Hunting education
September 12, 2013 6:06 PM Subscribe
I want to learn how to hunt for food. I have zero background in this. I am a woman living in Chapel Hill. I would like advice and perspectives on the best way of going about learning this skill efficiently and proficiently.
Obviously, step one is to become proficient in using a weapon. I am enrolled in some basic firearms courses. I have also been reading a lot of forums and articles about firearms and hunting. The problem is that I really have zero background with hunting (no one in my family hunts) and I want to have done the best that I possibly can before I go into the woods to shoot an animal. Please share your advice.
Intended game are turkey, dove, waterfowl and deer.
Obviously, step one is to become proficient in using a weapon. I am enrolled in some basic firearms courses. I have also been reading a lot of forums and articles about firearms and hunting. The problem is that I really have zero background with hunting (no one in my family hunts) and I want to have done the best that I possibly can before I go into the woods to shoot an animal. Please share your advice.
Intended game are turkey, dove, waterfowl and deer.
Have you looked into Becoming an Outdoorswoman? I have friends who have taken those classes (in other states) and really liked them. It's more than just hunting, but probably you would learn skills that would enhance your hunting experience. Here's the link for North Carolina.
posted by Empidonax at 6:22 PM on September 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by Empidonax at 6:22 PM on September 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
People LOVE this program: Becoming OutdoorsWomen (NC)
(On preview, JINX!)
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:22 PM on September 12, 2013
(On preview, JINX!)
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 6:22 PM on September 12, 2013
Around here, I'd point you to Becoming an Outdoorswoman. Apparently, there is a North Carolina chapter.
http://ncwildlife.org/Learning/CoursesSeminarsWorkshops/BOW.aspx
posted by advicepig at 6:23 PM on September 12, 2013
http://ncwildlife.org/Learning/CoursesSeminarsWorkshops/BOW.aspx
posted by advicepig at 6:23 PM on September 12, 2013
Best answer: Considering the type of game you want to hunt, and your location, here are the basic steps you need to take.
1. Buy a shotgun - Useful for all the game you mentioned, although you might also consider a rifle for deer if you're hunting in open fields (as opposed to a forest). The Remington 870 is by far the most popular, and you should choose 12, 16, or 20 gauge. Pretty sure you don't need a license for a shotgun or rifle in NC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_North_Carolina)
2. Learn how to use the shotgun. Firing ranges will likely be your best bet. If you buy from a gun dealer (as opposed to an individual), they should be able to help you out with this. If you or someone you know is lucky enough to own land, go that route.
3. Learn to "field dress" aka "butcher" the animal. There are a ton of books on each animal you listed, but I strongly advise finding someone with experience to help on your first time. You can also take it to a butcher, but that's not really self sufficient.
4. If you or a friend don't own land, either (a) join a hunting club or (b) look for public hunting land (I found this for you: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Hunting/WheretoHunt/PublicPlaces.aspx )
5. Review your state / region's regulations, especially in regards to specific wildlife. They can vary wildly even in the same state. Yours are here: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Hunting/LawsSafety.aspx
Final thoughts: You don't need to spend a lot of money, especially when you're first starting out. Just wear weather appropriate gear, and always, ALWAYS wear orange.
posted by NYC-BB at 6:23 PM on September 12, 2013
1. Buy a shotgun - Useful for all the game you mentioned, although you might also consider a rifle for deer if you're hunting in open fields (as opposed to a forest). The Remington 870 is by far the most popular, and you should choose 12, 16, or 20 gauge. Pretty sure you don't need a license for a shotgun or rifle in NC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_North_Carolina)
2. Learn how to use the shotgun. Firing ranges will likely be your best bet. If you buy from a gun dealer (as opposed to an individual), they should be able to help you out with this. If you or someone you know is lucky enough to own land, go that route.
3. Learn to "field dress" aka "butcher" the animal. There are a ton of books on each animal you listed, but I strongly advise finding someone with experience to help on your first time. You can also take it to a butcher, but that's not really self sufficient.
