I'm looking for any opportunity I can get, limited by work in the big city.
I am on time :)
I'm looking for any opportunity I can get, limited by work in the big city.
I am on time :)
The idea of a section to connect folks is great but the same thing can be accomplished if we just take folks from our own community. Lots of families don't hunt so lots of opportunities to introduce new folks to the sport in your own back yard.
That's not the case so much in a big city like Toronto. Unless you start talking.Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Jack
For the first few years I had no "bites" in this town but eventually I found one guy who I trusted and felt safe around. Most I talked to were just a bunch of cowboys who would shoot first and ask questions later. Not much regarding hunting and firearm etiquette.
So I feel it's good to widen out our circle of friends and be mentors to ones like the OP. Meet up. Have a coffee and talk. Go from there.
I think it's a great idea. I just got into hunting about 2 years ago. Went to a hunt camp up north first year, walked alot, learned some but didn't shoot anything, last year deer, turkey, duck & goose hunted locally and finally got my first Turkey in the spring. Man was it awesome. It can be alot to learn by yourself though. I'd love to have someone mentor me more. I went duck/goose hunting with a couple guys and that was great but I find with Deer I'm struggling.
We are open for one more member in camp. Our last newbie has purchased his own land and is setting up his own camp..score one for the mentors!
I'm glad to find this post; last year my dad and I finally went out with a small game license quite late; Feburary in WMU 60.
We got a family friend to take us deer hunt (finally!); however that still leaves waterfowl and rabbit. Our last rabbits endeavors (6 trips) only ended up tracking tracks and seeing one rabbit. Would love to learn on coyote hunting but no mentor. Otherwise I'm stuck on the hard path on learning it on my own. Personally I hate getting up in the morning but I do love getting up in the morning to go out hunting or just being outdoors; all that fresh air can make you feel woozy too.
If only it was that simple. The majority of camps were started by family and close friends and often spawn generations. Camps won't consider new blood until something happens forcing them to. I was part of a camp for several years but gave it up cause of the politics. I got fed up with the camp "owner" even though this was a family camp and my father in-law is a member. So now they're down a member and there are only 2 family members left. most of the other members walk on eggshells. Not really a good time. It got bad enough that the camp split and half of the family started a new one. It all went downhill after their father past away.
Camps fade for many reasons. Most of them are self inflicted wounds. They just don't see it.
Now I hunt alone and actually enjoy the preparation and quiet.
One way to open the door is to go to a local farm co-op, feed store or TSC hardware and post a simple sign that says "New hunter looking to start out right. Honest & Hard working but looking for experienced hunter to help. please call #####" That is how I got my start as I could not seem to break into any hunt group. Met a single hunter willing to take the chance and have been hunting ever since. You will have to screen them as much as they screen you - it needs to be a good fit. Plan B is to talk to the MNR to see if they know of a camp that may be looking - often they know the good camps and can advise. Having an intro by the MNR officer is often a good way to find a good camp.
I put an adv in the Agrinews as I continue to search for camps. Was offered a 250 acre camp near Cornwall for long term lease. I thanked him but turned it down as we are rifle hunters. There are camps out there. Last year there were 8 offers to the adv. just did not find one that fit our needs
I too am new, only my second year. My brother in law got me into hunting but the only area we know is crown land. There is nothing wrong with the area we hunt but it's also 2 1/2 hours from my house so not as accessible for me.
I live in Ajax but I am willing to travel some.
I'm looking to hunt small game, turkeys, duck, deer and bear.
I do have my pal and my own gear/guns/bow and have some duck decoys.
Please pm me if you think you can help.
Thanks in advance
Paul