How to start? - The Firearms Forum

AndrewSM · 08-23-2009, 05:11 PM

Hey I have no experience beyond beebee gun shooting but wanted to get into hunting. A couple of buddies hunt every weekend and it interested me. They hunt water fowl in Virginia. How do I get started? Any advice?

Suwannee Tim · 08-23-2009, 05:14 PM

We are always on the lookout for fresh meat.....I mean new victims.....I mean newbies to help. One thing you will find no shortage of here is advice. Glocknut, give the man some advice!

cycloneman · 08-23-2009, 05:29 PM

You put your left foot in you pull your left foot out. You put your right foot in and pull your right foot out. You turn yourself around and you shake it all about.

Excuse me i was rudely interupted by Ron 358 with a email. Thanks Ron for the input.

WELCOME ANDREW S&M

You are in luck. I am sick and running a fever so i have nothing better to do than to guide you and sneeze.

First "your gona need a bigger boat" Do you remember what movie that was from?

Second. What about your buddies you already have? What about bringing up the subject with them? Tell them that you want to shoot a shotgun? Once you have done so you can graduate to shooting skeet. If you have the heart to kill skeet you should do just fine. I don't find skeet all that tasty but i bet 358 has a good recipe for them.

Did i tell you that i am gona pull a Glocknut here tonight. Some of my post will not be on the more intellegent side of things. Thanks to the nyquil. Oh my there is a hot chick on the history channel driving a ice truck.

AndrewSM · 08-23-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote is from Jaws. I haven't really talked to them about what they shoot. I figured I would do some research here so I have some background information.

Also, yes, that chick on Ice Road Truckers is smokin hot.

cycloneman · 08-23-2009, 05:37 PM

What kind of hunting do you want to do? Bird, rabbit, big game?

kutaho · 08-23-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cycloneman

What kind of hunting do you want to do? Bird, rabbit, big game?

Water fowl in Virgina?

AndrewSM · 08-23-2009, 05:41 PM

Yes, northern Virginia

AndrewSM · 08-23-2009, 05:43 PM

Well my friends hunt water fowl, I would eventually want to move onto deer and bigger animals. I see alot about a Rueger 10/22. Is that a good gun for what I want to do?

glocknut · 08-23-2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suwannee Tim

We are always on the lookout for fresh meat.....I mean new victims.....I mean newbies to help. One thing you will find no shortage of here is advice. Glocknut, give the man some advice!

DPG...i have to idea what to tell him. I haven't ever gone hunting myself...

mike
gn

cycloneman · 08-23-2009, 05:45 PM

Well i don't know a thing about water foul. I hunt deer and antelop. I would start by catching some of the hunting programs on cable in that area.

AndrewSM · 08-23-2009, 05:54 PM

Well for any beginner, what would be a good starting point?

kutaho · 08-23-2009, 05:54 PM

Ya need a shotgun, Talk to your friends, see if ya
can tag along to the range with em. Know your gun laws.
Check out a couple of books at your locale library.
Know your prey.

cycloneman · 08-23-2009, 05:55 PM

a 10/22 is ok for hunting squarl or rabbit. cant spell squarl cause of the nyquill. i can't spell anyway. To get into bird hunting you will need a shotgun. You can buy a single shot, dubble barrel, pump or autoloader. I suggest one that shoots 3" shells. In fact today you might be able to get one that shoots 3 1/2" shells. To waterfoul hunt you will have to use steel shot or something other than lead shot. My suggestion is to go to a local sporting goods shop and check out what they have. Be honest with the seller and he will guide you into what he has for the price you will want to spend. You will have to get information on what type of hunting gear, clothing you will need. I am not one to guide you in that direction since you live so far north.

Very important, you should get in contact with local wildlife and fisheries and take their hunter safety course ASAP.

kutaho · 08-23-2009, 05:58 PM

++1 Hunters safety.
can't believe i missed that.

AndrewSM · 08-23-2009, 05:58 PM

Thanks for the info and advice guys.

delta13soultaker · 08-23-2009, 06:24 PM

Spend a whole season hunting squirrels with a .22 or shotgun before you move up to deer hunting. Longer season; you'll learn a lot.

Deer hunting is not a quick hobby, like say computer games. The seasons are not long; it takes a lifetime and you'll still be learning.

Start small. Go slow. Just enjoy the show.

After many seasons, harvesting game won't even be the only measure of success.

