Hunting Basics for a Beginner (me)

[ChamberedRound]

I know some others have posted a similar topic recently (and I've read through those threads), but I figured I'd post this as a call for general info to benefit all new hunters that might be out there and on the fence about hunting.

I've always been into firearms, and target/tactical shooting, but for the most part I've never been into hunting. However, this year I've seem to have a newfound interest for learning how to take game. Couple that interest with a friend at work who's been asking me to take the field with him for a few years, and a concern that the world is going to hell in a hand-basket, I figured knowing how to put meat on the table would probably be a good skill to have.

So, I'm looking to all you experienced and seasoned hunters for advice and help. As far as hunting itself goes, understand now that I know absolutely NOTHING. As I said, I will have some help from my friend, who is going to take me to his hunting spots, help me learn how to track, etc. However, he's mostly only a deer hunter, and I'd also like to try my hand at other game as well.

I've tried to come up with a list of questions to ask, and what I have so far is below. However, I don't know what I don't know, so if anyone thinks I'm missing something obvious, speak up. Also, note that this will be my first time trying hunting; I'm going to give it a real chance, but I would like to keep my overall equipment costs reasonable. I don't want to spend thousands to wind up never using half of the equipment again; I can always upgrade if I "catch the bug".

Note that I have signed up for, and will be taking Hunter-Trapper Education.

• Firearm Suggestions for Deer; note that I'm a lefty. What type of rifles or slug guns do you hunt with? Bolt? Lever? Pump? What are the advantages/disadvantages? I have a semi-auto shotty that I could re-purpose for slugs if allowed; if not, I've been leaning towards a lever-action rifle of some kind, what are your recommendations?
  
• Ammo; what are your favorite hunting cartridges/calibers for the different types of game you hunt?
  
• Optics; I have a budget-minded Tasco 2.5-10x42 scope which I can use, but what optics do you use, and what would you recommend that's reasonably priced?
  
• Non-firearm equipment; what type of outdoor gear (boots, one-piece, gloves, masks, etc.) do you use on a hunt to keep warm, hide your scent, etc.?
  
• Hunting grounds; understanding that many good grounds are either private property or coveted secrets, where do you like to hunt? Is it safe and/or worth hunting on public lands? Have you hunted on public lands in the greater Reading/Pottstown/Oley area (Ontelaunee, Blue Marsh, etc.), and if so, what were your experiences?
  
• Butchers; if I decide to hunt, I'll need recommendations for a good butcher in the Reading/Pottstown area if anyone can provide them.
  
• Turkey; I was thinking about turkey hunting as well. Has anyone hunted turkey, and would anyone in the Pottstown/Reading area be willing to show me the ropes?
  
• Rabbit; Same question as with turkey.

Again, any advice, suggestions, help, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

[smithwessn]

Firearms- From a firearm standpoint, if you are looking for a multi-tasker, a shotgun with a rifled cantilever barrel and a field barrel with screw in chokes will be your most versitile option. The rifled cantilever barrel will handle the deer hunting with the option of adding an optic of choice. Sabot slugs can be very accurate at distances you are most likely to encounter here. Those 200+ yard shots aren't very common in PA, you don't really need a rifle. A slug will handle the thick brush better than a rifle anyway. If you then decide to go black bear hunting, you're covered. If you go with a manual action shotty, you can use it anywhere in the state. If you go with a semi shotty or a rifle, you are pretty limited on where you can use it. Going small game or turkey hunting? Change out the barrel and screw in the choke that best suits your intended game. (extra extra full for turkey) The scope stays with the rifled barrel, so it isn't in your way for small game or birds. Some guys will argue that the scope zero will change when you remove the barrel. It may, but we are talking a slug gun, not a 1000 yard tack driver. It won't change enough for you to really notice.

Now if you are looking for a dedicated gun for each game animal, that changes my suggestion.

Ammo- For deer with a shotgun, I use 12ga Hornady SST. Very fast, very accurate. If deer hunting with a rifle, I use Federal Premium with a Nosler ballistic tip in the 25-06. For small game, I use what ever I have laying around that meets the shot size regulations.

Non-firearm gear- Boots. Do not cheap out on boots or socks. You want something waterproof and something that wicks away moisture. Cold, wet feet will ruin your day. Wool socks are a must. Stay away from cotton everything.

Butcher- Do it yourself. It's pretty easy. Invest in a meat grinder and it will pay for itself in no time. I'd be glad to teach you if you want to learn. The exception is turkey. I don't turkey hunt and have never field dressed or butchered one.

Feel free to ask any other questions. I'd be glad to take you out and show you a few things. (what deer beds, scrapes, etc look like.)

Stay safe.

edit- Warning: Hunting is very addicting. You will wish you had started much sooner.

