Depends on the state. Here in Fl, we can only hunt does one week a year (other than archery season which is either sex). If you happen to have a large plot of land (I forget the size but I think it is around 600+acres), you can apply for special doe permits if the population needs controlling. The lease clubs that are in areas that need doe control do indeed obtain extra doe permits. Many times, these permits are used for guests that want to come hunt so that the guest isn't shooting one of their trophy animals.
Getting Started
- Thread starter SolomonMan
- Start date
Depends on the state. Here in Fl, we can only hunt does one week a year (other than archery season which is either sex). If you happen to have a large plot of land (I forget the size but I think it is around 600+acres), you can apply for special doe permits if the population needs controlling. The lease clubs that are in areas that need doe control do indeed obtain extra doe permits. Many times, these permits are used for guests that want to come hunt so that the guest isn't shooting one of their trophy animals.
L_Killkenny
New member
Squirrel hunting is a great way to start. It will teach you how to be a woodsman more than many other hunting styles and much of what a person learns while squirrel hunting transfers over to other game like deer, coyote and fox. Patience, stealth, marksmanship, etc are all part of squirrel hunting.
Rabbit hunting without a dog is just trudging thru the woods.
Pheasant/Bird hunting without a dog is just trudging thru the weeds.
Not much to be learned there.
LK
Rabbit hunting without a dog is just trudging thru the woods.
Pheasant/Bird hunting without a dog is just trudging thru the weeds.
Not much to be learned there.
LK
SolomonMan
New member
Getting Started...
Squirrels....
Funny you guys mention squirrels, as last night at my sons cub scout meeting the grandpa of one of the boys in my wife's and my Wolf Den hunt squirrel. I did talk to him about squirrel hunting. I was mentioning that I recently completed the hunting education course and looking for my first hunt. He suggested squirrel or other small game. He said he went to squirrel hunting as hauling out a deer got to be a little much for him. I have never eaten a squirrel nor really ever consider them a major hunt-able species until that last few days. All I hear around here is waterfowl and whitetail deer.
I will look squirrel hunting up online/library as well...thanks for the tip. From looking at other posts online I noticed there are actually squirrel calls and many different types of squirrels. Around here we have red and fox squirrels, I believe, as well as grey and I have even seen a black squirrel a time or two.
Thanks for the information on the permits for large land owners. I checked with the club and they can provide dogs for a small fee, something like 20-30 bucks when I spoke to the owner.
Thanks everyone for the information,
Chris
Squirrels....
Funny you guys mention squirrels, as last night at my sons cub scout meeting the grandpa of one of the boys in my wife's and my Wolf Den hunt squirrel. I did talk to him about squirrel hunting. I was mentioning that I recently completed the hunting education course and looking for my first hunt. He suggested squirrel or other small game. He said he went to squirrel hunting as hauling out a deer got to be a little much for him. I have never eaten a squirrel nor really ever consider them a major hunt-able species until that last few days. All I hear around here is waterfowl and whitetail deer.
I will look squirrel hunting up online/library as well...thanks for the tip. From looking at other posts online I noticed there are actually squirrel calls and many different types of squirrels. Around here we have red and fox squirrels, I believe, as well as grey and I have even seen a black squirrel a time or two.
Thanks for the information on the permits for large land owners. I checked with the club and they can provide dogs for a small fee, something like 20-30 bucks when I spoke to the owner.
Thanks everyone for the information,
Chris
I understand you have quite a bit of snow in OH right now, correct?
You might try cottontail rabbit hunting the first bright day.... tracks in new snow make finding rabbits easier and after days of hiding from the cold, they want to be out and about. Rabbit hunting is simple......
Finding a place to hunt is the hard part.
You might try cottontail rabbit hunting the first bright day.... tracks in new snow make finding rabbits easier and after days of hiding from the cold, they want to be out and about. Rabbit hunting is simple......
Finding a place to hunt is the hard part.
SolomonMan
New member
Getting Started.....
All,
First Off thanks for the information and support its been very very helpful!
It appears that I really do have quite a bit of options here in Ohio at this point;
We have squirrels that season closes at the end of January which will teach me quite a bit about hunting (calling, stalking, shooting, etc).
