Soon to be first time hunter. Better late than never!

[gixxnrocket]

Fellow Calgunners,
I'm reaching out for guidance and /or hunting partner for this year's deer season. I know its a tall order, especially if you guys are in the same boat with work and kids at home. This will be my first hunt and friends/family have no interest. It's a skill i'm compelled to learn and hopefully pass onto my kids.

I've just completed the hunter's
safety course and need to buy a license ASAP.
Do I need to buy into the tag drawing for D16 or just a single deer tag (first come)? I'll be hunting by rifle this year. Are D15/19 worth a shot as well?

There is quite a bit to get in order in a relatively short time. Any help in making this hunt a success would be appreciated.

[CaliforniaCowboy]

Reminds me of the episode of "Meat Eater" where they take Joe Rogan out for his first hunt. Joe Rogan is a regular hunter now. I grew up in Alaska but never hunted, Fished like crazy, my best friend and his dad got a Grizzly Tag, and everyone got moose but for some reason I never got around to it. Would also love to learn one of these days. How to properly clean and butcher.

[RobG]

Is D16 by draw or over the counter? If otc just buy one when you buy your lic. If draw only, put in for for it and cross your fingers.

[CABilly]

D16 appears to be a restricted zone, but not premium. You should be OK applying for a premium zone for your first choice (or point) and D16 for your second. At worst you'll get a point and a D16 tag.

As far as getting started I highly recommend this book: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guid.../dp/081299406X

Also some great podcasts are The Rich Outdoors and Rookie Hunter. There are many others to fill your head with tips and motivation. Mentors are hard to find, but we live in the golden age of data.

[CVShooter]

Go out expecting tag soup. Then, if you get something, you'll be pleasantly surprised. And if not, you won't be too disappointed.

Visit the area as much as you can without a rifle. If there are trails, go hike them. A lot. Camp there a few times if possible. Study the area. Take notes on each trip. Bring field guides & use them. Learn as much as you can about plants, trees and other animals. What birds or rodents sound an alarm when you show up? How long does it take for them to calm down?
Can you ever earn their trust or will they always be alert to you? Setup trail cams & monitor them. Learn the sit spot routine, fox walking (woods walking), owl eyes and deer ears. If you eventually find out there are no deer, you'll end up with a heck of a knowledge base to take to a new spot next year.

Or, ya know, that's at least my approach. Can't say I'm all that great a hunter so take that for whatever it's worth.

[gixxnrocket]

Thanks CABilly,
Amazon's delivering the book tomorrow. =)

I'm in San Marcos if there's anyone up this way and willing to meetup let me know. Even if it's just to discuss planning a solo Hunt.

[gixxnrocket]

Thanks CVShooter!
I'm taking an initial look at D16 this weekend and probably a day hike while the weather is still pleasant.

[CABilly]

Purchase a year of OnX Hunt and use it for scouting. Keep in mind that any good looking spot you find on a day hike will likely be a pumpkin patch on opening day.

[jbk]

+1 on on X hunt.
put boots on the ground, you will see and learn alot just being out. sit quite and wait.
I'm in escondido, there are plenty of deer near here you just have to work for them.
I am in same boat wife kids (luckily older) I go out once a week to hunt and scout. they are there just have to work them

[gixxnrocket]

Getting into the book this evening. Ill checkout on X hunt. With all the Indian and private land in D16 would you guys recommend the northern half or southern half for a first timer solo? Escondido/ Julian is closer for me but i bet there are plenty of hunters all scouting the same area.

I'm thinking a midweek hunt. Would love to disappear for upto a week, work and family permitting.

[CABilly]

Getting into the book this evening. Ill checkout on X hunt. With all the Indian and private land in D16 would you guys recommend the northern half or southern half for a first timer solo? Escondido/ Julian is closer for me but i bet there are plenty of hunters all scouting the same area.

I'm thinking a midweek hunt. Would love to disappear for upto a week, work and family permitting.

OnX will help with that. Also note that even hunting NEAR private property can create headaches, as some landowners like to play fast and loose with borders and signage and can be quite confrontational if they think (or want you to think) you're trespassing on "their" land. It's always good to know where you stand.

A neat feature of OnX is that it also shows who owns the land, so if you want you can try to contact them for permission.

[jbk]

Getting into the book this evening. Ill checkout on X hunt. With all the Indian and private land in D16 would you guys recommend the northern half or southern half for a first timer solo? Escondido/ Julian is closer for me but i bet there are plenty of hunters all scouting the same area.

I'm thinking a midweek hunt. Would love to disappear for upto a week, work and family permitting.

on X hunts is a good thing till you learn the area. yes people play loose with there boarders. sometime the post no hinting on public land. I talk with the warden were I hint often. the one in the area I hunt is a good guy. if you have proof your good. invest in some trail cams. let them soak for a week. you will see alot sometimes alot of nothing and sometime alot of game. I just had mine checked today for hunting tomorrow. you know what's in the area. travel routes and times. plan to sit in one area early then move to another about 9. cam will help alot. hunting isn't cheap by any means. been chasing spring turkey since the opener. IF I get one it will be one he'll of a expensive turkey. however even if I don't. I have a good lead for fall and have seen tons of deer, beds, routes