General Hunting Question

[dburkhead]

I'm just getting started at hunting. (Went on my first squirrel hunt this past Saturday--planning on going again this upcoming Saturday).

At the moment, the only things legal are squirrels and frogs. I'm pretty much not interested in frogs, so "what to hunt" is pretty much decided for me right now. However, soon, a number of other seasons will be opening: Ruffed Grouse and Deer Early Archery on Oct 1 (this is the only archery season I list here because I'm not ready to get into archery hunting at this time, but I list this one because I have tentative invites to "tag along"); Fox, Coyote, and Fall Turkey Firearm on Oct 15; and Pheasant, Quail, and Rabbit on Nov 7, and then, of course, "the big one" deer firearm on Nov 15.

A couple of questions:

Is it better, as a beginner to stick to one or two game animals or better to sample a variety? I'm doing squirrel now and I'm planning on trying deer when the season rolls around. Would I be well advised to consider others or just stick to those, or also try some others for variety?

Note that I don't have hunting dogs and none of my "social circle" hunts so except for what I get on groups like this one, I don't have much in the way of mentoring, advice, or hunting companions. So far, my weapons of choice are a Ruger 10/22 with a scope and a Mossberg 500 12 ga with both a vent rib barrel (screw in chokes for Mod, Imp. Cyl. and Full choke) and a cantilever rifled barrel (scope just arrived, installed, and boresighted with a laser, but not taken out to shoot yet).

 

[matrem]

Squirrel hunting is second to none as a way to "get into hunting". As to the number of species,or types of hunts you do? You are the only one that can decide what is enjoyable /educational /meaningful to you.
There are countless opinions on what type of hunting is "best".Try all that you think might be enjoyable.If you're like most,you'll find a "few" that you REALLY want to explore deeper.

 

[Jst1mr]

Tag along wherever you can... Some like one type of hunting but not another, and you won't know until you try! Learn all you can about your prey before going afield, and understand EVERYTHING about firearm and hunting safety. Remember - there are many ways to go about hunting; if you don't like the way a certain group goes about it, do not necessarily give up on it. Know your prey, respect it, and know how to take care of it after the fact. It is a great sport, but also carries great responsibility...ENJOY

 

[EatBugs]

I only hunt squirrels and Deer and I'm perfectly content. I hunt squirrels till its time to hunt deer and then I hunt squirrels again. I think this year I may branch out to rabbits but I'm not sure. I only hunt those two partly because they are whats available, I don't have any hunting friends to show me new skills(seriously, no mentors in southern Maryland?), and the fewer choices the easier the decision on what to do that day... Besides I find the best places to set up for deer while squirrel hunting

 

[Shawnee]

+1 Bigtime for "Eats Bugs" comments about making itn Squirrel and Deer.

Squirrel hunting is possibly the very best way to learn what deer in the area are doing, to find a great place for the opening of deer season, and, in fact, to learn quite a bit of the hunting skills that will pay off for you later when deer season starts. In any area where there are deer and squirrels - the die-hard squirrel hunter will know more about the local deer than 80% of the non-squirrel-hunting deer hunters.

High-5 to Ya, "Eats Bugs" !

 

[Kman]

Congrats! new hunter in the midst, first thing to do is learn firearm safety. Don't diss the frogs, many enjoyable evenings have been spent paddling around in a john-boat with a 12' gig, and they eat well too. Turkey is a blast when you get set-up on a big struttin' tom. Deer hunting is fun as well. Your choice in firearms is fine, you will have all the bases covered for now. How about ducks?? nothing more fun than sitting in a blind and having wave after wave of flocks, doubles and singles flying by, find out what kind of shot you are real fast. Find a buddy to share the load and get out doors. Remember to take what you harvest, don't let that game animal spoil if you can help it, half the fun is finding good recipes, {if you happen to have one for opossum let me know}

 

[koja48]

Try them all and see what you like. The more you go out, the more you learn & tagging along can be very worthwhile. If you happen to find a local mentor, that can be a big plus.