We have rabbit, minus the dogs at this point, after a snow. We get a fair share of that in Northwest Ohio. The season on Rabbits closes at the end of February.
We also have Waterfowl and upland game birds as well. While more costly, for either a guide service or club its possible still. The season on these possibilities are closing though at different times based on species and hunting location.
I am looking over the maps, received from the ODNR website, and have begun to explore the public hunting lands based on the above. I am trying to figure a date, outside the holidays, where I can go afield.
Thanks everyone for the help and I will keep you all posted,
Chris
All,
First Off thanks for the information and support its been very very helpful!
It appears that I really do have quite a bit of options here in Ohio at this point;
We have squirrels that season closes at the end of January which will teach me quite a bit about hunting (calling, stalking, shooting, etc).
We have rabbit, minus the dogs at this point, after a snow. We get a fair share of that in Northwest Ohio. The season on Rabbits closes at the end of February.
We also have Waterfowl and upland game birds as well. While more costly, for either a guide service or club its possible still. The season on these possibilities are closing though at different times based on species and hunting location.
I am looking over the maps, received from the ODNR website, and have begun to explore the public hunting lands based on the above. I am trying to figure a date, outside the holidays, where I can go afield.
Thanks everyone for the help and I will keep you all posted,
Chris
Chris, Congratulations on your entry into hunting, do it safetly, do it ethicaly, and make us proud. I was fortunate enough to grow up with a father that loved hunting and I tagged along behind him with a toy wooden rifle, then a BB gun and finally a 22 until I was old enough to go out on my own which I did routinely as a teenage boy. Of course there is lots of good info available on the internet and in hunting magazines, but there is nothing like a good mentor to show you tricks, the joys, and the details. Hang around the gun and sporting goods stores, keep an eye out for pick ups with NRA, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever bumper stickers in your church parking lot. Old hunters are a friendly bunch and they love to tell stories so just plant yourself in amogn them get to know them, tell them your situation, and I'll bet in no time you will be invited to tag along. Be careful, they also like to play practicle jokes on the "new guy" so keep your sense of humor, and sleep with one eye open for awile. Speaking of humor, if you like to read get ahold of anything you can from Patrick McMannis. His hunting and fishing stories both curent day and childhood memories will keep you in stitches for hours and might just give you more insight into what its really all about. My advice would be spend a lot of time on simple small game hunting. Its easy, inexpensive, relaxing, fun, and a great way to learn what goes on in the woods, where animals live, what they eat, and what their habits are. Its also a way to put some delicious, and healthy food on your families table.
Enjoy, stay safe, and keep us posted on your progress.
Enjoy, stay safe, and keep us posted on your progress.
Ditto on the squirrel hunting after deer season is over. Lot's of fun and a great way to sharpen your shooting and woodsman skills. There aren't nearly as many people in the woods after squirrels as deer. (It's the only animal I will go onto public land for). They are very good to eat also. if you plan on using your .22, sight it in with good subsonics, I use Aguila. Find a good nut (acorn,walnut,pecan,etc.) tree and sit down in a comfortable spot 15-20yds. away or so and be still and quiet. when you see one wait for a good clean shot and take him down. Don't get up to go get him, just mark where he fell. Stay there and shoot as many as you can, or want. THINK about where that 22 bullet is going to end up if you miss or get a pass-through, you don't want it hitting the Ranger station or the other guy walking through the woods 70 yds. away. Nothing wrong with using a shotgun, you will just have to do some moving around b/c the loud shot spooks the animals more than the .22. You will find a few favorite spots after several hunts.
sc928porsche
New member
Another good way of improving your shooting skills (I know, not hunting, but very important) and finding a hunting mentor is to frequent your local rifle range. Spend some time there and chat with the range master and some of the people. It shouldnt be too long before you will find someone who will be willing to "take you under his wing". You may actually find quite a few.
Welcome to both hunting and shooting. And of course welcome to the forum.
Welcome to both hunting and shooting. And of course welcome to the forum.
SolomonMan
New member
Update.....
