HUNTING - Where to Begin – Caribou Gear Outdoor Equipment Company

Hunting was a way of life and raw existence for early man. Without perfecting and honing the hunter, gatherer nomad way of life, man would have gone extinct long ago. Life today doesn’t require a person to grow, catch or kill dinner. In fact, it is less expensive to buy your meal at a restaurant or grocery store than it is to fish and hunt. Or is it?

It depends greatly on where you live, you may be in the heart of antelope, deer or

elk country. Don’t get me wrong, there are many that still live by subsistence hunting, meaning they still hunt and fish and grow their own fruits/vegetables for their family’s day to today nourishment and existence. It’s not to say that they don’t enjoy their way of life, but they do it out of necessity. For many of us, we do it for the sheer joy, excitement, adventure and we welcome the challenge. Yes, we enjoy eating what we catch, kill, and grow.

The big question is how does a person get started?

Visit or better yet go online to your state's DNR (Department of Natural Resources) or google fish and game in your state. These sites will have plenty to read and study. They’ll even have the latest (pdf) downloadable version of the hunting and fishing regulations for your state or other states that you may be interested in hunting or fishing. You can also find regulations at your local sporting goods store.

Hunters’ safety course

The hunter’s safety courses are a classes that educate you on the hunting laws and

regulations for small and big game. They also teach you how to safely handle firearms and archery hunting equipment. You will need to know the ins and outs of handling a rifle or bow. Simply aiming and shooting is far more complicated than you think. You not only need to know the rifle and or bow, but you must also know what is on the receiving end of a bullet or razor-sharp arrow. The regulations will assist in lawfully identifying game and shot placement and of course teaching you the basics of a rifle and bow. SAFETY FIRST!

Where can I hunt

All states have a patchwork of units. These units are hunting boundaries that you purchase a big game tag for, more specifically a permit/tag for antelope, deer or elk. Each unit has its own set of regulations based on game population, hunting pressure, property ownership or open for public hunting boundaries. Some states offer over the counter (purchase) tags/permits. Just because you own or live in a hunting unit doesn’t mean you can simply purchase a tag/permit to hunt. Remember all hunting units are regulated to some degree. It’s very important to study the unit and the game within the unit you would like to hunt.

Planning your hunt

Just like a well-seasoned hunter, a first-time hunter must also plan out their hunt. It

doesn’t just happen. Your state may require you to apply for a limited draw tag. You will also need to purchase a tag for the game you intend to hunt. This drawing usually takes place in early spring or fall of the year prior. So, if you want to hunt this year, attend a hunters safety course as early in the year as possible. There are small game and upland bird hunting opportunities in the fall. Keep in mind there are many other aspects of hunting to consider. Purchasing a rifle, scope or bow and essential gear.

Not necessary or always available, but it may be a great idea to talk with a relative or friend that is already an experienced hunter. Ask to tag along and get some hands-on experience in the field. I still remember my first hunt with my father-in-law, blue jeans, flannel shirt, hoodie, small jacket and your basic hiking boots. We didn’t miss

what we didn’t have. All the lightweight/warm synthetic camo clothing available today. It was about the hunt and that excitement of the hunt. As far as food in my used daypack, nothing but jerky, granola, canned food or Dinty Moore beef stew, and peanut butter sandwiches. I owned an old Fred Bear bow and a beat up 3030 German Mauser. All you need are the basics. Plan to purchase a few new items each year. but don’t let this stop you from going out and experiencing the joy of hunting and fishing.

Before you go:

1. Know your bow or rifle. Practice as much as possible.

2. Know the unit that you intend to hunt, (fall or winter) and the game within it.

3. Know your gear and think of all the intricate necessities you may need on your
hunt. Such as a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and daypack, etc.

4. Hunting Map or GPS - familiarize yourself with setting waypoints or learning to navigate using a topographical map or GPS. We didn’t have GPS or cell phone maps when I started hunting. We had to navigate by using a topo map and compass and a solid memory. No GPS breadcrumbs, just had to remember the shape or cluster of rocks a broken tree limb that I hiked passed earlier in the day. Note: don’t try to navigate by depending on memory. There are many great cell phone apps and even better GPS systems or both. Depending on where I’m hunting, I may use a cell phone app, GPS and a topo map, just to be on the safe side. Again, be sure to set your camp waypoint, so you’re assured to locate it at the end of day.

5. Know basic survival skills, how to start a fire, where to find and how to safely drink water from a creek, lake or pond using a filtration system. Always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Some units may have cell phone service but don’t depend on it. Learn to set up your tent or basic shelter.

6. Read some of our past blogs for helpful tips such as hunting products and meat care. Watch videos on how to gut and transport game meat. Randy Newburg (YouTube) has many helpful videos regarding processing your harvest as well as

videos on how to hunt for big game. Meat care is extremely important. Waste of game meat or allowing your game meat to spoil is an unlawful offense and you could be ticketed and or fined.
Be sure to see Randy’s gutless method. Don’t chance losing your
game meat to spoilage by using inferior game bags. Caribou Gear patented bags are well worth the cost for a higher yield and better tasting game meat.

Hunting is a way of life. It not only puts meat on the table, but it gets you outdoors

with a purpose and need. It’s a great bonding opportunity. Keep in mind hunting is for all members of the family. It’s literally a breath of fresh air, a welcomed and needed physical change for young and old.