3 million hunters went after other uncategorized animals.
In terms of female participation, numbers reflect that the percentage of women in big game and in small game hunting stood steadily at 10% for both categories in 2016.
What to hunt with
Almost 50% of expenditure on hunting is allocated to equipment, so you really want to make sure that you’re investing in useful tools that will enhance your experience and that are relevant to the type of hunting you are doing.
The first and most obvious thing you’ll need is something to hunt with. The most common options are either a firearm, a bow, or a crossbow.
Firearm
When choosing a firearm there are several points that you should bear in mind. On the one hand, the firearm itself has to be a comfortable weight and size for you. When calculating this weight remember that the firearm becomes heavier when it is loaded. Anything too heavy and you’ll miss your shot.
On the other hand, it’s also important to make sure you choose a firearm with the right ammunition and calibre for the type of animal that you are going to be hunting.
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Bow and Crossbow
You’ll be hunting for hours so the weight of your bow or crossbow is key to your success, just like with a firearm. Somewhere around 7lbs should be the maximum. The best width for you is personal preference, but I like to hunt with a narrow crossbow as it has great mobility, and is easy to use on the forest floor or from a tree stand.
For both a standard bow or a crossbow you’ll also want to think about the draw weight and draw length. This will vary depending on what you are hunting and the legal minimums in your area. One advantage of the crossbow here is that they often come with cocking devices which allow you to greatly increase the draw weight.
As with all equipment, you’ll want to pay close attention to the safety features. In the case of bows these are things like anti-dry fire triggers, de-cocking devices, or maybe finger indicators until you get the hang of things.
Back on Sharpshaft we’ve laid out some basic information on safety features, as well as writing a review of 5 of the best women’s crossbows.
Other useful kit
In order to be prepared for those long stints in the countryside you’ll most likely want to get your hands on a ground blind or tree stand too. Personally, I’m more of a fan of ground blinds, but they both have their pros and cons.
Tree stands
Starting with tree stands, of course they give you a great vantage point over your prey and it means they are less likely to smell you. Of course, you’re relying on there being a tree around, which may not always be the case.
Within the realm of tree stands there are two main types of tree stands to consider: climbing and hang-on. The hang-ons tend to be lighter in weight, but the climbers are usually faster to set up. The climbers do, however, need straight trees with no branches, whereas the hang-ons are more easy to adapt to the trees that you find.
Bear in mind the following factors when choosing your tree stand: The noise the tree stand makes, the time it takes to set up, durability, weight, the safety features, and how comfortable it is to sit on.
Ground blinds
The disadvantages and advantages here are pretty much the opposite to those that apply with tree stands. Your prey is more likely to see you, but more likely to believe any rustling or noises you make.
When thinking about which ground blind is best for you, make sure you think about how many of you are going to be inside it and that you’ll have enough space to move around. You’ll probably want to fit a chair or two inside to make the wait more comfortable. Think about mobility and weight too, depending on how far away you park from where you hunt, and how easy it is to set up your blind.
Accessories
There are lots of accessories you might go hunting with, 99% of which are rubbish, and the 1% are nice-to-have. As a side project, I’ve put together some of my favorite additional tree stand accessories here.
When & where to hunt
The idea of establishing seasons for hunting helps to control animal populations and will vary year on year. The Hunting Season HQ will give the most up-to-date information each season.
Look into the times of day at which you’ll be going hunting. In the case of deer, for example, it is recommended to hunt in the early morning or late afternoon as it’s when they move the most.
As for where to go, it depends greatly on the type of animal that you’re going to hunt. People recommend Idaho for black bears and mountain lions, Wyoming for pronghorns, and Utah for deers, but the most highly-esteemed place for big game hunting in general is Montana, and more specifically the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Licenses & permits
In terms of obtaining a licence, check out the specific requirements of the state you’re in as each state has its own rules and fees. Most states now also make all hunters take part in an education course before issuing their license.
In addition to obtaining a license, the hunting of some species also requires you to obtain a permit. More information about this is usually available from your local DWR or DNR office.