All,
I have had the opportunity to visit a few more areas around my area that support public hunting. One of them is a large state forest that is within 15 minutes of my home but is broken up in maybe square mile increments. Its decent size and supports Turkey, Deer, Rabbit, Squirrel and few upland birds. It may even support a wetland bird as there is a marshy area that I have not had the opportunity to visit yet. The forest experienced a tornado this past year and has affected a decent size area but it was clear cut and from some of my reading may support game still.
I went out with my gear last weekend...just to see if my gear (temp wise) will support the time out I would like to do. Did not bring a firearm as I wanted to do some scouting and see how comfortable things would be mainly in my gear. Everything seemed great except for the boots. I had on hikers and after about 2 hours in them I started feeling the cold. I had a decent pair of hunting socks on and I still was able to move around for a few more hours with out being totally uncomfortable. There was new snow and a few animal tracks mostly rabbit and maybe some other small game (squirrel?). There are plenty of squirrel nests in trees as its has its fair share of mature oak trees. I did find some human signs (old shell casings) which I cleaned up after, as well, but got some useful information on what they could be hunting. I hope to pick up another pair hunting boots before I go out again this weekend.
I also picked up my first hunting license officially.
I am taking advantage of the extended weekend as I have Monday off to do some rabbit hunting. I introduced myself to one of the local Ohio hunting Forums and met a person who lives fairly close that has dogs and hopes to be going out this weekend. So he said I could tag along if I would like. We are still working out the incidentals, if things do not work out, I plan to go out to the State forest again.
Thanks all,
Chris
All,
I have had the opportunity to visit a few more areas around my area that support public hunting. One of them is a large state forest that is within 15 minutes of my home but is broken up in maybe square mile increments. Its decent size and supports Turkey, Deer, Rabbit, Squirrel and few upland birds. It may even support a wetland bird as there is a marshy area that I have not had the opportunity to visit yet. The forest experienced a tornado this past year and has affected a decent size area but it was clear cut and from some of my reading may support game still.
I went out with my gear last weekend...just to see if my gear (temp wise) will support the time out I would like to do. Did not bring a firearm as I wanted to do some scouting and see how comfortable things would be mainly in my gear. Everything seemed great except for the boots. I had on hikers and after about 2 hours in them I started feeling the cold. I had a decent pair of hunting socks on and I still was able to move around for a few more hours with out being totally uncomfortable. There was new snow and a few animal tracks mostly rabbit and maybe some other small game (squirrel?). There are plenty of squirrel nests in trees as its has its fair share of mature oak trees. I did find some human signs (old shell casings) which I cleaned up after, as well, but got some useful information on what they could be hunting. I hope to pick up another pair hunting boots before I go out again this weekend.
I also picked up my first hunting license officially.
I am taking advantage of the extended weekend as I have Monday off to do some rabbit hunting. I introduced myself to one of the local Ohio hunting Forums and met a person who lives fairly close that has dogs and hopes to be going out this weekend. So he said I could tag along if I would like. We are still working out the incidentals, if things do not work out, I plan to go out to the State forest again.
Thanks all,
Chris
Death from Afar
New member
If your ever in New Zealand- long way to drive i know- let me know and would be more than happy to give you some tips :>). Well done with all you have done- thats very impressive and I am sure that fate will smile and you will find a mentor. :>)
Winter Boots - rubber & thinsulated
Chris,
For winter hunting in your area, make sure you get rubberized & thinsulated boots. Gotta keep your feet dry....
Also most deer hunters (at least the ones I know) swear by rubber for scent prevention.
You didn't say where your Missouri relatives live but if they don't have land, we have many many MO Dept of Conservation owned areas open to the public. Some get pretty crowded during the deer season but for small game hunting you can often have 2-300 acres all to yourself.
Have fun and keep your feet dry..........
Chris,
For winter hunting in your area, make sure you get rubberized & thinsulated boots. Gotta keep your feet dry....
Also most deer hunters (at least the ones I know) swear by rubber for scent prevention.
You didn't say where your Missouri relatives live but if they don't have land, we have many many MO Dept of Conservation owned areas open to the public. Some get pretty crowded during the deer season but for small game hunting you can often have 2-300 acres all to yourself.
