First Hunt Coming up....Advice?

[itgoesboom]

Found out today that I am going to get the opportunity to finally go on my first hunt next weekend. I will be hunting Elk in the cascade range, on the opening weekend of the season.

I will be with atleast one experienced hunter, and actually borrowing one of his rifles, since I don't have any "hunting rifles". Looks to be a good opportunity.

Today I got my hunting license, and elk tag, set of camo, scent blocking laundry detergent, soap and deoderant (figure the Elk won't like the RightGuard I normally wear ), and picked up another copy of the hunting regulations.

As far as gear goes, I don't have to bring much it sounds like. I am going to bring my .357mag Ruger Blackhawk in a strongside holster (can convert it to crossdraw easily), a folding knife, water, a firstaid kit, and a copy of the hunting regs as well.

Since this is my first hunt, I would love to hear any advice anyone has for me.

TIA.

I.G.B.

 

[NateG]

Another new guy

I'm in Virginia, and I'll be going on my first hunt (deer) this fall as well. So let me second the request for newbie advice.

Thanks.

 

[Chawbaccer]

Advice:

Make dam sure of what you are shooting at, If you don't have experience in the woods, you'd be surprised at just what all can look like deer or maybe an elk. I bet i'm not the only one on here who has stalked a fallen log, or been startled by a leaf blowing on some brush.

Know your gun and its capabilities as well as yours, in other words do a lot of shooting with the gun you will be using. Don't wait till opening day to get it sighted in.

Don't go wandering off getting lost.

 

[mustanger98]

Not being confrontational, but about all I can think of is to remind you not to forget to bring and use your brain. It'll get you through stuff gear won't. Take your time and try to be as sure of your footing and quiet as possible. Stump holes and loose rocks ain't fun. Make your first shot count, but don't be past making an anchor shot if necessary. Wounded/crippled/lost game ain't fun. Remember to watch for people. Shooting somebody accidental while hunting won't be fun either. Seriously, this is stuff even us experienced hunters have to remember being that in the backcountry there's a million ways to die. I hope I haven't scared you out of it because huntin's great. You just have to always be thinking out there too.

Editted to add that Chawbaccer brought up some things I really meant to and didn't.

Make dam sure of what you are shooting at, If you don't have experience in the woods, you'd be surprised at just what all can look like deer or maybe an elk. I bet i'm not the only one on here who has stalked a fallen log, or been startled by a leaf blowing on some brush.

Chawbaccer's not the only one. I've had bushes, logs, and rocks mess with my eyes almost every time I go out as the light changes over the course of the day. When that happens, watch for movement. If it don't move, it wasn't a deer or elk.

Know your gun and its capabilities as well as yours, in other words do a lot of shooting with the gun you will be using. Don't wait till opening day to get it sighted in.

I second that. Of course, it's probably easier said than done considering you'll be using a loaner. Get as familiar with it as you can.

Don't go wandering off getting lost.

This is especially true out there dealing with Bigfoot... No, seriously, trails were made where game, and then men, could walk and later ride a horse. Get off the trails and you're liable to find yourself someplace you'll have a time finding your way out of. Like I said, there's a million ways to die out there. If you do get off the trails, be sure you know your way back to the trail.

 

[phantomak47]

Dont ever get too comfortable with your firearm in the sense that you get casual with it. Accidents can be prevented by always being alert and careful when handling your gun.

Have some fun....I think you will get hooked like I did...

 

[itgoesboom]

Thanks guys.

I am planning on being very safe, I would never shoot at anything that wasn't identified as the right game animal, and I know I might have to pass up shots if there isn't a safe backstop.

I spend quite a bit of time out in the woods, some on major trails, some just wandering around, so I don't tend to get lost very easily (will have a compass anyways).

Using a loaner isn't ideal, but I am extremely thankful that I can use a loaner. I really wanted to set my CETME up so that it would work for hunting (scope and 5rnd mag), but the scope mount didn't work out so well. It looks like I will atleast get to sight the rifle in this week, so that should be fine for me. I have shot way more through rifles this year than most hunters (1,500+ rounds), not much compared to many on this site, but a lot compared to most hunters. As it is though, I know that I will have to be very carefull about what shots I can take, and what is too much.

And really, I know that the odds of me getting an elk aren't so great on my first hunting trip, but I figure I will learn plenty, and will know more about what I should do next year. Hopefully then I will have a .30/06 set up for hunting.

I.G.B.

 

[Bwana John]

Get, and use a good pair of binoculars, dont be using the rifle scope for anything other than shooting!

This might sound funny, but all the camo and scent blocker is a gimmick IMHO. If you want to stalk quietly thru the woods, try taking off your boots, and clothes. You wont break branches underfoot, you dont bust thru brush. You move very slowly and carefully.

And yes, the few hunting partners I still have think Im crazy, but they know who brings home the meat!

This method dosent work so well late season.

