New to Hunting? A Few Things to Get You Started
Try before you buy: The best way to see if hunting is for you is to tag along with an experienced hunter. It’s the best way to find out if you’re the type of person who can sit and wait for long periods. It’s also a good idea to try shooting a gun or a bow and see if it’s something you’d like to do long-term. Firearms aren’t cheap, so it’s better to try it out before you commit.
License and registration: So you’ve decided that, yes, hunting is something you want to try. First and foremost, you’ll need the proper permits for hunting. You’re not allowed to walk into a forest and take aim at your prey. The Ontario Federation of anglers and hunters offers courses for those that want to get into hunting. They detail your rights and responsibilities as a hunter, ecosystems and wildlife management, identification of game, and more.
Taking aim: Another thing to consider is how you plan to hunt. Are you planning to use a gun, or do you think you’d like to use a bow? If you’re thinking about the former, you’re going to need a firearms license. If you don’t already have one, you’ll have to go through the procedure, including a safety course, exam, application, and the waiting period before you can even get started. When deciding which to use, consider what you plan on hunting. Determining what firearm is ethical for a specific game is part of a hunter’s responsibility.
Dress appropriately: This doesn’t just mean making sure you’ve got your hunter orange on, though it is required. You’re going to want to dress in layers while you’re outside all day; just because the sun’s out doesn’t mean it’s going to be warm if you’re sitting there. Also, make sure you’ve got rain gear with you – there’s nothing worse than sitting in cold, wet clothes. As well, make sure you’re wearing suitable, properly broken-in footwear; otherwise, your dogs are going to be barking.
Tag, you’re it: On top of the hunting license, you’ll also need to get specific permits for a particular game. Tags are often required when hunting. Animals requiring them in Ontario include moose, deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and elk. If you’re caught hunting one of these animals without the proper tag, or if the tag is for the wrong season (say spring instead of fall), prepare to face some heavy fines. Better safe than sorry.
Get out there: Everyone that hunts dreams of bagging a buck their first time out, but even if you don’t have any luck, don’t let it get you down. It’s meant to be an enjoyable activity, so have fun out there.