Have fun and keep your feet dry..........
after years of cold feet
i got a pair of Sorrels - great for warmth and stand hunting but i cursed them up and down when i had to drag a big deer up and down through the snow - the fit wasn't the best for ankle support and keeping your feet from sliding around inside the boot.
finally spent twice as much on a pair of Rocky snowstalker extremes and haven't regreted it, Big and heavy but very warm and supportive and minimal break-in too.
i got a pair of Sorrels - great for warmth and stand hunting but i cursed them up and down when i had to drag a big deer up and down through the snow - the fit wasn't the best for ankle support and keeping your feet from sliding around inside the boot.
finally spent twice as much on a pair of Rocky snowstalker extremes and haven't regreted it, Big and heavy but very warm and supportive and minimal break-in too.
SolomonMan
New member
Update....#2....
All,
I was able to get out in the field on Monday.
Spent the day Rabbit Hunting with two wonderful beagles named Annie and Lucy. Annie was more experienced and Lucy was just getting started this season. My Mentor (Dave), I spoke about previously, lives fairly close so we were able to spend about 6-7 hours hunting over the Big Island Wildlife Area which is just south of me about a hours drive.
The day was in the 20's Fahrenheit, there was a light breeze (11mph) and the sun came out for about hour and half. I was told that the beagles may have some issue due to the powdery snow we have on ground but they did fine by my eyes.
We decided to visit one of the more hunted areas to see how the dogs were going to do based on weather etc and the area was the first point on the hunt (edge of wildlife area). The sun was out and it was in the mid 20's and it was mid morning. Snow was powdery and dry. I saw a rabbit about 30 minutes to an hour into the hunt, after some minor walking through some grass/brier/plains area. I was very happy on the boots I recently purchased. Nothing very special just a waterproof (black rubber sole?) Winchester set that I was able to pick up on clearance (sub $35 dollars normally $85). The boots were very comfortable, warm, and best of all dry with my bass pro hunting socks ($10).
The animal did not waste any time flying by me which we placed the dogs on immediately. The animal was able to escape the dogs, as well as us, as the it exited the property as it instinctively new exactly where to go. The dogs, in there defense, were called back to avoid the private property as it was posted no hunting. We worked deeper into the wildlife area with little luck so we exited the land and worked our way around the 5300 acre Wildlife area.
We grabbed a quick bite to eat on the go at the local sub shop/gas station and proceeded into what was usually a more productive area. At this point the sun decided to leave us and the wind actually picked up. The snow, from the sun's efforts previously, was wetter. The dogs picked up a scent and then we saw a few animals. One animal escaped by "blending" in and staying out of my sight behind some trees. I was able to see the animal for a instance and then it would sit itself behind the next tree and I could not get a decent shot. My mentor tried to cater to me to get the first rabbit but I relinquished this act of kindness and told him to feel free to show me how its done. The peek-a-boo rabbit, as I called it, kept the dogs busier for a while but finally we called the dogs back to track what appeared to be a very fresh track.
The dogs picked up the scent almost immediately and we watched from a mowed grass section what appeared to be a rabbit running. We prepared as we saw the animal make a b-line for the clearing a ways from us. My mentor said this animal is going to test our shooting skills. He told me he will follow up my shot if I happen to miss. The rabbit made the run for the clearing and I took aim in front of the animal slightly which was a considerable distance from us. I fired my old 12 gauge Winchester 120 pump action Ranger but I shot slightly behind the animal. My mentor immediately followed my shot but he, as well, missed the animal by just a hair. We sent the dogs on the track but nothing was ever seen of the animal again and I believed the animal ran across the tracks and the dogs stopped short as they were trained not to pass over tracks nor roads.
By this point we had hunted over 6 hours and the night was definitely closing in on us. The temperatures began to seriously drop and wind began to pick up even more as a precursor for today which we are experiencing some decent rain\sleet. We stopped for a quick stop at another area that was a hit and miss location. As we arrived another hunter was leaving with three decent rabbits for his table. He had been out apparently a while and he was calling it a day. We decided to walk the area with the dogs just to give me a feeling of what else was available.
As we drove home I reflected on the day, how I got to this point, what I learned, and most of all I began to plan my next outing.
Again Thanks Everyone for the help, (Keep you posted)
Chris
All,
I was able to get out in the field on Monday.
