Going for my first hunting license - what do I need to know

[Cleck]

Shocking, I know. I've never had an interest in hunting until @NirvanaFan and I went to Colorado last year, and I got to sit out and wait. Didn't shoot anything and only saw 1 thing real quick, but I liked it...for the time being.

Dad always hunted when I was a kid but never took us. The family always hunted together in Minnesota, so not sure why he didn't think to include me. Maybe it was because I hated fishing...

Anyways, sitting in bed right now on the laptop, getting ready to start my PA state certification. I read that all state certifications are valid for hunting, and taking it online sure beats trying to schedule 8hrs in a class on a weekend I don't have.

So, what do I need to know? I'll be going for deer/rifle season (if I finish this in time), hunting on land with NF where we grew up. I know my gun safety stuff, so don't delve into that too deeply.

What say you? Things to buy, things not to buy? Tips, tricks, tactics?

 

[Airborneguy]

Buy your lifetime license now. Dumbest thing I ever did was wait this long.

You're making the right choice doing the PA online course. I recommend it to everyone now. If you decide to get into bowhunting, you'll have to go to a class for that.

Don't go crazy with gear right away, you will end up wasting money. Get a warm pair of gloves, hat and a jacket. Pants are a personal preference. Even on the coldest days, I can usually go without my insulated pants. I move around a lot though. So you should figure out your preferred hunting style before wasting money on tons of gear you will end up not using.

 

[Cleck]

Yeah, Joe said to not waste a lot of money on camo/gear just yet especially because I'm not currently bow hunting. I won't be moving that much, and I won't be needing to blend in as much because I'm shooting a rifle, not a bow. For the time being, I'll just wear my camping gear. It's setup/geared to keep me warm anyways, but I'll put shooting gloves or something less bulky on the list Thanks

 

[cgrutt]

I never hunted but took NY class about 30 years ago and still have certificate! Personally don't have much interest in killing anything in the woods but have been thinking alot about getting my boy into hunting. Would love the experience as well as to get him off the xbox for a while. Interested in where this tread goes...

 

[Cleck]

I've always been a good mix of outdoorsy and indoorsy. Maybe dad just thought I wouldn't like it. My younger cousins back in MN basically grew up w/ guns in their hands. I'm in it for the food and for getting outside more. I doubt I'd be able to bring my daughter, lol. She goes nuts every time she sees something furry.

I'm guessing lifetime license is just cheaper in the long run?

 

[Airborneguy]

I'm guessing lifetime license is just cheaper in the long run?

Absolutely. I've been hunting since I was 14 and could legally, but went every year before that since 8 years old. For years I've spent over $80 on all my licenses. Should've done it years ago.

 

[Magnus]

I'm guessing lifetime license is just cheaper in the long run?

Depends how long you plan to live lol. From the one time I actually got out to hunt I learned to bring a buddy who doesn't spray cologne on before going out. So if you have a buddy make him take the class too. Definitely get the lifetime license and get it for your kids too just in case. It's cheaper for them depending on age.

 

[Cleck]

If anything, NF would have to worry about my beard smelling too good, haha. It'll be a habit I have to break when going out, not putting oil in my beard, lol.

 

[NY Leatherneck]

Depends how long you plan to live lol in NY. From the one time I actually got out to hunt I learned to bring a buddy who doesn't spray cologne on before going out. So if you have a buddy make him take the class too. Definitely get the lifetime license and get it for your kids too just in case. It's cheaper for them depending on age.

Fixed it

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Get as good equipment as you can, ie. Boots, socks, base layer that wicks moisture away from your body, camo layers (pants, shirts), gloves and hat, a good weather proof parka or jacket. Always have something orange on, unless you are hunting private land and can be sure no one else is hunting near you. Get a good fanny pack or backpack for things like food and water, first aid kit, whistle, flash light, field dressing kit(if you so choose), maybe a rope and small tarp for dragging game (deer or bear), hand wipes. Get a good knife. If you are hunting at ground level perhaps a small fold up stool to keep you off the ground while sitting. Good tick spray like Sawyer. There are endless gadgets and nick nacks you could buy, but those I listed are what I would bring. Obviously it depends on what type of hunting you'll be doing. If you are hiking in and hunting all day and will be out in the woods all day, pack accordingly. If you are just sitting for a morning on your proprty, you may not need as much.

