5 Tips For Novice Hunters That Always Work

Hunting and going on shooting ranges is quite a popular sport in the US. So it's understandable that there are quite a lot of beginner hunters out there that are in need of tips for novice hunters.

According to Statista, over 17 million people participated in hunting in various parts of the country in 2017. Considering how thrilling the sport is, it is safe to assume that the number of hunters must have increased since then.

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Additionally, according to a survey conducted, it was revealed that hunting was the fifth most popular sport in the US. Here is a chart that depicts the same.

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For those of you who are new to the world of hunting, you might think that the sport is dangerous.

However, to ensure the safety of the participants and endangered animals, each state has created regulatory laws that must be followed. Not to mention that only those are allowed to hunt who hold a valid license to do so!

Regardless of your age and gun training, if you are a novice hunter, chances are you are confused about your first hunting trip. If so, don't worry, we are here to help you. Here are some tips for novice hunters that are bound to work.

1. First research then buy your weapon

The chances are that the first thing you think of doing when going on a hunting trip is buying a weapon. You are not wrong. After all, you will need a weapon in your hunting trip! But, you should never rush into the decision of which gun you should purchase or take with you.

First, research about the laws of hunting within your state. This will help you in understanding which animals you can hunt. It may even specify which guns are legal to own. Combining both the information will allow you to find the perfect weapon for your trip.

You can then go to any gun sales in Oklahoma City to find the perfect weapon. Make sure you get it through the proper channels. It should be licensed as well. And carry this license with you on your first hunting trip!

2. Pick the right gear

There is a lot more to guarantee the success of your first hunting trip than the weapon you carry or how great you are at using it. Choosing the right set of gear is equally critical!

In fact, choosing the wrong clothes and equipment can end up turning your hunting trip into a major disaster. So, what should you do? Should you proceed to spend thousands of dollars in attaining the most expensive and highest quality equipment and gear?
Not necessarily.

The right gear doesn’t have to be the priciest one. Instead, it all comes down to how well you research and test items before buying them.

For instance, with your gun, you will also require ammunition. Here, you must ensure that you pick ammo that performs the best. You will be surprised how the same weapon can produce varying impacts depending on the ammo used.

When it comes to clothing, prioritize comfort, and concealment. Consider the weather of the place you will be hunting in and choose accordingly. If you are comfortable, you will be able to focus on your prey.

3. Be careful of scents

Just because you can’t smell it, doesn’t mean animals won’t either! In fact, the sense of smell of animals is far superior to humans.

According to a research published in Genome Research Journal, Elephants have the best sense of smell with over 1948 million olfactory receptors in their nose. But you shouldn’t be concerned about Elephants. After all, you are not allowed to hunt them.

One of the most popular animals that are hunted is a deer. And deer too have an excellent sense of smell. They have over 297 million olfactory receptors. In comparison, dogs who are used for their sniffing abilities have 220 million receptors. And humans? Only 5 million!

In short, animals are able to pick up even the subtlest of scents from the air. And your slightest body odor can be detected by them over miles. And they will get alert and run the opposite direction.

To prevent such an incident from happening, use scent control products before going on the hunting range.

4. Take an experienced hunter with you

There is a lot more to hunting trips than the products and weapons you carry. As a novice, you must accept that you will only learn the art of hunting with time.

In your first hunting trip, you are bound to experience various challenges. To ensure that you don’t feel overwhelmed and lost, an experienced hunter should accompany you. Just like there are some skills you learn on the job, there are certain aspects of hunting that you can only learn as you watch experts around you.

Remember, the first few times you go hunting, the chances are you won’t take a trophy or animal home. It is not about succeeding but about learning. So, as a beginner hunter, focus on what matters so that eventually you can be an expert yourself.

5. Learn to hunt one species at a time

Even the best of hunters didn’t master their A-game until they'd had a lot of practice. Just because you see people around you hunt a variety of animals doesn’t mean you should too.

As a beginner, you must take it one step at a time. Select a primary species to hunt and solely focus on it at first. Observe them. Research about them to understand the laws of nature.

This will help you in slowly building your inventory and skillset. Once you have perfected the art of hunting a given species, it is time to move on to another.

Let the hunting begin, beginners!

By following these five crucial tips for novice hunters you are ready to begin hunting. Gear up and pick up your gun. Decide which expert you will take along and which species you will focus on. You will automatically witness how your hunting skills improve with time.

Are you an expert hunter wishing to advise beginners further? Let us know about your experiences and tips below.

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