Spent the day Rabbit Hunting with two wonderful beagles named Annie and Lucy. Annie was more experienced and Lucy was just getting started this season. My Mentor (Dave), I spoke about previously, lives fairly close so we were able to spend about 6-7 hours hunting over the Big Island Wildlife Area which is just south of me about a hours drive.
The day was in the 20's Fahrenheit, there was a light breeze (11mph) and the sun came out for about hour and half. I was told that the beagles may have some issue due to the powdery snow we have on ground but they did fine by my eyes.
We decided to visit one of the more hunted areas to see how the dogs were going to do based on weather etc and the area was the first point on the hunt (edge of wildlife area). The sun was out and it was in the mid 20's and it was mid morning. Snow was powdery and dry. I saw a rabbit about 30 minutes to an hour into the hunt, after some minor walking through some grass/brier/plains area. I was very happy on the boots I recently purchased. Nothing very special just a waterproof (black rubber sole?) Winchester set that I was able to pick up on clearance (sub $35 dollars normally $85). The boots were very comfortable, warm, and best of all dry with my bass pro hunting socks ($10).
The animal did not waste any time flying by me which we placed the dogs on immediately. The animal was able to escape the dogs, as well as us, as the it exited the property as it instinctively new exactly where to go. The dogs, in there defense, were called back to avoid the private property as it was posted no hunting. We worked deeper into the wildlife area with little luck so we exited the land and worked our way around the 5300 acre Wildlife area.
We grabbed a quick bite to eat on the go at the local sub shop/gas station and proceeded into what was usually a more productive area. At this point the sun decided to leave us and the wind actually picked up. The snow, from the sun's efforts previously, was wetter. The dogs picked up a scent and then we saw a few animals. One animal escaped by "blending" in and staying out of my sight behind some trees. I was able to see the animal for a instance and then it would sit itself behind the next tree and I could not get a decent shot. My mentor tried to cater to me to get the first rabbit but I relinquished this act of kindness and told him to feel free to show me how its done. The peek-a-boo rabbit, as I called it, kept the dogs busier for a while but finally we called the dogs back to track what appeared to be a very fresh track.
The dogs picked up the scent almost immediately and we watched from a mowed grass section what appeared to be a rabbit running. We prepared as we saw the animal make a b-line for the clearing a ways from us. My mentor said this animal is going to test our shooting skills. He told me he will follow up my shot if I happen to miss. The rabbit made the run for the clearing and I took aim in front of the animal slightly which was a considerable distance from us. I fired my old 12 gauge Winchester 120 pump action Ranger but I shot slightly behind the animal. My mentor immediately followed my shot but he, as well, missed the animal by just a hair. We sent the dogs on the track but nothing was ever seen of the animal again and I believed the animal ran across the tracks and the dogs stopped short as they were trained not to pass over tracks nor roads.
By this point we had hunted over 6 hours and the night was definitely closing in on us. The temperatures began to seriously drop and wind began to pick up even more as a precursor for today which we are experiencing some decent rain\sleet. We stopped for a quick stop at another area that was a hit and miss location. As we arrived another hunter was leaving with three decent rabbits for his table. He had been out apparently a while and he was calling it a day. We decided to walk the area with the dogs just to give me a feeling of what else was available.
As we drove home I reflected on the day, how I got to this point, what I learned, and most of all I began to plan my next outing.
Again Thanks Everyone for the help, (Keep you posted)
Chris
Brian Pfleuger
Moderator Emeritus
Congratulations on your first hunt!
Take heart, it's better to get skunked on your first day than to limit out... you might think it's an easy game if you shoot too many, too quick.
If you ever feel like traveling a few hours, there are thousands upon thousands of acres of state land here in Central/Southern NY that are positively infested with squirrels. I can even put you on some private land... we'd be happy to have them out of our hair come deer season!
The season for Grey Squirrels runs until Feb. 28th, but Red Squirrels are unprotected and unlimited.
Take heart, it's better to get skunked on your first day than to limit out... you might think it's an easy game if you shoot too many, too quick.
If you ever feel like traveling a few hours, there are thousands upon thousands of acres of state land here in Central/Southern NY that are positively infested with squirrels. I can even put you on some private land... we'd be happy to have them out of our hair come deer season!