Suwannee Tim · 08-23-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glocknut

DPG...i have to idea what to tell him. I haven't ever gone hunting myself...

mike
gn

A first! The Glocknut at a loss for words!

358 winchester · 08-23-2009, 07:08 PM

Hello young man I have to ask some questions before I can offer advice.
How old are you ?
Have you ever shot a 12 gauge shotgun ?
Have you ever had any kind of gun safety course ?
Have you ever been so cold that your teeth chattered uncontrollably?
Do you know the cost involved in your state for Hunting license, water fowl stamps a good retriver or a boat to retrive with the clothes that will be needed like hip waders or chest waders?
Can you swim? can you swim with afifteen pound weight on each leg ?
I am not be a smart aleck this are important questions?
Check your PM's

glocknut · 08-23-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suwannee Tim

A first! The Glocknut at a loss for words!

Unlike you DPG...you are full of words all the time...

mike
gn

Maximilian II · 08-24-2009, 02:30 AM

Glocknut's never been hunting? Oh, my! The thought never crossed my mind.
Mike, come to GA with an appropriate caliber rifle, we'll fix that problem fast!

Andrew... yes on the safety course! Yes on talking to your friends, they should be a big help if they're "real" friends. In fact they'll probably be your biggest asset. Most hunters and shooting enthusiasts are TOO happy to teach people about what they're into.
Once you have some basic skills, you might look into some form of clay pigeon shooting at your nearest range, it's a good (if not perfect) way to accustomize yourself to shooting at moving targets.

carver · 08-24-2009, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 358 winchester

Hello young man I have to ask some questions before I can offer advice.
How old are you ?
Have you ever shot a 12 gauge shotgun ?
Have you ever had any kind of gun safety course ?
Have you ever been so cold that your teeth chattered uncontrollably?
Do you know the cost involved in your state for Hunting license, water fowl stamps a good retriver or a boat to retrive with the clothes that will be needed like hip waders or chest waders?
Can you swim? can you swim with afifteen pound weight on each leg ?
I am not be a smart aleck this are important questions?
Check your PM's

+1 I would like to add that he needs to get a copy of his states hunting and fishing regulations, and study it.

Sandman · 08-24-2009, 09:25 AM

Go with the friends until you learn the ropes. They should also be able to get you up to speed on the regulations in your area, what classes you need, etc. Also, you need to get them to take you to the skeet range to learn how to shoot before you hit the marsh. they probably won't mind having an excuse to go shooting in the offseason. I am sure it is possible to learn hunting on your own, but it will certainly be difficult. The best way by far is to go with friends until you are comfortable enough to go out on your own. There are a lot of skills to be learned to make you both safe and successful. Luckily, hunting is one of the few sports where practice is almost as much fun as the real thing.

dianalv · 08-24-2009, 10:01 AM

AndrewSM, the first thing you need to do is learn to shoot and take a hunter safety course. Check into local shotgun ranges/clubs, and find one that has trap, skeet and sporting clays. Start with trap, then work your way up to sporting clays. Sporting clays most closely simulate hunting. Five stand is also good if they have it.

Take some lessons. It will be money well spent, and usually they are not that expensive. You can rent guns from the range so you can try a variety of shotguns to see what you like. Make sure you tell everyone that your goal is to hunt, because sporting guns are different than trap or skeet guns. In the process of all this, you will likely meet a lot of nice people only too happy to help you out. Don't be macho and pretend you know every thing. If you don't know, ask. They will respect that and you'll get more help. Be appreciative and laugh at your mistakes and they will fall over themselves to help you out. Get an attitude, or act like you know what you're doing when you don't, and they will shut you out.

Call your local Fish and Game office and see when their next Hunter Safety course is taught. Sign up and take it. It's now a requirement in most states, if not all of them. Get a water fowl/game bird identification book and study it. Shooting the wrong bird can be pretty serious

Once you've got a Hunter Safety certificate, a hunting license, have read the regulations all the way through, and have some proficiency with a shotgun, then get your buddies to take you out with them. You can also find a rifle/handgun range and learn to shoot a rifle. Start with a .22. A Ruger 10/.22 is alright, but I'd see if I could find a bolt action .22 first. Safer, and more like what you'll be hunting with.

358 Winchester has it right. Consider the cost of what you are getting into and the amount of money you'll need to get outfitted with the basics. Hunting is not a cheap sport! If you enjoy being wet, cold, exhausted and broke, step right up and sign on the dotted line!