4. If you or a friend don't own land, either (a) join a hunting club or (b) look for public hunting land (I found this for you: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Hunting/WheretoHunt/PublicPlaces.aspx )
5. Review your state / region's regulations, especially in regards to specific wildlife. They can vary wildly even in the same state. Yours are here: http://www.ncwildlife.org/Hunting/LawsSafety.aspx
Final thoughts: You don't need to spend a lot of money, especially when you're first starting out. Just wear weather appropriate gear, and always, ALWAYS wear orange.
posted by NYC-BB at 6:23 PM on September 12, 2013
THis would involve travel, but I loved a recent Splendid Table podcast featuring Jesse Griffith, who now teaches hunting classes in Texas.
posted by Miko at 6:31 PM on September 12, 2013
posted by Miko at 6:31 PM on September 12, 2013
10 minutes outside of town, in any direction except toward Durham and RTP, and there is a robust Southern culture of deer hunting and firearms. You will probably have a better chance of meeting like-minded people in Pittsboro or Hillsborough than in Chapel Hill.
posted by thelonius at 6:43 PM on September 12, 2013
posted by thelonius at 6:43 PM on September 12, 2013
Best answer: You'll also need a license and to pass hunter education. Which includes a firearms proficiency test. Usually they have you use a scoped .22 so make sure you practice with one. That'll be offered by your state Game and Fish or BOW. Sign up early they fill up in the fall.
posted by fshgrl at 6:47 PM on September 12, 2013
posted by fshgrl at 6:47 PM on September 12, 2013
You have seen this advice from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, yes?
posted by MonkeyToes at 6:48 PM on September 12, 2013
posted by MonkeyToes at 6:48 PM on September 12, 2013
Response by poster: Great answers so far - thank you so much!
Additional question: advice for picking out a shotgun?
posted by corn_bread at 6:58 PM on September 12, 2013
Additional question: advice for picking out a shotgun?
posted by corn_bread at 6:58 PM on September 12, 2013
Best answer: take a hunters safety course, usually you can find one through your local gun store or game and Fish office. Also consider getting a guided hunt from someone who knows what they are doing and is willing to teach you(unfortunately not synonymous).
Dont take any crap from bubbas or fudds (derogatory term for hunters who are better at drinking beer than filling the pot) who don't think a girl can hunt. This will include asking about your bf or SO and how he lets you alone, that gun is too big for a little lady and so on. Kick em in the balls and move on.
Taking the shot is the easiest part of hunting. Much more important is the ability to find the game.
My perspective and individual skill set and gear is that of a public land hunter in the west/southwest and some of what characterizes hunting here (open country, large amounts of public land to hunt on and low game density) may not be pertinent there but the overall lessons will be true.
Physical fitness-the single most important thing-can you walk all day in broken country while carrying 20lbs of gear (water, small amount of food, tools for dressing game, emergency survival gear and clothing) and the rifle/shotgun and spare ammo (i have always have at least 50 rounds for whatever gun I am carrying)? Most of the hunters who never get anything can't do this and spend all there time hunting from the road or the ATV. Game knows this and avoids the roads and car sounds during hunting season. I have always filled my tag because I get off the roads and trails and break cross country, usually into a wilderness area.
Dont combine a hunting trip with a party trip. I always stay away from late nights drinking and bullshitting around the fire until I fill my tag. Its like what they said in Star Wars-Stay On Target.
The most important single pice of gear? good binoculars. I like 8x30 steiners but individual tastes vary. Finding a place to setup and watch and identify the prey is worth the expense.
Second most? a good map and compass or gps if you aren't good with navigation. The USGS quadrangles are just fine. National Geographic puts out pretty good ones also. If you don't know how make sure you learn to read the map correctly. Knowing the terrain is worth more than the best rifle (and much cheaper).
Is your gun sighted in?-a lot of guns do not have the scope/sights correctly aligned. This is a technical skill and your firearm instructor will help you out here. Check it every hunting trip, and treat the gun with care-they are easier to knock out of alignment than you think.
