If you want a great book resource, I would highly recommend Steven Rinella's Complete Guide to Hunting series. It covers a wide range of topics from gear selection, hunting methods, and some recipe ideas. His show and podcasts are also good.
Second this and when I went out first time last year his book had all the info I needed to, 1 stay safe and 2 tactics in hunting and 3 how to field dress it.
The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game: Volume 1: Big Game https://www.amazon.com/dp/081299406X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Bg5QBb59ZXHR1
Ok so there are a bunch of really great YouTube videos. Also highly recommend Steve Rinella’s books. The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering and Cooking Wild Game
Join the Alberta BHA Facebook, they have webinars/presentations available for just these questions. I think there’s a pack dump webinar happening this week, if I remember right, as well as a hunting draw and e-scouting one.
The MeatEater books and videos are great resources, especially if you’re packing out the game in a backpack, and want to bone out, combined with the gutless method, because dragging deer, without a sled, sucks.
The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game: Volume 1: Big Game https://www.amazon.ca/dp/081299406X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_2YQV5ZDJJT1Z3VNJRJ8V
https://www.amazon.com/dp/081299406X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OcoMFb9WC88G9
And definitely watch this show. Good luck on hunting, it's an amazing time. Look and see if there's anyone local that would want to go with you, friends want to hunt to at all?
I recommend stuff from these guys quite a lot. They just do a very good job approaching these topics of a laymen’s POV.
The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game: Volume 1: Big Game https://www.amazon.com/dp/081299406X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ODGqFbTFRHEW9
The show (MeatEater) on Netflix often shows cleaning and processing, but the earlier seasons not on Netflix typically does more. Search for them on YouTube or get a free trial to the outdoor network on amazon.
Volume 2 is really good for small game as well. These truly are the BEST resources possible outside of in person mentoring for a new hunter, coming from someone who has hunted for 25 years.
Slow cooking works well for game because most wild meat is lean and easily overcooked otherwise, making it tough.
Steve Rinella has a two volume set that would make a great gift: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Hunting-Butchering-Cooking/dp/081299406X
the hunting courses kinda suck in my experience (although i just did the online alberta one and converted it to a BC hunter number)
The best resource for a deer hunting primer IMO would be this book
Sounds like you're pretty new to hunting as well as bow hunting given some of the questions in the thread about more than stalking like licenses etc... Just thought I'd throw this out there for you to check out, it's a good book with lots of good information for you. Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering and Cooking
I would highly recommend this book to get you started: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Hunting-Butchering-Cooking/dp/081299406X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488983161&sr=8-1&keywords=rinella+guide
It really gives you an idea of the types of things you need, and gives examples in various regions.
i almost like to keep it as a poorly kept secret.
The hunting courses are very valuable, the online alberta course is very easy to ignore and skip through and then "challenge" the test....
I think its a great way for people who will be going hunting with an experienced friend/relative to get licensed. But not great for the guy with an SKS who is playing with the idea of hunting and doesn't really know where to start.
If somebody is gonna just wing it with the Alberta test, I highly recommend studying local regs and then reading this book.
https://www.amazon.ca/Complete-Guide-Hunting-Butchering-Cooking/dp/081299406X
I haven't had them, but elk ribs are thing according to Steve Rinella's book. He is a big advocate about using every part of the animal and the book is full of recipes. Based on your comments in this thread, I think you would enjoy it.
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Hunting-Butchering-Cooking/dp/081299406X
Use amazon smile to donate a potion to charity. I like the Rocky Mountain Elk. Great book for your geography; doesn't help as much in thick swamps by me.
I wouldn't worry about removing too much. With a rotary tool like a dremel and a sanding drum on medium-low it would take you maybe 5 minutes. Long smooth strokes and even pressure with the dremel so you don't carve a dip in the stock. You can also use sand paper by hand but damn if power tools don't make life easier. Try it for a few minutes and tighten the action down. See if you have it cleared and mentally mark spots that still touch and repeat.
