Looking for advice on learning to hunt

[noah1979]

Hello All,

So hunting is something I have always wanted to do, but unfortunately was not fortunate enough to grow up with any male role models to teach me. Living in SoCal the only people I know who hunt are those who spend LARGE amounts of money on one or two yearly trips, which is not what I am interested in. I want to hunt in a way that you have to work for it, to build your own camp, do your own tracking, stalking, and calling, dress your catch, and hump it out. My 16 year old son has expressed a desire to learn to hunt as well, and I hate that I don?t have the knowledge to pass down. Basically I?m reaching out here hoping somebody might be able to point me in the direction of a teacher as opposed to a guide.

I grew up without a father and have always lamented how much easier and more enjoyable my life would have been if I had someone to teach me things like how to change my oil and brakes, how to talk to women and relate to men, and other things that are common nature to living life as a man, at least for most of the country. I have always promised myself my sons would not enter adulthood as unprepared as I was, and I?m struggling to find a way to give him the knowledge and experience I would like to.

Sorry if that was an overshare, it?s just important to me. Any info is very much appreciated.

[Dirtlaw]

Originally Posted by noah1979

Hello All,

So hunting is something I have always wanted to do, but unfortunately was not fortunate enough to grow up with any male role models to teach me. Living in SoCal the only people I know who hunt are those who spend LARGE amounts of money on one or two yearly trips, which is not what I am interested in. I want to hunt in a way that you have to work for it, to build your own camp, do your own tracking, stalking, and calling, dress your catch, and hump it out. My 16 year old son has expressed a desire to learn to hunt as well, and I hate that I don?t have the knowledge to pass down. Basically I?m reaching out here hoping somebody might be able to point me in the direction of a teacher as opposed to a guide.

I grew up without a father and have always lamented how much easier and more enjoyable my life would have been if I had someone to teach me things like how to change my oil and brakes, how to talk to women and relate to men, and other things that are common nature to living life as a man, at least for most of the country. I have always promised myself my sons would not enter adulthood as unprepared as I was, and I?m struggling to find a way to give him the knowledge and experience I would like to.

Sorry if that was an overshare, it?s just important to me. Any info is very much appreciated.

I am an old man on the same journey. I have the means to accomplish things. Perhaps we can collaborate on a solution.

[stonefly-2]

The hunters safety course is the first step,

I guess that goes without saying.

Beyond that I would say hunt what's in front of you.....meaning if it's jack rabbits with a bow because there is limited shooting allowed near by do that.

Their vision and sense of smell make them a worthy challenge and they aren't bad to eat....just tough as all get out unless cooked properly.

The journey is a series of stepping stones anyway.

[MJB]

Where do you live?

Nothing wrong doing guided hunts they can be great teachers.

Go to local meetings for sci, NWTF, quail unlimited, rocky mountain elk foundation and many others out there to help find like minded folks.

I do a few orgs in San Diego that really help the youth hunters and their family learn about hunting......in fact today is the youth turkey opener I mentor on county property along with 10 other mentors, I think we got 3 down today.

I'd also recommend Rokslide for hunting info on the web.

Good luck!

[edgerly779]

it is a journey and an evolution that only gets better the more you hunt and learn. For birds go to a hunt club. Try guided hunt. Check out ca dfw websites. There is reading material available. Get ony x maps on phone. There are deer in d10-13 areas. There are walk in hunts on south chimineas ranch in Kern county.. Hogs and turkeys in National Forest near lake cachuma. Find BLM and state lands.

[deckhandmike]

It’s called YouTube. I’ve literally taught myself so much stuff it’s ridiculous. And no one showed me how to hunt or fish. I just got out there and learned from failing. Start coyote hunting, they are open all year round and local in socal.

[Imageview]

The best way to learn to hunt is to be taught. Usually by a family member. My father didn't particularly enjoy hunting, and none of the extended family hunted either so that way was closed to me as well.

The second best way to learn to hunt is to just go hunting. However you can. That could be guided hunts, there's a lot to learn there if you do it right, or going and taking armed hikes and missing seeing the animals right in front of you until you eventually figure out what you are doing wrong. YouTube, books, forum posts, learn everywhere you can.

Another good option is joining conservation groups, they often have programs for new hunters. Cwa and pheasants forever both have programs that are very beneficial that I've seen.

I'd also consider trying to hunt just about everything. My goal when I started to learn to hunt was pigs (still no pig yet), but I found out I loved hunting ducks. But if you're out hunting one thing, you can observe and learn the habits of other animals while you are out there. So if I'm taking a hike trying to kick up some quail (my dog isn't hunting suitable), I can watch for deer and pig sign and try and learn more at the same time.

Yotes would be a good option in socal. I don't personally have an interest in yotes (nowhere to clean the pelts and canines are where I draw the line for eating), but there are plenty of opportunities down in that area. Upland game would be another area I'd focus.