Dont spend too much on the gear. Just buy good basic stuff that is proven. A basic rifle and shotgun will do the job just fine and you can pick up two used ones for less than 500 total. There are a ton of calibers, doesn't really matter which you pick, your instructor can guide you here. A good quality hydration pack. A skinning knife and saw.A good leather 1907 sling (and learn how to use it for accuracy). For a really nice setup maybe another 500 max, but buy secondhand off ebay if you can. Your hunter safety course can help you with the other stuff you will need (not much more really).
and then two philosophical points-don't take stupid chances chasing game-the grocery store isn't that far off and this should be enjoyable. A broken leg is WAY more expensive than the best steak at the store. And don't take stupid shots-a hunters biggest sin isn't an empty game bag-its making the animal suffer needlessly or even worse-a lost animal. They are giving you their life, treat it with respect and be thankful.
posted by bartonlong at 6:59 PM on September 12, 2013 [6 favorites]
Dont take any crap from bubbas or fudds (derogatory term for hunters who are better at drinking beer than filling the pot) who don't think a girl can hunt. This will include asking about your bf or SO and how he lets you alone, that gun is too big for a little lady and so on. Kick em in the balls and move on.
Taking the shot is the easiest part of hunting. Much more important is the ability to find the game.
My perspective and individual skill set and gear is that of a public land hunter in the west/southwest and some of what characterizes hunting here (open country, large amounts of public land to hunt on and low game density) may not be pertinent there but the overall lessons will be true.
Physical fitness-the single most important thing-can you walk all day in broken country while carrying 20lbs of gear (water, small amount of food, tools for dressing game, emergency survival gear and clothing) and the rifle/shotgun and spare ammo (i have always have at least 50 rounds for whatever gun I am carrying)? Most of the hunters who never get anything can't do this and spend all there time hunting from the road or the ATV. Game knows this and avoids the roads and car sounds during hunting season. I have always filled my tag because I get off the roads and trails and break cross country, usually into a wilderness area.
Dont combine a hunting trip with a party trip. I always stay away from late nights drinking and bullshitting around the fire until I fill my tag. Its like what they said in Star Wars-Stay On Target.
The most important single pice of gear? good binoculars. I like 8x30 steiners but individual tastes vary. Finding a place to setup and watch and identify the prey is worth the expense.
Second most? a good map and compass or gps if you aren't good with navigation. The USGS quadrangles are just fine. National Geographic puts out pretty good ones also. If you don't know how make sure you learn to read the map correctly. Knowing the terrain is worth more than the best rifle (and much cheaper).
Is your gun sighted in?-a lot of guns do not have the scope/sights correctly aligned. This is a technical skill and your firearm instructor will help you out here. Check it every hunting trip, and treat the gun with care-they are easier to knock out of alignment than you think.
Dont spend too much on the gear. Just buy good basic stuff that is proven. A basic rifle and shotgun will do the job just fine and you can pick up two used ones for less than 500 total. There are a ton of calibers, doesn't really matter which you pick, your instructor can guide you here. A good quality hydration pack. A skinning knife and saw.A good leather 1907 sling (and learn how to use it for accuracy). For a really nice setup maybe another 500 max, but buy secondhand off ebay if you can. Your hunter safety course can help you with the other stuff you will need (not much more really).
and then two philosophical points-don't take stupid chances chasing game-the grocery store isn't that far off and this should be enjoyable. A broken leg is WAY more expensive than the best steak at the store. And don't take stupid shots-a hunters biggest sin isn't an empty game bag-its making the animal suffer needlessly or even worse-a lost animal. They are giving you their life, treat it with respect and be thankful.
posted by bartonlong at 6:59 PM on September 12, 2013 [6 favorites]
Have you considered starting with fishing? It's a slightly lower barrier to entry (more people have fishing gear they can loan you, a license is cheap, there are probably lots of places to fish near you, and fish are, at least in my opinion, an easier starter-animal to prepare for cooking and eating, probably because they're not mammals). It's also a good exercise in patience as well as camaraderie, if you're out there with someone else.