[Dredly]

as for a weapon, your best options will be in the non-bolt realm. 30.30 lever or 30.06 pump will work fine for PA hunting and a LH or RH shooter so it will save you some cash and have resale value

- if you are getting a 30.30 the LeverEvolution ammo is outstanding

Optics for PA hunting (other then small fury things at 400+ yards) are not needed and if they are, you don't need to go huge. Very few people are pulling off 200+ yard shots on deer. Get a scope that is durable and has a 3 - 9 and holds zero. That's all you need. If you have the Tasco then use it.

[P89]

• Firearm Suggestions for Deer; note that I'm a lefty. What type of rifles or slug guns do you hunt with? Bolt? Lever? Pump? What are the advantages/disadvantages? I have a semi-auto shotty that I could re-purpose for slugs if allowed; if not, I've been leaning towards a lever-action rifle of some kind, what are your recommendations?
  Can't ever go wrong with a lever action. Short/easy to manuver/faster follow up shots
  
• Ammo; what are your favorite hunting cartridges/calibers for the different types of game you hunt?
  IMO, 30-30/30.06
  
• Optics; I have a budget-minded Tasco 2.5-10x42 scope which I can use, but what optics do you use, and what would you recommend that's reasonably priced?
  You get what you paid for...I'm a Leupold kind of guy.
  
• Non-firearm equipment; what type of outdoor gear (boots, one-piece, gloves, masks, etc.) do you use on a hunt to keep warm, hide your scent, etc.?
  Good but cheap knife, rope, hand warmers, sent-a-way kit, anything water resistant and comfy. Tree stand umbrella...multi-use as blind or keeps you dry.
  
• Hunting grounds; understanding that many good grounds are either private property or coveted secrets, where do you like to hunt? Is it safe and/or worth hunting on public lands? Have you hunted on public lands in the greater Reading/Pottstown/Oley area (Ontelaunee, Blue Marsh, etc.), and if so, what were your experiences?
  Can't help you out here.
  
• Butchers; if I decide to hunt, I'll need recommendations for a good butcher in the Reading/Pottstown area if anyone can provide them.
  After a while you may choose to do this yourself, you'll see why after dealing with a butcher.
  
• Turkey; I was thinking about turkey hunting as well. Has anyone hunted turkey, and would anyone in the Pottstown/Reading area be willing to show me the ropes?
  
• Rabbit; Same question as with turkey.
  I would suggest getting used to hunting deer first...the more time you spend in the woods to get famillar with animal habits the easier hunting other game will be.

Again, any advice, suggestions, help, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

ten characters

[ChamberedRound]

I appreciate the responses so far. A comment or two on the firearm issue:

Firearms- From a firearm standpoint, if you are looking for a multi-tasker, a shotgun with a rifled cantilever barrel and a field barrel with screw in chokes will be your most versitile option. The rifled cantilever barrel will handle the deer hunting with the option of adding an optic of choice. Sabot slugs can be very accurate at distances you are most likely to encounter here. Those 200+ yard shots aren't very common in PA, you don't really need a rifle. A slug will handle the thick brush better than a rifle anyway. If you then decide to go black bear hunting, you're covered. If you go with a manual action shotty, you can use it anywhere in the state. If you go with a semi shotty or a rifle, you are pretty limited on where you can use it. Going small game or turkey hunting? Change out the barrel and screw in the choke that best suits your intended game. (extra extra full for turkey) The scope stays with the rifled barrel, so it isn't in your way for small game or birds. Some guys will argue that the scope zero will change when you remove the barrel. It may, but we are talking a slug gun, not a 1000 yard tack driver. It won't change enough for you to really notice.

Initially I was thinking that I would HAVE to buy a rifle, as all the firearms I currently own are semiauto. However, I've been reading, and I'm trying to confirm, that it is possible to hunt deer with a semiauto shotgun configured for slugs. If this is indeed true, then I could avoid buying a deer rifle, as I could just purchase a rifled slug barrel for my Mossberg 930 and use that. However, I want to make sure this is the case, as I don't want to go out and get fined.

So, if I must purchase something, I was leaning towards either a Marlin 1895SBL or a Marlin 336XLR. Both leverguns, both easy to operate for a lefty, both stainless with laminate stock. I like the 1895SBL a little more because it comes with the large lever loop and a rail to place the optics exactly where I'd like. However, I'm not sure if the shorter barrel will be an issue. I'm thinking that at 100-200 yards max it won't be a big issue, but if anyone has thoughts there I'd appreciate it.

[thefirstndsecond]

Firearm for deer: If you wish to spend money on a rifle for deer only... and not intend to use it for anything else

Get a savage 116 , thompson center, remington 700,

Bolt action is best. You need to give me how much you are willing to spend. I am partial to Rem. 700, but currently am in the market for a work horse to take anything in North America.. hence the savage in 7MM.

Lever action not to keen although I own one. You are welcome to come shooting with me to Wicens one day to test my 30-06 Rem 700 or my marlin 35 lever.

If you purchase a marlin as your deer gun and enjoy hunting you will regret the purchase.

