New to hunting

Lycaon

Hello everyone,

I'm new to hunting never even shot a rifle, but I'd like to learn, I already signed up for a hunting safety class. I live in Miami i would like to hunt deer. Can anyone give me advice on how I should start out etc. what's a good beginner rifle etc


Thanks
Kevin

Hollywoodcorolla

Before buying a gun. Walk in the woods and see if it's for you. It's not like tv shows

Reel Teal

Scouting, getting a feel for the woods is a good place to start. You don't need a rifle to hunt either. Have you looked into archery as well?

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jamesbrownsplit

I haven't hunted anything other than birds since I was 10 or so. Last year I picked up a bow and started practicing like crazy thinking I'd be prepared for deer season this year. I thought the shooting aspect would be most important.
I wish I spent a ton more time walking in the woods and getting to know the land and finding animals. I've been out to the property a number of times and it wasn't until today that I even saw a deer. For me, this is the real challenge.

Get to know the place you're gonna hunt.

H20dad

Living in Miami you are a very long way for decent public deer hunting. The state basically has eliminated walkin hunting access to deer in all the local areas that hold them unless you have a draw permit.

While you are waiting to finish your hunter safety course start looking at wmas on the fwc website and get an understanding of which ones have access. Bear in mind many of the ones below 75 will require an off road type vehicle or long wet walks to access deer hunting opportunities. There are exceptions but that is the current state of hunting access for deer in south Florida.

Good luck.

bowhunter4life

Archery,muzzleloader,and general gun (rifle)...plenty of opportunities to bag your deer. Everything is important,scouting,practicing with your weapon,scent control,knowing the habits of the animal your pursuing,and safety. They will cover most of it in your hunters safety course (very quickly), and you will have an opportunity to shoot all of those weapons I mentioned. To start out I would pick the nearest management area to your home that holds deer and start scouting it when you can. When scouting,or hunting walk slowly and try to keep the wind in your face, and bring decent binoculars.Deer don't come easy in the south zone, but you can be successful if you put your time in. Get into it slowly,and don't expect success right away and you will figure out if it's something you enjoy. Good luck,and Bring LOTS of water in your backpack!

Nips049

pm sent

Florida Bullfrog

If I was just starting, I'd get into archery before rifle hunting. You'll get a longer season (because archery season starts sooner than rifle season), and you'll get more opportunities to practice your shooting (its cheaper and safer practicing with a bow than a rifle). In most parts of the state, the deer are more relaxed in bow season and you'll see more game then than later in the season after more hunters are in the woods.

Spineyman

I too would start with bow hunting for the reasons mentioned above. I would also add you owe it to the game you are hunting for a accurate quick kill. So not only should you be proficient at shot placement, you will also have to learn to pattern the game you are after. Just remember the fun and enjoyment is in the hunt, the real work starts after the kill.


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Go0gan

What is a decent bow to get? I can recommend the remington 783 for a rifle. They are about 340 new and shoot groups out of the box.

jamesbrownsplit

I'd buy something used from an archery specific shop. I got a Mission for my first bow. Upgraded to a Mathews Halon.

You can get last years flagship model for half price if you know your DL and pull weight. Just gotta poke around online.

Lycaon

Thanks everyone for tips.

hunter1005

one get out in the woods, put boots on the ground.

These can also increase knowledge for type of terrain
Read different forums http://www.bayoubucks.com/, http://www.thehuntingbeast.com/, there are many others.

Above all, have fun and be safe.