The season for Grey Squirrels runs until Feb. 28th, but Red Squirrels are unprotected and unlimited.
Those bunnies can be fast. I've never hunted them with dogs, that must be fun.
Leading a rabbit, sweep your point of aim past the rabbit in the direction it's going. Don't just try to pick a place ahead of Bugs and try to hit that. This adds an element of timing that helps your shot.
Try some skeet shooting.
Leading a rabbit, sweep your point of aim past the rabbit in the direction it's going. Don't just try to pick a place ahead of Bugs and try to hit that. This adds an element of timing that helps your shot.
Try some skeet shooting.
SolomonMan
New member
Hunt....
All,
Some of the items I learned while hunting on Monday was the following;
1) Big difference between City/Suburb Rabbits and the Rabbits out in the Wildlife area. The rabbits in the Wildlife area were huge compared to the cottontails in my back yard.
2) I demonstrated that I need to practice my shot. So I have begun to research local shooting ranges...again.
3) Hunting does not necessary have to be a pricey day out. Its something I can do, at least for small game, for a realistic amount of money locally, once I purchased the basic equipment.
4) There are more places to hunt, once researched, then I initially thought possible.
5) Made a new friendship.
6) Will be even more prepared for next season.
7) On a humorous note, a greater appreciation of the Elmer Fudd character in the Bugs Bunny cartoon.
Chris
All,
Some of the items I learned while hunting on Monday was the following;
1) Big difference between City/Suburb Rabbits and the Rabbits out in the Wildlife area. The rabbits in the Wildlife area were huge compared to the cottontails in my back yard.
2) I demonstrated that I need to practice my shot. So I have begun to research local shooting ranges...again.
3) Hunting does not necessary have to be a pricey day out. Its something I can do, at least for small game, for a realistic amount of money locally, once I purchased the basic equipment.
4) There are more places to hunt, once researched, then I initially thought possible.
5) Made a new friendship.
6) Will be even more prepared for next season.
7) On a humorous note, a greater appreciation of the Elmer Fudd character in the Bugs Bunny cartoon.
Chris
Fudsy,congratulations!
I will suggest:
Someplace way down inside us is a spark of an ancient man who stood in front of a Mastadon.It is a good thing to keep this spark alive.
Some can be gained from reading.Field and Stream,Sports Afield,etc.Its part of immersion.There is a lot of "How to' in them.
I have often recommended the book by RobertRuark "The Old Man and the Boy". I believe you will find it a treasure.
Another important idea: Go afield for any reason.You can soak in it.Off season,you can find rabbits and squirrels.Off season,you can help a landowner fix fence.You can practice stalking with a camera.Learn the habitat you have access to,and gain more access.Access to private land is a treasure to take very good care of.Public land hunting will always hand you a difficulty around other people.
Check out organizations like Ducks Unlimited,Pheasants Forever,etc.Consider becoming active .It may open gates for you.
While fine forearms are a passion unto themselves,be realistic about prioritizing resources.A $3000 fine firearm is great,but alone,its just a thing.$3000 might buy a $300 firearm and two $1350 trips,A hunter with an old 30-30 will get venison.
Start learning how to cook game!
I will suggest:
Someplace way down inside us is a spark of an ancient man who stood in front of a Mastadon.It is a good thing to keep this spark alive.
Some can be gained from reading.Field and Stream,Sports Afield,etc.Its part of immersion.There is a lot of "How to' in them.
I have often recommended the book by RobertRuark "The Old Man and the Boy". I believe you will find it a treasure.
Another important idea: Go afield for any reason.You can soak in it.Off season,you can find rabbits and squirrels.Off season,you can help a landowner fix fence.You can practice stalking with a camera.Learn the habitat you have access to,and gain more access.Access to private land is a treasure to take very good care of.Public land hunting will always hand you a difficulty around other people.
Check out organizations like Ducks Unlimited,Pheasants Forever,etc.Consider becoming active .It may open gates for you.
While fine forearms are a passion unto themselves,be realistic about prioritizing resources.A $3000 fine firearm is great,but alone,its just a thing.$3000 might buy a $300 firearm and two $1350 trips,A hunter with an old 30-30 will get venison.
Start learning how to cook game!