 

[Coltdriver]

I am going Elk hunting this weekend (Oct 15) too.

For a great set of really useful tips go to your nearest magazine stand and get the October issue of Field and Stream. There are 110 great tips in there and there is a section on elk and deer. There are some especially good tips on where to find Elk.

Let us know how you fare!

 

[HankB]

Be sure your footwear is well broken in. Take along some moleskin (available at any drugstore) to apply to raw areas of your foot in case you start to develop a blister.

Dress in layers.

If you get a shot, don't just aim "at the animal" . . . visualize the animal in 3D, and be sure to put your shot through a specific vital area no matter how the animal is standing. Shot placement is far, FAR more important than what cartridge you're using.

 

[mustanger98]

If you get a shot, don't just aim "at the animal" . . . visualize the animal in 3D, and be sure to put your shot through a specific vital area no matter how the animal is standing.

Right. However, I wouldn't advise certain angles because gut shot game ain't fun either. My Daddy told me about a deer one of his buddies killed- it was a gut shot and when they opened it up it was like pouring soup out of a can. It was aweful.

Shot placement is far, FAR more important than what cartridge you're using.

BINGO.

 

[Horsesense]

I don’t know your age or physical condition but don’t have a heart attack!

Seriously, lots of people have heart attacks because of all the exertion and I'm sure the altitude plays a factor as well. A trip to the Dr., before your hunt, may be advisable.

 

[GunGoBoom]

Safety first

Yes, get stress-tested by the doc before you go if you smoke, don't exercise, or a combo of above. High altitude + stress of hiking hills + excitement of hunt + bad arteries = very bad mojo.

And yeah, go slowly and watch your footing. If you slip and start to slide down a hill, spread out flat and spreadeagle on the slope - the more friction to slow you down the better. If that happens, ditch your gear in your hands - it ain't worth trading your life for if there's a cliff below.

Take extra clothes or a space blanket in your fanny/back pack in case you get lost and have to sleep on the ground overnight. Take your compass. Ideally, take and know how to use a GPS device. If you get a signal there, then keep your cell phone on you, but turn it off so you don't get a call while hunting.

If you're using a stand, then by all means use a harness. Have a pocket knife handy in case you need to cut yourself out of your harness (i.e. if you fall and are hanging, but no one comes to your rescue - better to cut & drop than hang & freeze).

On hunting, keep the wind in your face. Pick your buddies' brains as to where to find the game. Move sloooooowly and quietly if think game are around. Be patient. Wait for your shot. If game are not spooked, they usually walk casually by and around you a little while before leaving, so don't force a bad shot. Wait for the good one. And know where to aim in different situations. For example, you might decide that if the game is quartering toward, you're going to go for a neck shot rather than vitals. Oh, Vern Humphrey just mentioned in another thread that he shoots elk in the shoulder to break it so they the game can't run away - since elk are notoriously tough critters.

 

[CAPTAIN MIKE]

Consider an Outfitter / Professional Guide

It might be wise to consider using an experienced Outfitter or Professional Guide in your first hunt. While this adds a bit of expense, it can be WELL worth it. If your TV gets the Outdoor Life Network or the Outdoor Network, check out the better hunting shows to get a feel for things before leaving.

I agree that NOW is the time to get your firearms sighted in and yes, I absolutely agree about the "just in case" gear cited above.

Now, relax, breathe, take your time and ENJOY the Hunt !!

 

[itgoesboom]

I don’t know your age or physical condition but don’t have a heart attack!

Seriously, lots of people have heart attacks because of all the exertion and I'm sure the altitude plays a factor as well. A trip to the Dr., before your hunt, may be advisable.

I am healthy, 27, in fair shape. I do some exercise, and hike fairly often, so I am not too bad off. None the less, I will be getting on the nordic trac in a few minutes, every day this week too. Nothing too tough, just alittle workout.

Sounds like we are going to be near the vehicles though, so no long hikes, atleast from what I was told originally.

Thanks again for all the advice guys.

I.G.B.

 

[rust collector]

Wow, most of us started on bunnies and squirrels. Many of us have yet to hunt elk. It should be a very memorable and enjoyable experience. I know you realize that filling your tag or the size of the critter is not the measure of success. As others have said, make sure you are in good condition, make the necessary preparations, and help your hunting partners to have a great time.

You'll do fine, and we'll want to hear all about it.

 

[killzone]

Take a GPS

When I take someone out to the woods. I give them a GPS . And mark an emergency meeting and routs selected. Land marks( altough They all might look the same) can help you to reunite with your party. Do not pick stuff and eat.

 

[PCGS65]

Alot of great advice here. The best thing your doing is going with an expierienced hunter.

I didn't hear anyone mention don't walk with your rifle having a cartrige in the chamber. Even with the safety on a good fall can disengage the safety and the rifle could fire. You will have plenty of time to load the chamber when you are ready to fire.

Good Luck