 

[ManrisFrack]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Disposab...ombo-Pack-Hunters-Specialties-6-Pack/15111185

Something like those. I wear the small ones over the shoulder length ones for dexterity. Sure beats stripping in 30 degree weather or getting your hunting clothes bloody up to the elbows.

Mickey mouse boots (mil surp) can't be beat if you're gonna sit in a stand all day. Too much if you're moving though.

 

[NY Leatherneck]

Wool socks 2 pair, gloves ideally with removable fingers, a flashlight for low light drags which suck, a good sharp knife (doesn't have to be large), good rope for dragging (use a big stick in woods for a handle), as mentioned before shoulder length disposable gloves for field dressing, paracord pieces and butt out tool for intestines, coffee, water, food and make sure your phone is charged.

 

[Mk44]

Op: " I'll be going for deer/rifle season".

Get yourself a good pair of warm boots (don't waste your time/money on cheap boots. )
Wool socks.
"HotHands" hand warmers.
Backpack (get a quite material.)
mittens/gloves- ones that have space for the hand warmers.
6ft of rope/cord to drag your deer.
small travel size first-aid kit
travel size 3.5oz hand sanitizer
flashlight or headlamp w/ extra batteries.
3"- 4" blade knife (get a good knife. cheap knives suck when you "need it".)
Field dressing kit ($1.99 https://www.googleadservices.com/pa...ahUKEwjf8_-jos3VAhWC5oMKHd6PAhIQwg8IKw&adurl=)

Wear layers of cloths. base layer should wick moisture away while keeping you warm.
I like to travel lite. You can go on & on stuffing things into your pack, but keep in mind- it will add weight. Depending on how far you walk into the woods. That pack is going to get heavy when your carrying your gun & pulling a deer out.

 

[Cleck]

Thanks for the input everyone. I remember walking through CO with NF last year - we kept it light then, because we didn't wanna trek through the hills/mountain with heavy shit, then bring another 700-800lbs back, haha. I've already got a lot of moisture wicking base layers and some of the other stuff from camping, but I'll definitely look to add some of the other odds and ends too. Now, I have sharp pocket knives and straight knives, is that all it really takes to get through when gutting, or does anyone like to carry a special knife that they use only for this?

I'm sure I'll get tips and whatnot from him, but as far as the actual hunting goes, anyone got anything to add there? Ideal range? How young of a buck is too young? I've heard that some hunters will let a young buck go, even if he has a decent rack, but I don't know why. Do's/don'ts?

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Don't shoot at sounds or anything that might resemble a horse or cow.

 

[Airborneguy]

Any knife will do. Gutting a deer is a joke.

 

[NY Leatherneck]

Ideal range certainly depends on the terrain, your skills and the cartridge involved. I would say most range and deer shots are about 30-50 yds up to 100yds

As for what deer,. depends on why you are hunting. For food...does taste the same if not better than bucks. If it's your 1st deer doesn't matter what size the buck would be, it still will be your 1st. Bigger is better for bragging rights of course.

 

[Cleck]

Don't shoot at sounds or anything that might resemble a horse or cow.

Probably shouldn't line up on the orange ones either, right?

It has been a while since we talked about the gun thread, but it'll be a 308.

 

[ManrisFrack]

Thanks for the input everyone. I remember walking through CO with NF last year - we kept it light then, because we didn't wanna trek through the hills/mountain with heavy shit, then bring another 700-800lbs back, haha. I've already got a lot of moisture wicking base layers and some of the other stuff from camping, but I'll definitely look to add some of the other odds and ends too. Now, I have sharp pocket knives and straight knives, is that all it really takes to get through when gutting, or does anyone like to carry a special knife that they use only for this?

I'm sure I'll get tips and whatnot from him, but as far as the actual hunting goes, anyone got anything to add there? Ideal range? How young of a buck is too young? I've heard that some hunters will let a young buck go, even if he has a decent rack, but I don't know why. Do's/don'ts?