08-23-2009, 05:11 PM	#1
AndrewSM Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 6	How to start? Hey I have no experience beyond beebee gun shooting but wanted to get into hunting. A couple of buddies hunt every weekend and it interested me. They hunt water fowl in Virginia. How do I get started? Any advice? -->

08-23-2009, 05:14 PM	#2
Suwannee Tim Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2,227	Re: How to start? We are always on the lookout for fresh meat.....I mean new victims.....I mean newbies to help. One thing you will find no shortage of here is advice. Glocknut, give the man some advice!

08-23-2009, 05:29 PM	#3
cycloneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 7,407	Re: How to start? You put your left foot in you pull your left foot out. You put your right foot in and pull your right foot out. You turn yourself around and you shake it all about. Excuse me i was rudely interupted by Ron 358 with a email. Thanks Ron for the input. WELCOME ANDREW S&M You are in luck. I am sick and running a fever so i have nothing better to do than to guide you and sneeze. First "your gona need a bigger boat" Do you remember what movie that was from? Second. What about your buddies you already have? What about bringing up the subject with them? Tell them that you want to shoot a shotgun? Once you have done so you can graduate to shooting skeet. If you have the heart to kill skeet you should do just fine. I don't find skeet all that tasty but i bet 358 has a good recipe for them. Did i tell you that i am gona pull a Glocknut here tonight. Some of my post will not be on the more intellegent side of things. Thanks to the nyquil. Oh my there is a hot chick on the history channel driving a ice truck. __________________ Who are you going to serve today?

08-23-2009, 05:33 PM	#4
AndrewSM Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 6	Re: How to start? Quote is from Jaws. I haven't really talked to them about what they shoot. I figured I would do some research here so I have some background information. Also, yes, that chick on Ice Road Truckers is smokin hot.

08-23-2009, 05:37 PM	#5
cycloneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 7,407	Re: How to start? What kind of hunting do you want to do? Bird, rabbit, big game? __________________ Who are you going to serve today?

08-23-2009, 05:41 PM	#7
AndrewSM Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 6	Re: How to start? Yes, northern Virginia

08-23-2009, 05:43 PM	#8
AndrewSM Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 6	Re: How to start? Well my friends hunt water fowl, I would eventually want to move onto deer and bigger animals. I see alot about a Rueger 10/22. Is that a good gun for what I want to do?

08-23-2009, 05:45 PM	#10
cycloneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 7,407	Re: How to start? Well i don't know a thing about water foul. I hunt deer and antelop. I would start by catching some of the hunting programs on cable in that area. __________________ Who are you going to serve today?

08-23-2009, 05:54 PM	#11
AndrewSM Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 6	Re: How to start? Well for any beginner, what would be a good starting point?

08-23-2009, 05:54 PM	#12
kutaho Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Peoples Republic of the Pacific Northwest Posts: 1,852	Re: How to start? Ya need a shotgun, Talk to your friends, see if ya can tag along to the range with em. Know your gun laws. Check out a couple of books at your locale library. Know your prey. __________________ No man stands in the same river twice If all else fails grab a rock Mi Taku oyasin

08-23-2009, 05:55 PM	#13
cycloneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 7,407	Re: How to start? a 10/22 is ok for hunting squarl or rabbit. cant spell squarl cause of the nyquill. i can't spell anyway. To get into bird hunting you will need a shotgun. You can buy a single shot, dubble barrel, pump or autoloader. I suggest one that shoots 3" shells. In fact today you might be able to get one that shoots 3 1/2" shells. To waterfoul hunt you will have to use steel shot or something other than lead shot. My suggestion is to go to a local sporting goods shop and check out what they have. Be honest with the seller and he will guide you into what he has for the price you will want to spend. You will have to get information on what type of hunting gear, clothing you will need. I am not one to guide you in that direction since you live so far north. Very important, you should get in contact with local wildlife and fisheries and take their hunter safety course ASAP. __________________ Who are you going to serve today?

08-23-2009, 05:58 PM	#14
kutaho Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Peoples Republic of the Pacific Northwest Posts: 1,852	Re: How to start? ++1 Hunters safety. can't believe i missed that. __________________ No man stands in the same river twice If all else fails grab a rock Mi Taku oyasin

08-23-2009, 05:58 PM	#15
AndrewSM Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 6	Re: How to start? Thanks for the info and advice guys.

