Photo by CC user usfwshq on Flickr
Are you itching to go hunting for the first time?
If so, deciding on a destination could take some planning. In fact, it may be the biggest part of the equation you will have to make.
Whether the first-ever hunt will keep you relatively close to home or allow you to venture several hours or maybe multiple hours away from your residence, having everything planned out ahead of time helps alleviate stress.
So, where will your first-ever hunt take you?
Research and Plan
In order for your initial hunt to hopefully be a success, it is important that you (and those traveling with you assumingly) take the time to map-out where your destination or destinations will in fact be.
Do you want your first hunt to be one that takes you deep into the wilderness or something a little less remote?
Will the hunt be in warmer weather or do you want to go at a time during the year when it will be quite chilly, perhaps even snowing? In some cases, you might want the snow aspect, given that it is because it can make it easier to track your targets.
Another part of your research efforts should be determining how far out from the nearest town your hunt will take you.
If you’re going to be with one or more experienced hunters in your hunting party, the chances of an accidental shooting taking place are lowered greatly. On the other hand, the first time hunting on your own or with other experienced hunters, it is best not to stray too far from populated areas. If there is unfortunately and accident and/or injury, help is not too far away.
Whether the intended target or targets of the hunt are coyotes, deer, pheasant, rabbits, turkeys, bear, it is also important to know the terrain, understanding what animals are typically found where you are going.
For example, hunting coyotes may seem innocent enough, but what would you do if you were surprised by a bear or mountain lion? Having a general idea of the wildlife and overall habitat around your hunting area is something you should never take for granted.
Travel Costs Can Add up
Also look at the costs involved to get to your final destination or destinations.
Just as your lacking in hunting experience, you may not be a seasoned traveler either. As a result, you could miss out on some great savings if you do not know where to look for them.
In some cases, flying to your hunting choice or choices might actually be cheaper than driving hours and hours away.
On the flip side, you more than likely would have to rent a vehicle once you got to your airport destination, so those costs can add up too.
You also have to look of potential lodging costs; that is unless you plan on doing some outside camping during your hunt.
In all, while getting to and returning from your destination is obviously important, it is secondary to the most critical facet of your first-ever hunt, practicing gun safety.
It is imperative that you always make sure any and all weapons you travel with are unloaded at all times (except of course when hunting).
Also be sure that you never point a rifle/shotgun etc. near another person when loading it, disarming it, cleaning it etc. Unfortunately, many individuals over the years have been wounded or even killed during such practices.
Another important safety aspect is remaining calm and collected during a hunt.
No matter where the hunt is taking place or what the intended target or targets are, you need to be in charge of your senses at all times. Accidents can happen in a matter of seconds when you are running in pursuit of an animal etc. One trip on the ground can easily lead to your weapon being discharged.
While there is much to think about with your first-ever hunting experience, the payoffs can be quite beneficial.
Not only are you doing something you might have dreamed about for many years, but you will oftentimes be doing it with close friends or family.
If your first-ever hunt is coming up, where will it take you?