If you plan to take up hunting, the first official step would be to attend a hunter education course, sometimes known as a hunter safety course. You will also find it helpful if you accompany a licensed hunter in the field. If you can find a mentor or relative, you should take the opportunity to take in the experience and see if you are up for the challenge.
You will want to abide by all hunting laws so check for your state’s license requirements. The requirements will help you learn what’s required of you as far as licensing and hunter education. If you have a specific species that you’d’ like to hunt then make sure you review the regulations for that particular species. Also, know that public hunting lands such as wildlife management areas have different rules and regulations than the State requires.
Before spending your hard earned money, on a rifle or bow, consider going hunting with a relative or friend who has a rifle. That way you can figure out the type of weapon you are interested in. You can also call some local ranges and let them know you don’t have a gun but would like to try shooting. They should be able to rent or loan you a gun.
Jeff Hill is an agronomist with a technical background in farming, fertilizers, chemicals and water from Clovis, CA. When he’s not working in the agriculture industry, he is spending time with his family, going fly fishing and hunting with his father.
Jeff Hill 