08-23-2009, 06:24 PM	#16
delta13soultaker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Depends on Uncle Sam's whim every 3 yrs. Posts: 2,948	Re: How to start? Spend a whole season hunting squirrels with a .22 or shotgun before you move up to deer hunting. Longer season; you'll learn a lot. Deer hunting is not a quick hobby, like say computer games. The seasons are not long; it takes a lifetime and you'll still be learning. Start small. Go slow. Just enjoy the show. After many seasons, harvesting game won't even be the only measure of success. __________________ Never say die! "A nation who forgets its defenders is soon forgotten itself." "A good shot must necessarily be a good man since the essence of good marksmanship is self-control and self-control is the essential quality of a good man." – Theodore Roosevelt

08-23-2009, 07:08 PM	#18
358 winchester TFF Admin Staff Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pensacola Fl. area Posts: 7,335	Re: How to start? Hello young man I have to ask some questions before I can offer advice. How old are you ? Have you ever shot a 12 gauge shotgun ? Have you ever had any kind of gun safety course ? Have you ever been so cold that your teeth chattered uncontrollably? Do you know the cost involved in your state for Hunting license, water fowl stamps a good retriver or a boat to retrive with the clothes that will be needed like hip waders or chest waders? Can you swim? can you swim with afifteen pound weight on each leg ? I am not be a smart aleck this are important questions? Check your PM's __________________ Administrator & Owner RangeDay.com Proud, White, Heterosexual, Gun Owning, Southern American, Christian. Any question about where I stand?

08-24-2009, 02:30 AM	#20
Maximilian II Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Northwest GA Posts: 1,381	Re: How to start? Glocknut's never been hunting? Oh, my! The thought never crossed my mind. Mike, come to GA with an appropriate caliber rifle, we'll fix that problem fast! Andrew... yes on the safety course! Yes on talking to your friends, they should be a big help if they're "real" friends. In fact they'll probably be your biggest asset. Most hunters and shooting enthusiasts are TOO happy to teach people about what they're into. Once you have some basic skills, you might look into some form of clay pigeon shooting at your nearest range, it's a good (if not perfect) way to accustomize yourself to shooting at moving targets. __________________ Karma is just justice, without the satisfaction. And I don't believe in justice. -Joe Sarno, bagman.

08-24-2009, 09:25 AM	#22
Sandman Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 552	Re: How to start? Go with the friends until you learn the ropes. They should also be able to get you up to speed on the regulations in your area, what classes you need, etc. Also, you need to get them to take you to the skeet range to learn how to shoot before you hit the marsh. they probably won't mind having an excuse to go shooting in the offseason. I am sure it is possible to learn hunting on your own, but it will certainly be difficult. The best way by far is to go with friends until you are comfortable enough to go out on your own. There are a lot of skills to be learned to make you both safe and successful. Luckily, hunting is one of the few sports where practice is almost as much fun as the real thing.

08-24-2009, 10:01 AM	#23
dianalv Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 1,160	Re: How to start? AndrewSM, the first thing you need to do is learn to shoot and take a hunter safety course. Check into local shotgun ranges/clubs, and find one that has trap, skeet and sporting clays. Start with trap, then work your way up to sporting clays. Sporting clays most closely simulate hunting. Five stand is also good if they have it. Take some lessons. It will be money well spent, and usually they are not that expensive. You can rent guns from the range so you can try a variety of shotguns to see what you like. Make sure you tell everyone that your goal is to hunt, because sporting guns are different than trap or skeet guns. In the process of all this, you will likely meet a lot of nice people only too happy to help you out. Don't be macho and pretend you know every thing. If you don't know, ask. They will respect that and you'll get more help. Be appreciative and laugh at your mistakes and they will fall over themselves to help you out. Get an attitude, or act like you know what you're doing when you don't, and they will shut you out. Call your local Fish and Game office and see when their next Hunter Safety course is taught. Sign up and take it. It's now a requirement in most states, if not all of them. Get a water fowl/game bird identification book and study it. Shooting the wrong bird can be pretty serious Once you've got a Hunter Safety certificate, a hunting license, have read the regulations all the way through, and have some proficiency with a shotgun, then get your buddies to take you out with them. You can also find a rifle/handgun range and learn to shoot a rifle. Start with a .22. A Ruger 10/.22 is alright, but I'd see if I could find a bolt action .22 first. Safer, and more like what you'll be hunting with. 358 Winchester has it right. Consider the cost of what you are getting into and the amount of money you'll need to get outfitted with the basics. Hunting is not a cheap sport! If you enjoy being wet, cold, exhausted and broke, step right up and sign on the dotted line!