You want something good out to 200 yards no problem. Spent the 450 or 500 and get an ADL, or thompson center. 30-06; 7MM, 308, .270 all good. And are common for resale. SLUG GUNS SUCK UNLESS YOU HAVE TO USE THEM(AS REQUIRED BY CERTAIN COUNTIES)!!!!! IF YOU HAVE TO USE THEM.. LET ME KNOW.

AMMO - Hornady, Federal - depends on caliber but I use 180. Also depends on areas you are hunting... distance etc..

Optics: DO NOT SKIMP IN THIS AREA. Niko Prostaff, Leupold rifleman VX - 1; also depends on how much you wish to spend. At least go with Leupold riflemen.. IT IS ALL ABOUT THE LENS COATINGS AND HOW MUCH LIGHT. 3 X 9 X 40 IS FINE.
ALSO - good pair of binoculars is needed. DO NOT USE YOUR SCOPE TO CHECK ON THINGS. DO NOT POINT YOU GUN AT ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO KILL.
OPTIONAL RANGE FINDER

Non firearm equipment:
Boots - rocky's pack boot 1500 grams.
Wick away socks
Layering is most inportant - good set of thermals, possibly fleece as the next layer.
As for clothes. Something to keep you warm and it is quiet. I like 10X and I use an orange vest.
Backpack for lunch, first aide, compass, cell phone, urinal jug, water, etc.. coffee thermos.

BUTCHERS: - Check PA hunting game book. There may be butchers listed

Turkey: Different gun, different boots, lighter gear, game calls, different ammo.

Rabbit:Carhart brush pants, shot gun, light loads, dog use is best.

If you want specifics such as brands or clothes, socks, boots, guns, ammo, calls, let me know.

LOOK for used gear first. Check hunting sites. I am weird about my guns, so I buy them new, break them in, and pattern them. (shot guns). Rifles, I break them in according to manufacturer specs and take care of them like my life depends on it.

Hunting gear is something you can accumulate over time. If your buddy has it.. then see how he uses it and go from there. Good boots, good layers, good scope and gun, compass, first aid and remember to keep your hunting gear away from any scents.. store them in trash bags or scent bags.. but the less scent they have the better off you are.


LAST - you forgot scouting. YOU HAVE TO PUT YOUR TIME IN SCOUTING. SPENDING TIME IN THE WOODS. You will need to develop an eye for animals in the woods. People may disagree, but there will be a time when your eyes adjust and you can see a deer bedded down 3 feet from you and you never knew is was there.

I know I missed things. Learn your gun, learn your land, and learn your animal. Understand what it looks like through your scope and how to judge size, age, etc.

Last - study the game regs.... and only tell your family and hunting buddy where you hunt.

[ChamberedRound]

If you purchase a marlin as your deer gun and enjoy hunting you will regret the purchase.

Why? I'm curious to know.

I'm not sold on anything (lever, bolt, pump, etc.) yet, but everything I've read seems to indicate that leverguns are more than up to the task for deer hunting, especially within 200 yds. And from what I'm hearing, both here and in conversations with hunters, most shots in Eastern PA aren't beyond 200 yds, and if they are, they a risk to take from a safety perspective.

[soberbyker]

Vic, check your PM box.

.

[Sandcut]

Good for you getting out!!!!

My only advice for starting out would be:

1. Complete your hunter's education course by PGC.
2. Read the regulations handout that comes w/ purchase of license. Know it inside and out.
3. Go out as much as possible, even if by yourself. (Only way to learn is to "do")
4. Avoid watching any hunting show on Versus or Sportsman's Network (Much like pornography, if this is how your idea of what the "real" world is formed, you will never EVER be satisfied.)

All the rest is just window dressing.

If you get the opportunity to get up this way at all, shoot me a PM. If I'm available, I'll take you along w/ me for the little bit that I know.

[Dredly]

Firearm for deer: If you wish to spend money on a rifle for deer only... and not intend to use it for anything else

Get a savage 116 , thompson center, remington 700,

Bolt action is best. You need to give me how much you are willing to spend. I am partial to Rem. 700, but currently am in the market for a work horse to take anything in North America.. hence the savage in 7MM.

Lever action not to keen although I own one. You are welcome to come shooting with me to Wicens one day to test my 30-06 Rem 700 or my marlin 35 lever.

If you purchase a marlin as your deer gun and enjoy hunting you will regret the purchase.

You want something good out to 200 yards no problem. Spent the 450 or 500 and get an ADL, or thompson center. 30-06; 7MM, 308, .270 all good. And are common for resale. SLUG GUNS SUCK UNLESS YOU HAVE TO USE THEM(AS REQUIRED BY CERTAIN COUNTIES)!!!!! IF YOU HAVE TO USE THEM.. LET ME KNOW.

I would LOVE To know why Bolt is the best? Especially for deer hunting in PA? Even more so for a lefty

Your statement about Marlin makes 0 sense

Your selections and limiting of rifles makes no sense

Slug guns are awesome and can easily shoot a 1" group at 100 - 150 yards, plus they can easily convert to usage as a small game, turkey (which he expressed interest in) or any other game in PA