posted by padraigin at 7:07 PM on September 12, 2013
posted by padraigin at 7:07 PM on September 12, 2013
My local 4-H center in Central Virginia offers the Virginia Hunter Skills Weekend and Women's Outdoor Weekend among other adult programs. So you might try looking up your local 4-H chapter to see if they offer something similar.
posted by Jacqueline at 7:08 PM on September 12, 2013
posted by Jacqueline at 7:08 PM on September 12, 2013
Dont take any crap from bubbas
I don't hunt. My husband does, and he has been teaching my son to hunt. His fellow instructors -- Mr. MT's hunting buddies -- are not only proficient with firearms, but have also had professional acquaintance with death. They do not mess around. They respect the tools. It makes a difference to learn among that kind of seriousness of purpose.
Find people you feel comfortable with in the presence of firearms. Be observant of the microculture and mood of the range and of the field. Look for competence and avoid cowboys.
YouTube might be a good resource for seeing the process of field dressing game (turkeys, for example). When I process poultry, I use this Dexter Russell skinning knife.
posted by MonkeyToes at 7:23 PM on September 12, 2013
I don't hunt. My husband does, and he has been teaching my son to hunt. His fellow instructors -- Mr. MT's hunting buddies -- are not only proficient with firearms, but have also had professional acquaintance with death. They do not mess around. They respect the tools. It makes a difference to learn among that kind of seriousness of purpose.
Find people you feel comfortable with in the presence of firearms. Be observant of the microculture and mood of the range and of the field. Look for competence and avoid cowboys.
YouTube might be a good resource for seeing the process of field dressing game (turkeys, for example). When I process poultry, I use this Dexter Russell skinning knife.
posted by MonkeyToes at 7:23 PM on September 12, 2013
Additional question: advice for picking out a shotgun?
see if you can shoot some before you buy, maybe a rental at a range?
they come in gauges and this relates to the size of the barrel or bore and generally the smaller number is the bigger gun. The most common is a 12 gauge (meaning one pound of lead will make 12 balls that size). They also come in lengths (like 2 3/4, 3 and 3 1/2) and this is how long the shell is. The most common length is 2 3/4 and this is fine for dove and turkey and even deer (at close range with slugs). You can't use lead shot for waterfowl so you have to use steel or some exotic metal for the shot and it doesn't carry as well downrange so you need to use one of the longer shells (3 or 3 1/2) so there is more pellets (shot) in the pattern. Then there is the choke and barrel length...this is getting kinda technical and easier to explain with the gun and shells in front of you-your instructor can help, as can wikipedia.
They do kick, a lot and some people (men and women) find it a bit much. Proper shooting technique (and some acceptance of discomfort) goes a long way here, and a gun they fits you matters more. I have had great success teaching lots of small people to shoot a 12gauge just fine.
for the gun go with the standards-a remington 1187 or 870, mossberg 500, winchester 1200 etc. A barrel that can be changed quickly is really nice and allows for great versatility. Used shotguns are readily available and really cheap-and the individual guns are functionally identical for hunting.
I would get a 12 gauge-3" shell length pump action with a mid length barrel-say 20-25 inches and cylinder choke to start, but just about any name brand gun will work. You can shoot the shorter 2 3/4" shells in the 3" gun without a problem so it makes it versatile. Oh and you are usually only allowed to have 3 shells in the gun at a time and this is easy to modify the gun for if it isn't so equipped.
posted by bartonlong at 7:41 PM on September 12, 2013
see if you can shoot some before you buy, maybe a rental at a range?
they come in gauges and this relates to the size of the barrel or bore and generally the smaller number is the bigger gun. The most common is a 12 gauge (meaning one pound of lead will make 12 balls that size). They also come in lengths (like 2 3/4, 3 and 3 1/2) and this is how long the shell is. The most common length is 2 3/4 and this is fine for dove and turkey and even deer (at close range with slugs). You can't use lead shot for waterfowl so you have to use steel or some exotic metal for the shot and it doesn't carry as well downrange so you need to use one of the longer shells (3 or 3 1/2) so there is more pellets (shot) in the pattern. Then there is the choke and barrel length...this is getting kinda technical and easier to explain with the gun and shells in front of you-your instructor can help, as can wikipedia.
