New hunter advice

[CRajaniemi]

Ok so I've been given an old single shot Harrington and Richardson 20 gauge and since I've been wanting to go hunting for years I figured now would be the time to start so....

I'm 26 years old in Allen Park, did hunter safety probably 13 years ago and did lots of shooting during my army time, but I've never been hunting. This means that aside from the orange vest, gun, ammo, knife and license I know pretty much nothing about hunting. Aside from Pte Mouillee state game area down by Monroe I don't know where to hunt, but I figured I could use some pointers on how to get started. I could use some ideas on how to get started probably on squirrel and rabbit considering the gun I have (although other ideas are welcomed as well). I broke brush down in Texas for around 4 years while in the army as a scout so I know about getting around in the woods.

With all that said, what do I need to have and know to be a responsible (and successful) hunter?

[MarshEO1973]

First off, welcome to the site. Now for what you need to be a succesfull hunter, LUCK helps and and a willingness to put in all the time you can afford to make yourself proficient at what you do. Try and find a local hunt club or sportsmans club, hang around the local hunt shops and just talk. But stick around here, and dont be afraid to ask questions, we all try and help, if you can avoid the bickering sometimes. LOL..:evil:

Good Luck ta ya'.

[target-panic]

Do you have any friends or relatives in your area that like to hunt? Most hunters are usually glad to have a new partner. I'd also spend some time on the MDNR website so you understand the season dates & game laws. If you have a local sporting good store near you......hang out there a little, you can learn alot just leaning on the counter with your ears open! Good Luck & keep us posted!

[CRajaniemi]

Thanks alot to both of you for the replies.

First off, I've been sifting through the internet to find some hunt or gun clubs in my area and I've found some so I may look into those. As for knowing someone who hunts in my area (or even in Michigan for that matter) I don't know anyone.

I've spent a bit of time on the MDNR site and have been checking the open season dates and even found some state game areas. I just don't know techniques typically used. I mean hell I can go traipsing through the woods to knock down a squirrel or two (should I be so lucky during said season) but then there are other issues like equipment and of course preparing the game after it has been dispatched that I've never learned to do. I'm sure I could figure it all out on the ground, but I was just looking to get any basic advice from those who've been there.

I guess I'll spend some time over at the local Gander Mountain and perhaps some small shops to see what's really going on so I can get ready by the time seasons are in. I'm an intelligent guy so the legalities and technicalities aren't a problem for me, it's those hints and tips that only come through experience that I'm after I suppose.

Thanks again,
Clint

[Michigan Mike]

Hello Clint and welcome to the site.
Not much land down your way but plenty just to your northwest with
some very good nice squirrel woods.
Theres tons of good information on this site on just about everything, just use the search option and toss in the word like squirrel ect..
You'll find everthing from detailed cleaning instructions to some great recipes, techniques, loads ect...
It has helped me out in the past, I just started hunting them a couple years ago and cleaning is a pain but the tips others have shared have really helped me out.
When the season gets closer, there will be much discussion on just about everthing.

Mike

[CRajaniemi]

I briefly used the search function yesterday evening and I came up with tons of stuff (not much related to what I needed) so wasnt sure what I was looking for was here. Now that I know it is, I will sift through those many results to find what I need.

Thanks

[john warren]

well that little 20ga can come in handy for all sorts of game. squirrel and rabbit are great starts. no reason you can't take a deer with it too, buck shot or even better a slug from that gun will knock em down real well.
obviously you will need to use a mild load as the gun won't handle super loads. but a single 20 was my first gun and it took a lot of game.
i strongly sugjest you hook up with experianced hunters to learn . it will just be more fun for you, and prevent wasting time with unproductive attempts.
that being said remember its hunting. not shopping. you will go out many times and come back empty handed. enjoy your time in the outdoors and if you are successfull it will be icing on the cake.
for now. buy a bunch of light trap and skeet loads and go to a range and shoot some clay birds. might even want to take a few lessons.
come hunting season at least you'll know you can hit what you need to.
you will meet some great people there that will be glad to give you advice. they may even take you hunting.
for squirrel you can go to most state game areas and hunt. the dnr officers will always be willing to give advice on areas and tips, if you let them know your a newby.
for rabbit i'd sugjest finding a local beagle club. they love to hunt and are always thrilled to show off their dogs. volunteer to help out around the club some day and you will get invited to go hunting.
think about other game you probably haven't considered.
coyote for instance are becoming more popular to hunt , and most guys know no more about them then you do. get a buddy and learn it together.
guess i better stop, from the answers you've gotten i think you can see hunters are a great bunch of folks. and always thrilled to help a new guy get started. have fun, keep your feet dry, and your gutting knife sharp.

[Michigan Mike]

You can cut it down quite a bit by putting in more words such as squirrel recipe or squirrel cleaning ect..

[CRajaniemi]

John,

I have no problem just getting out there breaking brush. I spent my army time in the woods just waiting to wait if you know what I mean. I love spending time out in nature so I would have no problem walking the woods with shotgun in hand and nothing to shoot at. I would just consider that to be "putting in my time". As for the clubs in my area, there are a few but the information isn't exactly all over the place for them. I will of course continue looking for more information.

Thanks,
Clint

[szokr1]

If your ever willing to drive an hour North (oakland County) one weekend, I'd be more than happy to go out and get some squirell's with you, I live 1/2 mile from stateland and could show you what I know.

There are a lot of different approches to hunting, some guys still hunt, others jump shoot, me personally, I like to get in the oaks, sit quietly for a bit, and let the squirells come to me, other times, I use squirell hunting as a method to scout new areas for deer hunting for the next season.

either way, i am certain someone on this board lives close to you and will be willing to show you the ropes.

PM me if your ever interested in heading this way.

Szokr1

[CRajaniemi]

szokr1,

Sounds like it would be a good time. I'd definately be willing to drive an hour or more to head out with someone for some first hand learning. Now, I just need to find a place to put some rounds through this gun to get comfortable with how it shoots and I'll be good to go.

Thanks,
Clint