The last thing is I'd encourage you to learn with your son, rather than trying to learn first so you can teach him. It's way easier to drag yourself out of bed at godawful hours if you know you're going with someone else, and teaching your son how to work to learn something is the ultimate skill.

[Helpful_Cub]

Absolutely do the Hunter Safety class. All hunting in California requires it for the permit.

Lots of hunting options from small to large. Typically the larger you go, the more effort and cost you need to put in to hunt it.

Falconry is generally cheap, can hunt in your backyard if you are after sparrows and pigeons.

Upland birds is a little more effort, having a Pointer helps a ton.

Turkey are impossible, they live on private land.

Coyotes are out in the desert, you'll need a decent rifle/shotgun and calling setup.

Hogs in SoCal are all on private or Indian property. Not worth chasing them unless you buy a hunt.

Deer are fun, but they vanish as soon as the season opens. Also, I've never been so close to getting shot before. The city people come out and shoot at anything that moves, even if you wear orange.

Black bear generally live near the deer. They are just more rare. I honestly feel bad when I hear about someone killing a Black Bear. They really are chickens and want nothing to do with us.

Elk are generally protected and impossible to get a tag for.

[krypto99]

My story is similar to yours in that no one showed me how to hunt. I figured it out by looking at you tube videos, reading hunting books, and after a while when I met other people that hunted I asked them lots of questions. I dont have huge amounts of money to take an African safari (although that would be a dream come true) so I hunt the public land near me. The best advice I can give you is to get your license, research the animal you are targeting, and get on google maps to look at where you think your targeted species might be. Then go to that spot. I dont claim to be a master hunter but im also in socal. Shoot me a PM if you want.

[RandyD]

I was fortunate, I grew up in Arizona and within a 10 drive, I could hunt rabbits, quail, and dove. My friends and I made weekly trips and after a while, you start to understand the animal you are hunting and its habits. We also had the opportunity of being in Boy Scouts and our troop went on a monthly camping trip. We learned by doing.

Today, the internet is full of forums and YouTube videos that have a lot of examples of how to hunt. Literally, you can learn as much from the internet in one night that took me years of hunting and camping. There are also a lot of books that will comprehensively cover a topic.

[deckhandmike]

Step 1 of hunting is to have money and be willing to drive. Hunting ain’t cheap. Lots of people are going to tell you to start hiking around looking for squirrels and rabbits bits it’s largely unsuccessful and a giant drain financially. Pick a game species that you want to pursue and then save up for a trip to better hunting areas or pay for a guided hunt. Hunting is location, location, location. If you think you’re going to go out in socal and bag desirable species with limited investment it ain’t happening. Sure it’s barely possible once you REALLY know what your doing but the better money is spent traveling to a hot spot and having tons of opportunities to blow while you learn.

I could have done two safaris to Africa for the amount of gas and time I wasted driving around CA learning to hunt. If you wanna stay budgetish. Plan some camping trips to Colorado, Idaho, Arizona in off the track places. If you camp in the boonies you’d be surprised at the amount of game that will wander right through camp. Plus camping, packing and learning what you need vs don’t is a key skill to get down.

[MeatyMac]

The California Waterfowl Association has overnight summer camp for kids 10-16, my son did one when he was 12 and really learned a lot, when does your son turn 17?

CWA has 3 summer camps scheduled in NorCal and one in November camp scheduled during the season, you both have plenty of time before these camps begin to get your hunter’s safety certs done and get your license in June when the annual hunting license begins in California.

Here’s the CWA summer camp webpage, https://calwaterfowl.org/events/cate...ps-and-clinics

There are other junior hunter camps out there, have you looked?

You don’t have to do all of the work, just most of it, but when they get in their 20’s you can let them do the heavy lifting.

Mac

[Garand Hunter]

PUBLIC LAND in Wyoming, on a BLM map its yellow and Blue. Yellow is BLM and Blue is State Land for building schools a loooong time ago. Antelope is good hunting and check out the guys on Calguns who can tell you where good units are located. Its not cheap but it usually works for me and my hunting bunch. I like units 20 and 22 in october. The DRAW is in june. Non residents do have to enter the drawings ! Get yourself a good 243 win, 270 win, 308 or 30-06 bolt action AND a 3X9 40mm scope that isn't a cheapie.

Get yourself to a 100 yard range and get used to the rifle. And don't use copper bullet ammo out of Cali ! Maybe other guys on here have more to say, I do NOT hunt cali anymore, as in like 10 plus years now.

