First Time Hunting Guide: Planning Your First Hunting Trip
If it’s your first time hunting, or you’re just trying to create a positive experience for a first-timer friend or family member, you’ve come to the right place. While there’s more to know than can ever be found is a single article, this blog will point you toward the information you need so that your hunting trip can go as smoothly as possible.
License and Registration, Please
Even if you’re a seasoned hunter, simply moving to a new place or hunting in a different state can make you feel like you’re starting from square one. As you likely know, hunting seasons vary from state to state, as do rules for caliber and ammunition. Even if you or someone you know is a hunting veteran, it’s imperative that your check with your state’s wildlife department to find out exactly what you need to do to get a license or permit- and to make sure you’re hunting during the right times. It can all seem a little overwhelming at first, so if you’re not quite sure where to start, Quail Forever has a good landing page with links to state wildlife departments, and Birch Hunters has a great guide to hunting seasons for each state.
While getting a hunting license or permit is typically a relatively quick process, don’t forget to look into hunter’s education courses, because you’ll probably be required to complete one before you get your license or permit. Be prepared for qualifications to vary based on your age, residency status, and experience. And always make sure that your license or permit specifically covers the species that you intend to hunt. It’s with noting that some states like Virginia and South Dakota may offer apprentice licensure if you have an experienced hunter coming along with you on your trip, but that kind of credential may lead to spoiled plans if your mentor can’t make it on your big day. So plan accordingly.
Scouting the Perfect Spot
Word of mouth remains the absolute best way to find the best public or private land for hunting, but just in case you haven’t tried the second best way just yet, I highly recommend checking out the onX Hunt app- but be warned that there are subscription fees. At the time of this article, maps for a single state costs $35 per year, and you can get maps for the entire United States and Canada for $100.
Before you commit to a spot, make arrangements to spend a significant amount of time there beforehand, and make note of any particular spots that may be potentially advantageous or detrimental to a successful day. While it may seem like needlessly stating the obvious, be prepared for your favorite spots to be taken by other hunters. So be sure to have a plan B and a C, at the very least.
If you plan on setting up tree stands or blinds, try to make note of the best available spots. If you’re new to hunting concealment tools or you’re not sure which fits your use case best, check out this article from Dive Bomb Industries. I also recommend checking out Ryan Reading’s article as well.
Choosing the Right Game Habitat
When choosing which game to hunt, rest assured that size does matter. The importance of careful planning and preparation needed to move a big kill cannot be overemphasized. So, it probably comes as no surprise that starting small is often a wise choice for first timers- but an even bigger consideration is being able to enjoy your surroundings.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking, burdened by the weight of your gear, so make it a point to be someplace you actually like. For example, do you love being around water? If so, duck hunting might be a good fit. Love the woodlands? Deer or even dove hunting might be great. Granted, there might not be an ideal place within your reach to take on that endeavor, but whatever game you choose to hunt, make sure that you’re going to be somewhere that you enjoy. After all, your first time hunting shouldn’t feel like a chore.
Logistics & Supplies
If you’re hunting bigger game, be prepared to quickly pack out your game in quarters if it’s too big for you to move. It’s probably something you’ve already taken into consideration if you’re going deer hunting, for example. And be prepared to make it happen if the weather doesn’t match the forecast. So, if you’ve considered forgoing ground blinds, it’s worth keeping in mind that they can help mask your kill and keep it dry while you get ready to bag it.
If you’re hunting much smaller game, this consideration may seem needless, but be advised that some of the supplies used by big game hunters, like game bags, are still must-have items on your big day. And while we’re on the topic of must-have items, I highly recommend checking out Sierra’s Hunting Gear Checklist. Granted, it has far more on it than you’ll likely ever need, but it’s much better to identify the items you need before you go rather than afterward.
Suit Up
Sourcing the right camouflage and an orange vest isn’t likely to be a challenge, but finding something in which you can stay comfortable for hours at a time outdoors is something to be considered carefully. Base layers are arguably the most important part of your outfit. You need something that’s lightweight, durable, and moisture-wicking. And I cannot emphasize moisture-wicking enough. Even if you plan on going on the driest of days in the most temperate of conditions, a hunter on the move is a hunter who sweats. The smell of it can alert animals (and your unfortunate friends) to your presence. It’s a problem that you most definitely don’t need.
Remember that water weighs you down. So, don’t neglect to take an outer shell layer to shield you from rain and wind, a good pair of water-resistant boots, and a hat to shield your eyes from the sun -and potentially the rain. And while we’re on the topic of must-have items, don’t forget to bring a pair of gloves to protect you from hot brass, the elements, and the possibility of dressing your game on the spot.
Even though your clothes are meant to protect you rather than weigh you down, the weight of each layer can add up quickly. So, shop in-person whenever possible to see how well each piece of hunting gear works for you. And if you’ll pardon the shameless plug, I do have an article with tips on saving weight during your hunting trip.
As you may know, weight and moisture wicking aren’t the only considerations when it comes to picking out clothes. There’s another matter that I’ll address in the next section of this article that cannot be overlooked.
Seriously, What Smells?
You probably thought I was done talking about sweat. But no such luck, I’m afraid. The truth is that you smell, my friend. As do we all. And sweat can definitely make that smell all the more easy to detect on your hunting trip. So while it may sound like a gimmick, scent-masking base layers and outerwear are definitely worth a look. And do try to avoid any and all scented toiletries on your big day. If you’re new to scent masking, Forloh has a great article that covers all the basics.
It should also be noted that hygiene and clothing aren’t the only considerations when masking your scent. If you’re hunting deer, tree stands may serve you better than blinds. But, as with all things, your mileage may vary.
Firearm Considerations
You’re an MGS reader, so this is probably the part you were waiting for. There’s far more to consider than I could ever cover in the scope of this article, but before you do a deep dive on your favorite search engine, there are a few big things to keep in mind if you’re trying to lighten your load. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Polymer stock rifles will be much lighter to carry on your big day. They’re also more resistant to the elements. A short action cartridge will also provide some much-needed weight savings.
That said, if you happen to be choosing your very first hunting rifle (or, for the collectors out there, your next very first hunting rifle) it’s worth noting that wooden stocks can be resized, which might be more cost-effective than a replacement if you find that its size and ergonomics just aren’t for you. There are, however, rifles with adjustable polymer stocks that may fit the bill even better, though.
Petersen’s Hunting has a worthwhile read on how to choose your first hunting rifle if you’re in the market. And while it’s true that there’s a lot to consider, the options are far more intriguing than they are intimidating. So, take your time and enjoy the shopping experience. You’ll be glad that you did.
If you’re planning on bringing along a new or beloved firearm that you want to keep in the best shape possible, you might consider a protective coating. After all, wear and tear is an inevitability for which you must be prepared. If you’re looking to learn a little about your options, I have an article that you might like on Cerakote, Duracoat, and Bluing.
At The End of The Day
No matter what kind of rifle you intend to bring along, I highly recommend checking out Ryan Clancy’s article, How to Prepare Your Hunting Firearms. If you haven’t seen it already, it’s well worth the read.
No matter what you bring home on your big day- or what you don’t- remember to make your first hunting trip a great one. Your second one is likely to be even better.
Written by: Lanna Perkins, Education Writer