Summary
Although it’s impossible to include everything you need to know in one short article, I hope these points serve as a springboard to get some information about the most important things to consider when planning your first hunting trip, and that you feel more empowered and confident to give hunting a try!
Your thoughts on this beginners guide to hunting?
Have you ever tried hunting or would you like to? Perhaps you are an experienced hunter. Do share your thoughts and ideas with us below.
Severine has been writing about hunting and survival tips at Sharpshaft for a few years now. She loves singing with her band as well as reading literature in French, Spanish, and occasionally English. She enjoys the peace and quiet that the outdoors and nature brings to her life.
Your “Beginner’s Guide to Hunting” is an exceptional resource for newcomers to the world of hunting. The way you break down the complexities of this age-old pursuit into accessible, step-by-step guidance is truly commendable. Your clear explanations, practical tips, and emphasis on safety make this guide an invaluable companion for those taking their first steps into the world of hunting. It’s evident that your passion for the subject is translated into a thoughtful and comprehensive guide that will undoubtedly empower and inspire new hunters. Well done on creating such a welcoming and informative resource for beginners!
A fascinating article about hunting and how to start: exciting statistics. I know it’s a long tradition. But I did not think that so many women in the USA are hunting. 10% is pretty impressive. As I am against all forms of violence, hunting animals is not a sport for me. I won’t shoot an animal, especially an animal as beautiful as moose, a deer, or a bear. But of course, I understand the necessity of hunting resulting from feeding the family in remote and wilderness areas or to protect the family.
That’s it Agnes – many of us eat meat at home, and are often unaware of the way it reaches our table. When we hunt ourselves, the animal is almost always subjected to far better conditions than otherwise.
I love the point made that the animals quality of life raised in the wild is likely better than those raised for food. I have friends who hunt deer and eat the meat throughout the year but have never considered hunting myself, I might go with them next time around
I’m glad to hear that the article has inspired you to give it a try Sherianne ????.
I don’t think I’ve ever read an article on hunting before. I don’t think this is a hobby or pastime that I would take up unless I couldn’t buy food. But my husband hunts and I do like to fish. Looks like you covered all the bases!
Thanks Tami! I’m glad that it seems a comprehensive article. ????
Wow very informative post about hunting and how it benefits. Hunting has been coming long for generations and it was a very popular sport in India when royal families lived. I do not think I can ever hunt but I do understand that everyone have their way of things and some people like to get their own meat and hunt.
Thanks Raksha! It’s not for everyone, but it’s a fine tradition with many great reasons for it to continue into the future.
I am certainly not keen on hunting. It might help in controlling some animal population, but we also need to understand why we need to hunt. Knowing the jungle is a good way to know Nature, sans the killing.
I agree Ambica. I actually believe that when we buy meat from a market we often forget where that comes from and the conditions of the animal.
Hunting – for me! – can be very spiritual and respectful, knowing that the meat you eat will not be wasted and that you’ve treated the animal as well as possible.
I thought about trying hunting once but I don’t think I can shoot the gun when I feel that I am going to kill the animal for my meal. Though I am a nonvegetarian but still killing is something I can not do for sure. But I loved your article as you have written all information about hunting and the process.
Thanks Pamela! ????
I completely understand, and know that it’s not for everyone. I’m glad you enjoyed reading the article nonetheless!
Very informative post! As a vegetarian I am someone who would probably never go hunting, but I loved reading about all the benefits. I never really considered those before, but hunting does seem like a much more natural and healthier way of getting your meat and like you said reduces waste. I can imagine keeping up on all the permits and when to hunt what could get complicated, so definitely something I would want to keep up on if I ever were to give it a shot. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your great feedback Melissa! You’re right, I think it’s important to keep up on your permits and seasons as they’ve been decided for a reason – to ensure the best for animal numbers, and future conservation projects, amongst other things.
I thought about trying hunting once but I don’t think I can shoot the gun when I see the animal in front of me. My brother-in-laws are hunters as well as their sons, but none of the females in the family. This is very interesting.