They do kick, a lot and some people (men and women) find it a bit much. Proper shooting technique (and some acceptance of discomfort) goes a long way here, and a gun they fits you matters more. I have had great success teaching lots of small people to shoot a 12gauge just fine.
for the gun go with the standards-a remington 1187 or 870, mossberg 500, winchester 1200 etc. A barrel that can be changed quickly is really nice and allows for great versatility. Used shotguns are readily available and really cheap-and the individual guns are functionally identical for hunting.
I would get a 12 gauge-3" shell length pump action with a mid length barrel-say 20-25 inches and cylinder choke to start, but just about any name brand gun will work. You can shoot the shorter 2 3/4" shells in the 3" gun without a problem so it makes it versatile. Oh and you are usually only allowed to have 3 shells in the gun at a time and this is easy to modify the gun for if it isn't so equipped.
posted by bartonlong at 7:41 PM on September 12, 2013
re: Shotgun
Keep the 20ga in your consideration. The carry weight and felt recoil will make a difference in your attitude towards shooting. Less capability than a 12ga, maybe. It all depends on what you're hunting. A new 20ga now (3" chamber), with dual barrels (the standard smooth and a rifled add-on) and then pick up a used 870 or mossberg 500.
Just my thoughts...
SandPine
posted by sandpine at 8:26 PM on September 12, 2013
Keep the 20ga in your consideration. The carry weight and felt recoil will make a difference in your attitude towards shooting. Less capability than a 12ga, maybe. It all depends on what you're hunting. A new 20ga now (3" chamber), with dual barrels (the standard smooth and a rifled add-on) and then pick up a used 870 or mossberg 500.
Just my thoughts...
SandPine
posted by sandpine at 8:26 PM on September 12, 2013
Additional question: advice for picking out a shotgun?
Learn to shoot with a 20g, consider a 12g for purchase, you'll probably need one for deer. I personally shoot target mostly with a 20g because I like my shoulders and have no need to be a badass. I can shoot a 12g just fine but a 20g is kinder to your shoulder, especially as much as you shoot when you're learning.
And get a gun the right size for you. Too long it'll hurt your shoulder. Too short it'll pummel your cheek bone. Borrow for a while until you know what you want and when you buy get one from a shop that'll customize it for you.
posted by fshgrl at 1:14 AM on September 13, 2013
Learn to shoot with a 20g, consider a 12g for purchase, you'll probably need one for deer. I personally shoot target mostly with a 20g because I like my shoulders and have no need to be a badass. I can shoot a 12g just fine but a 20g is kinder to your shoulder, especially as much as you shoot when you're learning.
And get a gun the right size for you. Too long it'll hurt your shoulder. Too short it'll pummel your cheek bone. Borrow for a while until you know what you want and when you buy get one from a shop that'll customize it for you.
posted by fshgrl at 1:14 AM on September 13, 2013
Best answer: Get good shooting.
Pick a game category (one is best to start.)
Learn what firearms are best for that game. (Seldom only one is best. No one hunts doves with a rifle, for instance, but squirrels see both bullet and shot.)
Buy appropriate firearms and ammo.
Get to a place where your selected game is plentiful.
Hunt. Kill. Collect. Clean. Process. Consume. Each is a sub-skill.
Your target species list presents widely different requirements and natural histories. A lot of people do well at one species because they can invest the time and resources into learning about them. Turkey and deer, for instance.... way different.
Shooting targets is fun and reliable. Hunting? Not so much. One problem is that on a deer hunt, for instance, you may go a few years before taking a single shot. Not at all unusual for an amateur deer hunter to get skunked two seasons in a row. Most seasons, one or two shots. If you want reliable GAME, in your area rabbits, squirrels, doves present targets that are routinely available.