I would highly recommend hunting down a torque wrench in Inch/Pounds for tightening the action screws. It is supposed to be around 15 in/lbs for the Boyds stocks; too much and you'll crush the wood. If you tinker a lot with rifles then get the FAT Wrench from amazon. Can't tell you how often I've used the thing. If you don't tinker then track one down a borrow one.
I'm in the same boat as you - in the process of 'self-teaching'. I just picked up this book and found it very helpful.
I've decided to start with a bow - and I've found archery to be an awesome hobby outside of hunting as well. Hopefully I'll get lucky and get a deer before the seasons out - although I haven't seen anything in WI since gun season started
You may also want to pick up Steven Rinella's new book, "The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game: Volume 1"
I've been hunting for nearly 25 years and this book has been teaching me a lot of new things.
Check out this book by Steven Rinella. Great place to start. Also visit the Meateater website.
I would take Steven Rinella's advice way before I would take my own. I would read this. https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Hunting-Butchering-Cooking/dp/081299406X
I am an easterner and don't know the first think about Elk. I have spent some time in the backcountry in your fine state. I think it might be wise to consider going deer hunting first. It seems to me that it would be a lot easier to learn butchering on a deer. Maybe that is just my eastern perspective, or lack thereof.
You said you were in AZ so you have a lot of options: Deer, Elk, Antelope, Coues Deer, and javelina can all be taken with a 30-06.
Here's my suggestion:
Steve Rinella has a great book. https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Hunting-Butchering-Cooking/dp/081299406X
3 guns.
12 gauge pump action shot gun. Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 are good places to start. 3 shell capacity.
.22 LR rifle. bolt action or semi auto, doesn't matter. for rabbits and squirrels.
Bolt action rifle with a decent scope. I recommend 30-06, but there are a whole bunch of calibers.
Start with the 12 gauge and the 22 long rifle. Then work your way up to the larger rifle.
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Get a decent set of binoculars. 10x42 is a good place to start. I recommend a lower end Vortex to start. You don't really need more gear than this, but a range finder and a nice back pack will help.
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Do hunters ed. Join a hunting advocacy group. Start hiking/camping and scouting in public lands. you can find public land near you here https://blm-egis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f0da4c7931440a8a80bfe20eddd7550%20&extent=-125,%2031.0,%20-114,%2043.0
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I have found OnX maps to be helpful. If you are going to stick with hunting, you should subcribe.
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Here are the hunting regs. Read this https://wildlife.ca.gov/Regulations
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You should check out the following youtube channels: Meateater, fresh tracks, hushin, born and raised outdoors.
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You could also check out volumes 1 and 2 of this book https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Hunting-Butchering-Cooking/dp/081299406X
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Good luck!
Howdy! Got myself into hunting 2 years ago at 27. I did nothing but read books(Steven Rinella's guide is incredible) and watch as much YouTube content as I could to get. I've been successful every season so far and even have even processed my last two deer my self. It is hands down the most spiritually rewarding thing I've done and I don't believe I'll ever stop.
In Michigan we have similar laws regarding shotgun usage in the southern parts of the state. You'll have to check your local laws to see if they allow straight-walled cartridges in your shotgun zone. I ended up purchasing a .450 Bushmaster upper receiver for my AR15 and I will never go back to using a slug again. Its extremely accurate, packs a punch, and flies very straight out to 200 yards. Got it shipped to my door for $230 when they were on sale. 450 bushmaster is super popular over here, you can even get bolt actions from Savage or Ruger for fairly cheap as well.
My advice would be to do whatever is going to get you in the woods more. If buying a shotgun, or straight walled rifle, is going to get you in the stand more then do it. Also, read the entire hunting regulations manual every year. It can be daunting but there is a wealth of knowledge in there and the last thing you want to do is lose your license because of a silly mistake.
