Hi, my name is Ron, I live in Morton, IL and I just purchased my first bow with the goal of learning how to shoot it well between now and October and going hunting for the first time ever this October. I have never hunted but have always wanted to, so I have alot of questions and there is alot that I don't understand or know how to do. If there is anyone in the area that would be willing to give a new hunter a hand I would greatly appreciate it.
Well, I am not sure how I go about finding a place to hunt? I am not sure where I can learn how to gut the deer or how I will go about getting it out of the woods? I am going to start by taking a hunter safety course here in Illinois but I am not sure if I will learn any of those how to's? I thought I would start going to local archery ranges to practice and I hope this will also maybe be a way to meet people who hunt and might be able to fill in some of these gaps I have in not knowing what to actually do when October comes around. I also know there is more gear I need to get between now and October, such as a tree stand. I don't know if there are any particular brands that might be good for a beginner that has never been up in a tree? If anyone might be able to answer these questions or point me in the right direction that might be a good start.
Finding a place to hunt. 1. Ask local farmers 2. If that fails or would like some more or different land to hunt look up public hunting grounds in you DNR web site. You could also get a plot book which shows everything you'll need to know. Getting dear out. 1. Have a buddy help you drag it out. 2. Get a rope. 3. Use a sled. 4. Get a deer cart. Gutting a dear you should see in person but I bet you could find it on youtube. Tree stands. 1. If you are on private land and you are just standing out. I would recommend just buying the $30 chain or strap on tree sands. Try to be about 20' in the tree. 2. If hunting public land get yourself a climber. Try to get one that is more light weight or you will be like me and Sweet your butt of when going to your tree from the truck. IMO get your self a backpack to keep all your gear in. You can also PM me if you have any other questions and don't want to post them.
Lefty, Did you buy your bow at a local archery shop. If so they would probobly be more than happy to be your mentor or know someone that would. As you know in the hunting community everyone loves to share their knowledge and experiances. If you are a do it yourselfer and love the challenge of figuring things out that is great also,(im a hard headed do it yourselfer) but you can glean alot of information and be miles ahead by having a good teacher or mentor. You will get frustrated just starting out but hang in there.
Hi, thanks for the advice. I purchased my bow while we where down in St. Louis over the weekend from Cabela's, it's a Diamond Razor's Edge. It was a package deal and the salesman was real helpful in getting it fitted for me but I live up near Peoria, IL, about 3 hours away from where I purchased it, so I am probably going to have to find a local mentor. I do like doing thing's myself and would definitely want to be hands on when it comes to the gutting of the deer so I can learn how to do it. The thing I want to avoid is getting out in the woods, getting a deer and then not being able to get it out of the woods or properly field dressed that first time out. I am excited as heck though and looking forward to a summer full of practicing and locating my hunting spot, and hopefully meeting some knowledgeable people that can get me through this first hunt.
I would try to find someone who hunts and see if they would be willing to let you hunt with them and learn. I wish I could have hunted with others a lot more.
Yeah, that is what I am hoping for. It would be nice to have some people to hunt with the first few times. There is so much to learn, I do like watching the video's on this website though, but Im not sure they are really geared towards beginners.
You can learn pretty much anything you need to know right here on the forums. I'm a self-taught bow hunter. My family got me into gun hunting, but by the time I picked up bow hunting, my only relative who was a bow hunter was sick and couldn't offer much help. Study these forums, make a few relationships, and don't be afraid to ask questions, and you'll learn. Tip for the worrying about field dressing: The first time I had to field dress a deer I was alone. After the shot, I ran home, got my cleaning gear, and printed off a sheet that listed/showed the steps in order. I just followed that and was done in no time. The drag was the tough part... just take your time...
Awesome, that could end up being me, I will make do regardless, I am definitely going to be spending alot of time shooting, reading these forums and asking any question that I can't figure out on here. Thanks to everyone for the welcome!
Hey lefty I live in Hoffman estates. I WOULD BE MORE THEN HAPPTY TO HELP YOU GET STARTED. I can help you get started with your bow and go with you so you can get the basics of everything you need. The main thing I stress to anyone starting out is practice and alot of it. I am usually available on weekends and some week days. Just pm me and we can figure out a time and dayto get started. welcome to BHC
Hey Lefty nice post. I'm in the exact same situation as you from the sound of it. I just got my 1st used bow from a friend and I've never hunted anything in my life but I'm determined to get started now. The hardest thing for me so far has been finding a place I can hunt other than the crowded public land in the area. If you figure out the secret of finding hunting ground please pass it on! As far as learning things like gutting a deer try what someone mentioned earlier and check out youtube. There are some great videos out there that have helped me a lot. One channel that I like a lot is called The Backwoodsmans Institute. They have a lot of good information there. Good luck to you my friend.
Thanks for the site, I will definitely check it out. I did watch a real good video on youtube yesterday but I didn't have any volume, but it looked like he was very thourough in explaining what to do. There is so much for me to do between now and Oct. 1. I plan on going to a local archery range and hopefully making some contacts there, maybe I can find some private land to hunt on from there. Im also a little nervous about the whole tree stand decision. Like many probably, i am working on losing some weight before Oct. get's here, Im at about 220 pounds right now and at 5'9" I need to shed a few and I think it will help my balance and eliminate some of my fears of getting that tree stand up in a tree. Thanks for the response!
220lb is okay for a tree stand. Most tree stands go up to 300 pounds. You could always get one that holds more. When you buy one look at the box it always has in the front or back.
Lefty, I'm new to this site, but not new to hunting. I have been bow hunting hard for 3 years and gun hunting for many more. If you're worried about getting in a treestand, I would suggest either getting ladder stands or a sit and climb stand. I started out in ladder stands and eventually moved on to a climber. You could get several hang-on stands and sticks, but those things scare the crap out of me. I feel much safer in a climber or a ladder. I like to be able to move around and that is very difficult with a ladderstand. I got a Summit Viper that I picked up on special for under $200. I prep many different trees before season and then use one stand the whole season. I have two ladders that I haven't sit in in several years. The comfort of the summit is unbelievable. I frequently sit from sun-up to sun-down with no problems. Good luck!