About those shots... if you aren't good and you shoot a deer, you can injure it instead of kill it. Killing isn't movie stuff. Targets move at the last second and you blow off a leg. Or leave some entrails hanging out of a frightened doomed animal you'll never see again and which will die a mile away deep in the woods, wasted. Even with simpler game, it's not clean sometimes; it can be terror. You are also in the woods with idiots. Some may shoot at you. (Here in Vt, we lose a few every year.)
There's no reason you shouldn't hunt. Lots of people do. It is like any other skill; study and a good teacher pay off. You get outside. You learn something. You participate in the death industry most of us support by going to the grocery store butcher. It's elemental and animal. It IS a blood sport. It can be cruel and you can never unsee certain things that happen. That is life in general, though.
Would I teach my daughter or son to hunt? If they asked, yes. But only if. As a pending old man, however, I am glad I left it behind in my 20's. I know what's involved in a hamburger, though, and appreciate it more than some kid who thinks meat is made in a factory. Death is a prerequisite and someone dealt it.
I'm glad there are people stepping up to be the top predators we killed off. I've thought about it over the years, and every now and then consider turkeys or deer, but then consider the logistics and effort. As a friend says, "I hold real still for a minute and that feeling goes away". Too much work. For me, too much pain. I'd rather pet a cat to enjoy the animal kingdom! Nice kitty!
posted by FauxScot at 2:55 AM on September 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
Pick a game category (one is best to start.)
Learn what firearms are best for that game. (Seldom only one is best. No one hunts doves with a rifle, for instance, but squirrels see both bullet and shot.)
Buy appropriate firearms and ammo.
Get to a place where your selected game is plentiful.
Hunt. Kill. Collect. Clean. Process. Consume. Each is a sub-skill.
Your target species list presents widely different requirements and natural histories. A lot of people do well at one species because they can invest the time and resources into learning about them. Turkey and deer, for instance.... way different.
Shooting targets is fun and reliable. Hunting? Not so much. One problem is that on a deer hunt, for instance, you may go a few years before taking a single shot. Not at all unusual for an amateur deer hunter to get skunked two seasons in a row. Most seasons, one or two shots. If you want reliable GAME, in your area rabbits, squirrels, doves present targets that are routinely available.
About those shots... if you aren't good and you shoot a deer, you can injure it instead of kill it. Killing isn't movie stuff. Targets move at the last second and you blow off a leg. Or leave some entrails hanging out of a frightened doomed animal you'll never see again and which will die a mile away deep in the woods, wasted. Even with simpler game, it's not clean sometimes; it can be terror. You are also in the woods with idiots. Some may shoot at you. (Here in Vt, we lose a few every year.)
There's no reason you shouldn't hunt. Lots of people do. It is like any other skill; study and a good teacher pay off. You get outside. You learn something. You participate in the death industry most of us support by going to the grocery store butcher. It's elemental and animal. It IS a blood sport. It can be cruel and you can never unsee certain things that happen. That is life in general, though.
Would I teach my daughter or son to hunt? If they asked, yes. But only if. As a pending old man, however, I am glad I left it behind in my 20's. I know what's involved in a hamburger, though, and appreciate it more than some kid who thinks meat is made in a factory. Death is a prerequisite and someone dealt it.
I'm glad there are people stepping up to be the top predators we killed off. I've thought about it over the years, and every now and then consider turkeys or deer, but then consider the logistics and effort. As a friend says, "I hold real still for a minute and that feeling goes away". Too much work. For me, too much pain. I'd rather pet a cat to enjoy the animal kingdom! Nice kitty!
posted by FauxScot at 2:55 AM on September 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: FauxScot, I totally hear you. I feel at this point my personal ethical options are to become a vegetarian or to hunt for my own food. I'm going to try really hard to become proficient at the latter.
posted by corn_bread at 4:29 AM on September 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by corn_bread at 4:29 AM on September 13, 2013 [1 favorite]
The state of North Carolina will teach you!
Doh! Linked above!
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 5:07 AM on September 13, 2013
Doh! Linked above!
posted by The 10th Regiment of Foot at 5:07 AM on September 13, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Etrigan at 6:19 PM on September 12, 2013 [2 favorites]