Posted: 9/2/2012 9:22:20 PM EDT
I've never hunted before, but have always wanted to. This season I have the opportunity to go with a few family members who go regularly. From the sounds of it they get most of their hunting done early in the morning, then sit around camp the rest of the day. I think I will take a different approach to it, since it is my first time I want to make the most of it, so I'll probably be out all day with maybe a trip back to camp mid-day to bio/refuel, etc. Here are a few questions I have though:
Any tips you can give me will be very much appreciated. |
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Always great to see new people get interested in hunting.
The reason to hunt early morning and evening is that typically the game is more active then. In the heat of the day large animals tend to bed down in the shade. Typically I take a nap mid day myself if I stay out all day. Your .30-30 is fine to hunt deer with. If you're competent with iron sights and don't plan on shooting further than 100-150 yards (which is about as far as I prefer to shoot with a .30-30) you probably won't need a scope. Camo, IMHO is not important at all. Silent clothing is far more important than camo. Keep down wind of a deer and hold still, they probably won't notice you. If you're really concerned wear clothing that is bulky/breaks up your outline. It's harder to find camo to match western plant life anyways. Are you physically capable of shooting from a kneeling position with your elbow on your knee or from a prone position? Seems that I once saw some kind of contraption that attached to the sling stud of a rifle and went into a camera tripod. If you plan on using some kind of portable shooting rest/bench a blind would be ideal. A pop up blind might be easier for you than building one. They go up in minutes and are portable. A few pointers: Not sure what Oregon as to offer, but Idaho does give a discount licenses and some tags for people with disabilities. Might be something to check into, especially if funds are tight. Don't burn yourself out. Enjoy the trip, don't hunt so hard that you're miserable. It's as much about enjoying the outdoors and your family/friends as it about bringing back meat. Learn where the vitals are from different angles. Sometimes your best shot is one where an animal is quartering to or away from you. Last elk I shot was quartering to me with his rump uphill from his front end, I placed the bullet in front of the left shoulder and it exited right behind the right shoulder. Both lungs were taken out. Part of your job is to be able to put down game quickly. Before you shoot breath deep, focus, make sure the shot is good (no limbs in the way, vitals are visible, good rest, etc), and squeeze the trigger You probably don't need everything in your day pack. I keep game bags, flagging, water, snacks, a spare knife, a space blanket, fire starter, spare socks (preferably wool), head lamp, small/personal FAK, zip ties, rope, stocking cap, and possibly a radio in mine. I have a couple of sizes of packs, if I'm in guiding hunts it gets a little more significant. Pretty much it's enough that if something happens and it gets dark or I have to spend the night I'll be ok. A heavy pack gets heavier as the week goes on. DO NOT REMOVE THE SPARE SOCKS FROM YOUR PACK. Nothing sucks worse than hiking with cold wet feet. Dress in layers. Wool insulates even when wet. A good knife is a must. Have it razor sharp. You're more likely to cut yourself with a dull knife that you have to force through something than a sharp knife that slices through. Enjoy! Looking forward to pics of your first deer. |
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I'd love to get out to Idaho eventually, we'll see how an in-state hunt goes and maybe next season if I'm employed I'll make a trek out there. For now I just want to get a successful hunt under my belt (not necessarily seeing success as killing a deer though). I'm not capable of shooting from a kneeling position, it will either be sitting or standing. A portable shooting bench would be ideal, but also expensive and not easy to haul around. If money allows I may purchase a blind, but would still need some sort of gun rest that is similar to this or this. Has anyone used these enough to comment on them?
I'm not too worried about bringing necessary clothing or gear. I've camped for almost 30 years in all of Oregon's seasons, and the people who I'll be hunting with have all kinds of extra gear in case I've missed something. I will stick close to my truck, as I don't have the ability to get more than roughly 1/2 mile from it depending on the terrain, so I'll have access to all the gear I keep in my truck (first aid kit, extra water, clothes, etc). Thanks for the tips, keep them coming! |
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I love helping and taking rookies out.
The thing in your post that stood out to me was your disability - and willingness to work around it GOOD FOR YOU!. 30-30 is great for deer. Not my favorite but usable. My first deer was taken with a borrowed 30-30. I say wear all the cold clothes you have if you need them in a pop up blind. The ability to sit patiently longer than others has scored countless deer for me. If you can swing it sunup to sundown sit. Terribly hard to do. Mind numbing boredom, but you have to stay alert. They will come in when (and where) you least expect it. Get some Hornady "Lever-revolution" or some core-lokt flat point and sight in. Go get em! |
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Quoted:
I would suggest the bi-pod rather than the mono-pod. I have and have used both types. The mono is just not very stable for side to side moevement, especially if there is any kind of wind. The bi-pod will allow for better stability. Thanks for the tip. I was afraid the stick wouldn't be stable enough, which is why I was leaning towards to bipod. |
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Quoted:
I've never hunted before, but have always wanted to. This season I have the opportunity to go with a few family members who go regularly. From the sounds of it they get most of their hunting done early in the morning, then sit around camp the rest of the day. I think I will take a different approach to it, since it is my first time I want to make the most of it, so I'll probably be out all day with maybe a trip back to camp mid-day to bio/refuel, etc. Here are a few questions I have though:
Any tips you can give me will be very much appreciated. I'm in about the same boat as you having never been deer hunting before and going for the first time this fall. I've got a thread here inquiring about gear someone new to hunting may need. I suggest you check it out (if you haven't already). Many members have shared their thoughts and insight about what equipment a hunter needs. Bear in mind, I will be hunting in northern Minnesota in mid November, so my climate may differ dramatically from yours. Also, where I will be hunting (flat forest with very dense birch trees that average 4"-8" in diameter and 15'-30' in height) may also differ dramatically from yours. Climate and geographical factors (plus your disability) will all need to be considered to determine how you will hunt. Anyway, hope you have a great hunt this fall and best of luck (to both of us)!! |
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You're a disabled who wants to go into the outdoors? Good for you! If only more of your kind were as spirited as you.
Camo is good but not a necessity. A blind can be beneficial but you have to keep in mind that one should be set up in advance so it doesn't spook game. Give them time to get acquainted. In my opinion, use your 30-30 since you have experience with it. Plenty of game has been taken with irons. |
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Quoted:
I love helping and taking rookies out. The thing in your post that stood out to me was your disability - and willingness to work around it GOOD FOR YOU!. 30-30 is great for deer. Not my favorite but usable. My first deer was taken with a borrowed 30-30. I say wear all the cold clothes you have if you need them in a pop up blind. The ability to sit patiently longer than others has scored countless deer for me. If you can swing it sunup to sundown sit. Terribly hard to do. Mind numbing boredom, but you have to stay alert. They will come in when (and where) you least expect it. Get some Hornady "Lever-revolution" or some core-lokt flat point and sight in. Go get em! Good post right here. Get yourself an inexpensive pop up blind. I have a doghouse blind and they are made by a many different mfrs. They are lightweight and easy to set up. Sit inside with a fold out chair and possibly a small propane heater. I've used the HeaterBuddy's with great success. Good on you for wanting to get out there. Have someone give you a hand setting up and you should be golden for a fun time in the woods! 
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