Psalm 1

[CSACANNONEER]

While I grew up with a father who started taking me duck hunting when I was 12, I am a self-taught successful (on CA public land) deer hunter who use to fill two tags every year. I learned decades before you-tube by simply going out and learning by my mistakes and watching deer to learn their body language, habits and mannerisms every chance I got. I don't think I've ever worn camo, carried binoculars, used any sort of blind or stand, etc. while deer hunting. I would just go out for day hunts or even 1/2 day hunts and enjoy my time in the woods. In fact, I've probably harvested more deer when I wasn't really hoping to harvest one than when I was seriously trying.

What area do you live in?

Edit: I know many people who choose to use lead free bullets when hunting big game on this continent and even in Africa so, ignore those who tell you not to use lead free ammo.

[MeatyMac]

OP appears to have ghosted his thread, was he serious?

[taperxz]

I'm a vegan and don't think you should hunt for meat. Grow veggies.

[Jusgunn3]

Best advice is don’t start hunting, its boring and cost to much…

[180ls1]

Originally Posted by noah1979

Hello All,

So hunting is something I have always wanted to do, but unfortunately was not fortunate enough to grow up with any male role models to teach me. Living in SoCal the only people I know who hunt are those who spend LARGE amounts of money on one or two yearly trips, which is not what I am interested in. I want to hunt in a way that you have to work for it, to build your own camp, do your own tracking, stalking, and calling, dress your catch, and hump it out. My 16 year old son has expressed a desire to learn to hunt as well, and I hate that I don?t have the knowledge to pass down. Basically I?m reaching out here hoping somebody might be able to point me in the direction of a teacher as opposed to a guide.

I grew up without a father and have always lamented how much easier and more enjoyable my life would have been if I had someone to teach me things like how to change my oil and brakes, how to talk to women and relate to men, and other things that are common nature to living life as a man, at least for most of the country. I have always promised myself my sons would not enter adulthood as unprepared as I was, and I?m struggling to find a way to give him the knowledge and experience I would like to.

Sorry if that was an overshare, it?s just important to me. Any info is very much appreciated.

My dad and I are self-taught, we did it the hard way. No mentor, no nothing. Just got our hunting licenses and got out there. You don't need anyone to teach you, in fact, showing your son how to overcome an obstacle on your own will be incredibly gratifying and teach him many lessons that will serve him well in other areas of life.

That said, I would be miles ahead if I had the resources then that I do now. Friends, groups, podcasts, youtube, courses.... Now is a great time for the DIY guy. Just get out there and start somewhere, you won't regret it.

Have you been hiking or in the outdoors?

[krypto99]

Originally Posted by taperxz

I'm a vegan and don't think you should hunt for meat. Grow veggies.

Animals are majestic beings that shall not be harmed.

[bigbossman]

Originally Posted by Jusgunn3

Best advice is don?t start hunting, its boring and cost to much?

LOL - "costs too much". Ain't that the truth!!

[deckhandmike]

Originally Posted by bigbossman

LOL - "costs too much". Ain't that the truth!!

It really does. At least we got YouTube. I?ve gained a ton of experience the east way. I can?t imagine how much stuff I would of screwed up without it.

[WOODY2]

Originally Posted by deckhandmike

It really does. At least we got YouTube. I?ve gained a ton of experience the east way. I can?t imagine how much stuff I would of screwed up without it.

Yeah and we know that YouTubers know everything, they have BSPHD degrees.

[bigbossman]

Originally Posted by deckhandmike

It really does. At least we got YouTube. I?ve gained a ton of experience the east way. I can?t imagine how much stuff I would of screwed up without it.

I once calculated the total cost per duck over one season. I should not have done that.

[blueblueblueblue]

Look around for local hunting clubs. They are known to teach new members the ropes and guide you. Theres one in Cerritos called the Cerritos Rod and Gun Club. Another in Long Beach called The Long Beach Rod and Gun Club. Typically those places want you to just come hang out and start from there.

[FJ40 CRUZR]

First off is don’t listen to the LibTards of CalGuns.

Next, get out there and explore, learn and read and watch videos as others recommend… Public land is tough, however it can be done.

I hunt public land and private… killed multiple animals on both.

I don’t hunt anything I won’t eat… because animals are tasty.

[AdamVIP]

I've wanted to hunt for years now. I would prefer to do upland hunting. I like rabbit and bird meat. I've been put off thus far because I don't really know anyone that does upland and I don't have a dog. I like deer too but my wife wont eat it and eating a whole deer yourself is a bit of a commitment.

[lewdogg21]

Originally Posted by AdamVIP

I've wanted to hunt for years now. I would prefer to do upland hunting. I like rabbit and bird meat. I've been put off thus far because I don't really know anyone that does upland and I don't have a dog. I like deer too but my wife wont eat it and eating a whole deer yourself is a bit of a commitment.

The amount of "net lbs" of meat off a typical california deer is probably 30ish? If you want to try it, it's best to find reasons why, rather than reasons why not. A ton of people have come through just this forum over the years I've been on here with every reason why "this year" isn't a good time but next year may be better. With success rates in my zones under 10% the likelihood you walk into the woods and walk out with a deer are not in your favor.