I have not really thought about hunting for my own meat. But I do like the idea of getting fresher meat. But I have learned from fishing that you need to make sure you all all the required permits and hunt the right thing at the right time and right place. But I am not sure about picking up a cross bow!
I like how informative this post is. It’s very organized. I hope that there will be more women involved in hunting. This summarizes the things you need to know and what things to prepare before and after hunting.
such an informative blog post! thanks for sharing! going to take these tips into consideration soon!
Thanks Taii! Let us know how you get on!
Thank you for all the information!
Thank you for reading Kimmy! ????
Thanks for your lovely comment Krystal! Hunting’s a great sport/hobby and I’m sure if you take the first steps that you’ll love it to ????.
Super interesting post and when I was in 8th grade we went on a field trip as part of PE…. For Hunters Ed and we went to a shooting range and shot at targets and skeet. It was really cool and whenever I tell that story people think I am crazy. Depends on the state you grew up in I guess…..but to me a very good learning experience for all.
Thanks for the great feedback Melissa! ????There’s definitely a big cultural difference between states, but as you say I think there’s something in it for everyone with great benefits from patience and skill to getting back in touch with nature.
Such a really informative post you have here! I enjoy reading this and I’m sure my uncle would love this also when I share it to him!
Thanks for the recommendation Nicz! Would also love his feedback on the post, as it’s a topic with lots to it and plenty of different opinions. Stay safe!
This guide is very helpful for anyone who is interested in hunting. It’s not something that I am interested in doing.
I completely understand Lori, hunting doesn’t seem to be for everyone and we must respect that. Nonetheless, thank you for your wonderful comment about the post ????.
Impressive! I can never handle that equipment. Someday maybe but not soon. Thanks for all the information, very helpful.
Thanks Stephanie! I can’t recommend enough going down to a local store and getting some good advice, as there may be options available to you. Thanks for reading the article.
This is such a really informative post! I will surely share this to my father who really loves hunting!
Thanks for your great feedback and resharing Rose! Hunting has brought a lot to my life and it’s great to know that’s the case for other people, too.
Wow. I dont know how people like to go hunting. I can never do it. This was a great read.
Thanks for the feedback on the article Sonia! ???? Hunting isn’t for everyone, but I feel a tremendous connection with nature and being human. That said, I completely understand many of the arguments against it, and in the end it’s a very individual decision. Thanks for taking the time to read the article.
While I am not one for hunting , this post is sure to be useful for those who want to try it
thanks for your awesome feedback Vidya. I really wanted to make a simple, easy-to-consume article that bridges the gap for those who’ve never hunted before and their first experience. Hopefully some readers feel the urge to give it a go!
There’s always a lot to learn whenever someone starts a new venture. What a great introduction.
Thanks Rachel, that’s great feedback. ???? Life can never be dull with so many new things to try, and I can’t recommend enough giving hunting a go!
Such an informational post! Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks Danielle, I’m really delighted with all the great feedback received for the article! Sev
I could never go hunting though I know it’s enjoyed by a lot of people.
Hunting seems to be a hot-and-cold topic for so many people which we must respect. Hopefully the article was informative enough to present a few arguments in its favor! Thanks for reading and responding Monica ????.
Great guide! I’ve never been hunting, but that is mainly because aside from Turkey there aren’t any animals I’d hunt in the wild that I would eat.
Thanks Luna! I’m also a huge fan of turkey, however I also have a special place for pheasant, venison and a few others!
This sounds really interesting. I have some friends who love hunting, and I think these are the best tips to share with them.
Thanks for your great comment and resharing Gervin! I’d love to hear your friends feedback ????
Wow, I’m impressed! This doesn’t appeal to me at all. But I do love exploring other/new activities for travel experiences.
Thanks Sarah! Hunting’s a really interesting experience and I thoroughly recommend giving it a try just once. You might be surprised ????. Thanks for reading.
Thanks for sharing this great information! I need to try this one day!
Thank you for reading Carolina! I can’t recommend it enough as it’s brought a lot to my life. Have a great day.
This is a great informal post!! I know so many people who like to hunt. I wish I had the nerves to try