My stepfather gutted a deer with a Wasp broadhead. Took two of the inserts out and went to town. I carry a thicker blade with a gut hook and another similar to a Buck Woodsman. Gut hook is nice for opening without having to worry about popping the guts. Alternatively, you can put your index finger on the back of the blade and achieve the same thing. The Woodsman is relatively long and thin - this makes it good for cutting the rectum from from the connective tissue in the pelvis.

I generally pass yearling bucks unless it's getting near the end. Obviously the spikes and forks will be yearlings but you'll develop a feel for fawns vs yearlings vs mature with experience. If no one shoots them, they'll probably survive and be bigger next season. Trouble is, everyone in the general area has to have the same mentality or it won't produce bigger bucks. I wouldn't worry about it the first couple years, if at all. The state has been trying to push the practice of passing on young ones but like I said, it takes the majority participating and a couple years to make a difference.

ETA: The Woodsman-like knife I carry is a Case. Looks kinda like their Lightweight Hunter but I don't think they make my particular model any longer. 4.5" long fixed blade, 5/8" wide at the base, clip point. If I could carry one, this would be it.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

The girlfriend got me a Buck Alpha Hunter fixed blade with gut hook. It's a really nice knife. Haven't gotten a deer past two seasons so no idea how it performs, lol.
Buck 193 Alpha Hunter Fixed Blade Hunting Knife 3.75 - MPN: 5239

 

[Acer-m14]

Any knife will do. Gutting a deer is a joke.

unless you one from tractor supply for 10 bucks .. big old fixed blade type , nice in long ,.. blade broke in half by the handle splitting the pelvic bone ..
now i had to use my little 2 inch pocket knife to finish .. LOL .. ( happend on the deer in my avi pic ) ..

hand warmers .. toe warmers

you can't eat the antlers ...

dress in layers .. i just have a cheep jacket and bibs from tractor supply.
fleece PJ lounging pants under jeans
just a pocket tee under the jacket / bibs

by the time i walk 200 yrds my jacket is unzipped if not sooner . do not start sweating if you can help it .. it will just make you get cold afterwards ..

 

[misunderestimated]

My only recommendation is to team up with a person who you know has harvested animals every year. Go with that person and have him teach you. there is more then walking in the woods, And you have to be able to TUNE IN to your surroundings and enjoy spending time with your self

 

[NirvanaFan]

I carry two knives with me. A Havalon Piranta and a larger Buck folding knife. I went for years with just a cheaper folding knife though. I've never had a problem gutting a deer before. The first person to shoot one will show you what to do. More than likely, someone will shoot one opening morning. Once you do a few of them, you can get it done in 5 minutes.

We don't really care how old the deer are that people shoot, especially if it's their first couple of deer. Obviously, the bigger the better, but I've shot some small ones in the past. There are a few ways to tell a young deer from an older one. The face is usually a good giveaway. Younger deer have longer, pointer faces. Older deer tend do have squatier faces. Older deer have a larger neck. You can also tell by the belly. Younger deer have a smaller belly.

Does won't have as much of a difference. Their faces tend to stay pointier.

Before the season starts (likely during bow season in October) you'll have to come down to the property and we can build some ground blinds, show you some spots we like to use, etc.

 

[Cleck]

Yeah, I was gonna say. I thought I remember reading something about bucks aging, their belly tends to sag more and look scruffier, and their coat gets darker, doesn't it?

Anyways, yeah I'm stoked, I can't wait to hang out and do this. I asked my dad why we never went and he said that I never showed an interest, but I guess it goes both ways. He never asked, and I never did either. I just thought it was one of those "Wake up, boy. It's time to go hunting. You gon' learn today!" And the rest is history.

 

[Bananabandit]

Bad day hunting is better than a good day at work.
Im just happy to sit out in the woods, gun in lap and just watch.

 

[ArmedCorgi]

Bad day hunting is better than a good day at work.
Im just happy to sit out in the woods, gun in lap and just sleep.

Fify.

 

[camper4lyfe]

Fixed it

Lifetime licenses are valid even if you move out of state.

 

[Criticalt]

Dont wear a Carhart jacket or pants.

 

[NirvanaFan]

CO with NF last year

I've pretty much talked the wife to letting me go back again in the fall of 2020 if you're interested then

 

[Airborneguy]

Lifetime licenses are valid even if you move out of state.

That's what made my decision since I'll probably only be moving to PA.