[deckhandmike]

^Id say 90% don’t scout though. So the odds might be a lot better if you put in the work. And deer jerky is awesome so no excuses on how difficult it would be to eat a deer. Also makes good burgers when cut with some fat.

Upland is easy to get into. I don’t have a dog. We just walk around and kick some bushes. It’s not rocket science. If the animals are there you’ll see them. If not find a new spot. I find windy days the least productive. All you need is an 870 and some shells. You might want snake gators if you make a habit of kicking bushes. Dove hunting is also stupid easy. Find some water and see if birds come in the evening. If they do sit there on a bucket and shoot them. Tons of fun.

[180ls1]

Originally Posted by AdamVIP

I've wanted to hunt for years now. I would prefer to do upland hunting. I like rabbit and bird meat. I've been put off thus far because I don't really know anyone that does upland and I don't have a dog. I like deer too but my wife wont eat it and eating a whole deer yourself is a bit of a commitment.

Don't let that discourage you. You really don't need anyone to hunt with and there are TONS of resources to teach you online and with local clubs and forums. Just get out there and have a good time.

Despondency is a FAR greater error than making mistakes in the field because you're new.

[deckhandmike]

Upland hunting is fun even when it sucks. Find a nice place to hike, stroll at a leisurely pace. Actually the slower the better. Have a nice picnic lunch, a few beverages. You don’t need to worry about camo, scent control etc.

I got two kids under four. Half the time I go hunting I find myself taking a fabulous undisturbed nap in the truck and a few hours of quiet me time in the sunshine. It’s the highlight of my week. The less you stress the more stuff you see.

[bigbossman]

Originally Posted by AdamVIP

I've wanted to hunt for years now. I would prefer to do upland hunting. I like rabbit and bird meat. I've been put off thus far because I don't really know anyone that does upland and I don't have a dog. I like deer too but my wife wont eat it and eating a whole deer yourself is a bit of a commitment.

Two things:

1) you don't need a dog to hunt quail, dove, or rabbit. It makes it a bit harder, but we hunted quail all the time in San Francisquito Canyon without a dog, all the time.

2) My family won't eat venison, either. Eating a deer by yourself is not that big a deal..... and I shoot Mule Deer, not little Blacktails. Vacuum sealer is you friend here.

[stonefly-2]

Scouting for deer in my area where I hunt in the nat. forest is a pretty much worthless effort for it's own sake.

Deer notice when all the rifles get sighted in the 2 weekends before the season and change habits drastically.

In So. Cal. you can anticipate them being aware that there is about to be a pumpkin patch of blaze orange.

Don't scout where they are but where they will go and buddy up with private land owners if at all possible.

[Trapper]

I always recommend new hunters invest in boots and binoculars. Hike in the early morning and late evenings on public land open to hunting. Once you’re consistently able to locate game, start hunting rabbits, quail, and doves. Coyotes and ground squirrels are great off season rifle practice. Once you move on to pigs, deer, and bear game cameras help with scouting.
Don’t listen to those who claim there aren’t any deer on public land. Hiking a couple miles in and gaining a thousand feet of elevation increases your odds considerably.

[RandyD]

My perspective on hunting is to approach it as an enjoyable hobby and it is a process. Learning how and being competent in the outdoors is an enjoyable process. Learning how to locate, spot and pursue an animal is also enjoyable. Learning how to use a firearm accurately is another enjoyable process. If you are hunting to provide food for yourself and your family, you are better off cutting coupons and looking for sales at your local grocery store. Harvesting game is a result of spending a lot of time in the field and buying expensive equipment.

[CartridgeCalls]

Originally Posted by taperxz

I'm a vegan and don't think you should hunt for meat. Grow veggies.

When you learn how to grow bacon and Jalo cheddar sausages I'll give up hunting.

[electrod47]

I grew up in SoCal and my dad never taught me squat. After leaving the Army I took the Hunter Safety Course at The old Silverado Canyon Gun range. Started camping in the mountains around Hemet. Brought my Binoculars and started observing game during non-hunting seasons. Practiced sneeking up on rabbits and foxes. This in the early 70's. Do the basics first. See if you can be comfortable with the situation. The guns, The kill, the blood and guts. You don't need that right now. You can learn alot just from yourself. Took my first deer in Hemet, lying under a horse hair rug with a iron sighted Winchester 30/30 "Indian Style" Thats what I taught myself. In the years that followed I'v taken dozens of deer. Hundreds of quail,pheasant and geese etc. all over this great land. I always remember the "horse hair" spike.

[edgerly779]

Istarted 60 years ago. Dove hunting, then coues whitetail deer and javelina. Then moved to Ca and hunted everything in state except big horn sheep and Elk.