I've never hired a guide so I can't give you any advice on that, hunting public land is daunting but people have been learning how to hunt there for ages so boots on the ground is the way to go in my opinion. Its okay to be new, its okay to make mistakes so long as no one is endangered by it.
Field dressing is intimidating the first time. If its cold enough, you can take the animal back home and do it under more comfortable circumstances so long as you're quick enough. If its hot out, its best to get it cleaned as soon as possible. Most people, myself included will dress them in the field. Not only does it allow the body cavity to cool quicker it also lightens the load and makes it easier to drag out.
You can legally process deer from field to table yourself if you're so inclined. I advise everyone to do it! The first few times you do it you'll be slow and make mistakes but its okay! Meat that doesn't come off in perfect cuts just goes into the grind pile! All you need to process a deer is a couple sharp knives, a grinder (I use a grinder attachment for a kitchen-aid mixer lol), and a way to seal it. You can buy a vacuum sealer or wrap with plastic wrap then butcher paper. The meat will store for a couple years frozen and be just as tasty. Its a lot of work but it saves a lot of money and gives you a much greater connection to what's on the table afterwards.
Good luck! I wish I would've gotten into hunting earlier, it is hands down the thing I look forward to most in the fall. Most of what I said is covered in that book from Steven Rinella, I highly recommend it. Also, if possible, learn to shoot a bow or crossbow. Hunting during archery means less competition and taking a deer with a bow is an incredibly rewarding experience.
I am not sure what help I can offer, but I am a self taught, adult hunter. My dad hasn't been around much in my life, and certainly no help out of doors.
If you put Steven Rinella's Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering and Cooking Wild Game, https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Hunting-Butchering-Cooking/dp/081299406X, into an Amazon Wish List and send me a link to the list I will see that it ends up on your doorstep.
Do you have access to a suitable firearm?
Are you thinking deer or small game?
Obligatory Meat Eater Guide to big game hunting
I'm also in BC (Interior) and a late onset hunter. I didn't get my liscence til I was 21. My first year or two were rough. I found that book helped me out a lot. Also try and find a mentor, Check out Hunting BC Forum. There's alot of cool people and resources there which are BC specific.
But yes get your CORE, can't do anything without that. I did mine online and found someone local to me to take my test. I don't reccomend that way cause the online didn't cover alot of the test and I nearly failed it honestly (Pay Attention to your bird species!)
Also do you have a PAL? There is a few schools out there that offer PAL and CORE in weekend courses. I would look around at local Fish and Game clubs. Of course you don't need a PAL to hunt but I wish you the best of look if you wanna try Bow only. It's not easy and arguably less ethical.
Even less now! $10.60 (62% off)!
Hey, Glad to hear you want to start hunting. The first thing I always recommend to a new hunter is to check out Steve Rinella’s book “The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game” It’s as close to a step by step guide on how to start hunting in North America as you’re going to get. https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Hunting-Butchering-Cooking/dp/081299406X
To hunt in New York you’ll need to go through a hunters safety course in order to get your hunting license. You have to attend an in person course like this one https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92267.html. The best part about an in person course is many of the volunteer teachers love to teach people to hunt. Most hunters appreciate new hunters and like helping them get started hunting. A guided hunt is certainly an option and the quickest way to go hunting, but it will cost you. Even in an area flooded with deer you’re looking at a multi-thousand dollar hunt.
I actually have a personal hunting blog where I write all about getting started hunting. Feel free to check it out. https://www.firsttimehunters.com/ There might be some useful info for you. Hope I've been of some help.
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Hunting-Butchering-Cooking/dp/081299406X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502480212&sr=8-1&keywords=steve+rinella and https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Hunting-Butchering-Cooking/dp/0812987055/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1502480212&sr=8-2&keywords=steve+rinella I will post these until I am blue in the face.
Just bought this book by Steve Rinella for my uncle and after flipping through it, I want one.