So you want to start hunting?

[Omega]

What hearing protection does everyone use?

I may try to find some of the reversible noise-attenuated earplugs like they issue to soldiers, and which let quiet noises pass through but muffle loud noises. I just learned about these today. I currently have standard 33db foam plugs and some full ear muffs.

FWIW I'll be shooting a .308.

Thanks!

Those will work, but honestly one shot, or even two in open air will go mostly unnoticed.  I shoot from an enclosed space, even then I don't really notice the shot...but I am now using a set of these: http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Impact-Electric-Earmuff/dp/B001T7QJ9O/ref=zg_bs_3304074011_1

[ncomarc]

Slappy, read over this again and went through it with my buddy I'm trying to give advice to concerning hunting. It's difinitely a good read and wanted to let you know we appreciate you taking the time to write this.

[CJDore]

How about a supply list for deer hunting?

[Slappy]

That can be done. I'll work on one soon.

[CJDore]

I will start one and you can add to it Slappy.

 

1) Warm camo jacket

2) Camo hunting bib or camo pants (Warm)

3) Blaze orange vest and hat

4) Knife (sharp)

5) Rope....may be helpful in getting your beast out of forrest

6) Thermals.....do not want to be cold when that big buck comes into view

7) binoculars

8) Scent block spray

9) Tree stand or ground blind

10) Toilet paper (good cheap way to mark your blood trail and has duel use)

11) Cell phone is nice.....camera and you can check your game in now online

[guygene]

I would add good walking boots, a balaclava or face mask, and a liter of water.

Also, just because you are warm, or even hot on the way to where you decide to wait, doesn't mean you will stay warm. Standing still saps warmth out of you.

[10-Ring]

I will start one and you can add to it Slappy.

 

1) Warm camo jacket

2) Camo hunting bib or camo pants (Warm)

3) Blaze orange vest and hat

4) Knife (sharp)

5) Rope....may be helpful in getting your beast out of forrest

6) Thermals.....do not want to be cold when that big buck comes into view

7) binoculars

8) Scent block spray

9) Tree stand or ground blind

10) Toilet paper (good cheap way to mark your blood trail and has duel use)

11) Cell phone is nice.....camera and you can check your game in now online

 

Camo is highly overrated.  What's the point if you have to put 500 square inches over it anyway?  I own very little camo and rarely hunt in it and the deer don't seem to mind, especially if you are in a blind or a stand.  I've shot more deer from a lawn chair wearing blue jeans than anything else.  I'd take a quiet and still hunter in full blaze orange over a loud, fidgety, farty one any day.

[Omega]

Camo is highly overrated.  What's the point if you have to put 500 square inches over it anyway?  I own very little camo and rarely hunt in it and the deer don't seem to mind, especially if you are in a blind or a stand.  I've shot more deer from a lawn chair wearing blue jeans than anything else.  I'd take a quiet and still hunter in full blaze orange over a loud, fidgety, farty one any day.

Sort of, deer notice movement and its easier to pickup on solid colors moving than broken up patterns.  They do have orange clothing that has some camo mixed in so it still has 500 square inches of orange.  But I agree, many a deer have been harvested in jeans and t-shirts.  But I think you need to be more still without camo, or at least subdued colors. I painted the inside of my stand black, so wear dark clothing to not contrast against the background.  In blinds, I think odor control is more important than camo, a few times I have been busted when the wind shifts.  I use a buck bomb to occasionally spray in the air outside to bring in the curious ones.

[TNBuckeye]

I am not sure on WMAs, but many only allow vehicles on named/numbered roads.  I have used many methods to get deer out of the woods from ATVs, skedcos, and drag harnesses, to just plain grabbing them by the antlers/ears and pulling.  The drag harnesses are cheap: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hunter-s-Specialties-Deluxe-Deer-Drag/15111192, and works remarkably well.  Be sure to drag it out before you field dress, much cleaner.  The drag sled, like my skedco, is easier but a bit more expensive: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Terrain-65-in-Deer-Drag-Sled-in-Olive-90057/204693847?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D28I-InsideGardenOther%7c&gclid=CjwKEAiAmqayBRDLgsfGiMmkxT0SJADHFUhPRCAFPCV2wjZB90fo0T2iEkG9KjkQ7EJOzI8F-KMQSxoCNMfw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds, with this one just be sure to strap the deer in well, it has a tendency to slide out.  And of course if they allow ATVs just hook the tow rope to that and slowly drag it to a vehicle accessible road.  
 
As far as other hunters, the courteous thing to do is if you see orange in your path, slowly go another direction.  If there are other vehicles at a trailhead, I keep going unless it's the only way in.  And a good hint I found is to stay put well past lunchtime, other hunters have a tendency to come out of their stands and move the deer, many times in your direction.

I'll ask one more about WMAs as I might hunt some this fall. It sounds like all that is needed beyond the normal big game license would be the WMA non quota license, if that particular WMA requires one. But, is there any process for checking in with a ranger or wildlife officer prior? Or are you basically good to go with the license?


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[SamShooter]

Thanks for sharing your insights. My friends have been inviting me for years to go hunting. I just finished my first hunting trip last month. 

For an newbie enthusiast like me, I really appreciate your post. 

The part on scent control is very informative. I was actually scolded by our guide because I was wearing a strong scented cologne (newbie mistake). 

 

[JustReality]

That was a very informative article. Well done. 

[MisterDanP]

This is one of the most helpful things that I have ever read. Thank you!

[918HCKR]

A lot of great info! I’m looking to starting and harvesting deer. Great info to reference.  Anyone collect shed antlers?

[TNHeavyGunner]

Does the sportsman 004 license cover everything I need for fishing and hunting?

[Shorty]

Covers everything other than special permits like Trout and ducks

[HockeyGoalie27]

Thank you for this post. 

I do have a question.. what's the best and shortest hunter safety course? Shortest because my boys know firearm safety and we were just invited to hunt on a friend's property tomorrow and the course in took was several hours long. 

Thanks in advance. 

[Alleycat72]

I believe you can get an apprentice license for kids for a while. 

[Alleycat72]

https://www.tn.gov/news/2007/2/6/apprentice-hunting-license-now-available.html

 

[HockeyGoalie27]

Thank you. Did this Saturday and my son got his first doe.