Some people are casual hunters that do it just for the bonding experience with friends and family. Others consider it akin to an art where they monitor everything from tracks in the snow to which way the wind is blowing. No matter which sort of group you find yourself in, there are some basics you need to cover first.
Table of Contents
Know What You’re Hunting
You can’t just pick up a gun, go into the woods and shoot the first animal you see. Not only do you need a hunting license in most cases, but you also need to be mindful of the time of year and what’s considered in season.
Stock up on Essentials
Figure out how long your group plans to stay out in the woods and shop accordingly. Whether you’re sleeping in a stand, a tent or a cabin will affect just what supplies you should buy, but no matter what you should bring enough food and water to keep yourself well-fed and hydrated to avoid disorientation and accidents.
What guns and ammo you should bring depends on what you’re hunting. If you need guidance, your bullet distributor Canada may be able to help you figure out which to buy.
Respect Your Firearms
Even if you gave everything a good clean just last week, you should still give your equipment a once-over before you head out. This will prevent inconvenient surprises from popping up and ruining the trip before it even starts.
Dress Well
In the winter it may mean heavy layers to avoid hypothermia, and in the spring it may mean muck boots and a light jacket to deal with mud and rain.
Even if you’re hunting on private property during warmer seasons, a tee shirt and jeans alone aren’t appropriate. You should always have orange safety gear to make yourself easier to spot by other hunters. This can literally save a life.
Anticipate Trouble
Check the weather to make sure adverse conditions aren’t predicted. A tree stand is not the place you want to be in the middle of a thunderstorm.
You should also inform friends and loved ones where you are going and when they should expect you to check in with them. This way, if there is an accident and you miss the check-in, people will know to look for you.
Hunting can seem daunting at first. But knowing what to expect—and having your friends with you—can turn it into a manageable experience.