Becoming a hunter.

W

w_houle

New member
The idea of me becoming a hunter isn't something I thought I would ever do, and still not there yet.
You could say the whole thing started with my grandfather: Not a very educated man and had to work in a stone quarry. He offset his lack of income by hunting. I'm not sure if it was due to it being a chore or whatever, but my dad developed a dislike for guns and an even stronger dislike of hunting. He joined the army, but it didn't break his dislike for guns.
I wasn't allowed toy guns growing up and was frequently grounded for playing "war" with the neighbor kids. It gave me the perspective that I could own a real one and not be crazy or stupid with it.
I bought my dad a .22 rifle when I turned 18 because I thought it would be easier on him for it to be his rifle in his house than mine. His perspective on guns has changed greatly over the years, but he still will not hunt.
Here we are, took a hunter's safety course a few years ago but still haven't went hunting. Not sure what I need, and not sure what to do.
 
Where do you live? will you and/or family consume game? If not, Do you have dogs? For me, I love the outdoors but hunting is strictly a means to an end. I need to kill one squirrel per week for juniors Boa. I can kill rabbits year around for the dog treats. I wouldn't mind being able to freeze several hundred pounds of deer and wild pork for both the family and dogs to offset costs.

I can't justify hunting doves as the cost to meat ratio is excessive.
So what are your outdoors activities and we will see if we can't fit hunting into what ya'll already like.
Brent
 
I grew up long ago in a hunting family environment.... I cant imagine a person who dont hunt... not that I have anything against those who dont.. I love to hunt and fish.... I would never be without both... I love venison,squirrel,rabbit,fish,and turtle... But I also love to hunt for the sport of it... Squirrel is an example...there isnt much meat on them but I love to hunt them.... so I keep the meat because I dont believe in wasting.. Last year I took a 23yr old friend of mine,who had never shot any animal, and he got a 5 point buck for his first day of gun season... he was very happy to be the first one in his family that had ever shot an animal... he didnt want the meat and I kept it.... but I dont believe that he will go deer hunting again.... seems to be too much work for him... and getting up that early. guess the point i was trying to make is...some people will hunt and some wont... I dont think that you can make someone like hunting if they originally dont.
 
Hey Disco, i love hunting and fishing with the same passion... I was brought up on both from a young kid with my dad..

Question if you had to give one up what would it be Hunting/Fishing.



w-houle, hunting is so much more than just pulling the trigger or releasing the bow. The build up and the experience of the hunt is just as exciting.. Being in the wilderness, setting up camp telling stories, learning the country and learning the animals.

Bonding between family and friends while on a hunt are life long memories, so if i were you take up the passion one step at a time...
 
interesting question!!!!!!... I dont see any way that I would have to logically give up one or the other... except....I do have some physical limitations already due to previous injuries.... so... I may some time in the future have to give up hunting due to restricted mobility....which fishing does not require as much of a physical assertion.
 
I'll tell you the same thing I've told other forum members that asked this same question. Yes, there are some things you can learn by reading or by trial and error. However, your best and fastest education will come from a mentor. Hook up with a skilled local hunter.
 
Yeah that always helps Doyle... I guess we take it for granted when you grow up with it.. I have been learning for 20 years and i feel like i have not even scrapped the surface.

Disco, there is no logical reason for having to give up one or the other, thank god. Its just a question that gets thrown around the camp or on the boat, and do you know its always undecided... :D

houle, good luck in your journey..
 
Grew up on a farm outside of Chicago, had so many pheasent we either shot em or ran them down with a tractor. They were mighty tasty too. Down here in South Florida the only thing I'll Hunt is Hogs, The deer are so small, they aint worth it. gonna try some Turkey hunting maybe this year.:)
 
I'm going to a farm down the road a ways and see if he knows of anyone who has a spot I can hunt:cool:
Google is my friend as far as field dressing deer goes, well let's see how well I learn.
My weapon of choice probably isn't going to be the envy of town, but feel the 6" group at 100 yds is fine from a 91/36
 
Obviously you have the itch, so why not scratch it?? It is a very personal decision to hunt but you will find one underlying reason that motivated most people: the love of the outdoors. A life closer to Nature in my opinion is a truer life. Me?- Ive inherited the hunter-streak fom two previous generations. Hunting to me is also as much a tradition -family thing, connecting to those who have gone before. I cant say I feel such a connection driving through a city. Thats my 2 cents:D
 
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