New to Hunting and Looking for a Mentor

[TheNaturalist]

Hi everyone,

I am a 25 year old looking to get into hunting. I have been wanting to go hunting for many years now but unfortunately no one in my family did or does hunt. I currently live in Niagara Falls, ON and can travel anywhere in the province providing the right opportunity. I am very comfortable outdoors and in good shape. I am interested in learning how to hunt deer and turkey for the most part but honestly I’m game for whatever people are willing to teach and share that knowledge. I’m most interested in spot and stock, learning how to call and using a tree stand, but again, I’m down for whatever style as I’m just trying to learn.

If there is any other information that is needed I can provide it.

Thanks!

[Marker]

This question comes up from time to time, my suggestion is to locate some hunting property and invite someone out to hunt with you that can show you what they do. Utube is a good source of information for hunting lessons, but the best information is local knowledge from local hunters. Use the internet to locate public hunting land and get your boots on the ground to scope it out first before making any invites.

[TheNaturalist]

Thanks for the advice! I agree 100% that local knowledge from local hunters would be the best source of information. What would be the best way to reach out to hunters after scouting out spots?

[Marker]

Thanks for the advice! I agree 100% that local knowledge from local hunters would be the best source of information. What would be the best way to reach out to hunters after scouting out spots?

This forum is a good source to reach out to other hunters, now is a good time to find 'your' hunting location, closer to opening day would be a good time to obtain responses to your request for guidance. I used to mentor hunt (take underage kids out with one firearm to share under the mentor rules) and I have heard others on this forum who seem to do it.

Another option is to take pictures of the specific area you have selected and post the pictures asking for advice, you will get a lot of responses but remember that free opinions (including mine) are worth as much as they cost. A pic of the tree, and also a pic of the google earth map showing the surrounding vegitation would help.

One bit of advice in scouting a specific tree to hunt out of: if it is easy to get there keep moving and look for another spot, the less human intrusion in any hunting spot will increase your chances exponetially. Generally speaking if you can get there without hip waders you will be sharing the spot with other hunters.

If you can pick up a book by John Eberhart called 'Bowhunting pressured Whitetails' that will give you the most advice from any source I could suggest.

Good luck and keep us posted,

[TheNaturalist]

Wow thank you for all that, should get me started in the right direction. I will definitely pick up that reading!

[longpointer]

Try looking for hunting clubs/associations ? Maybe your local gun shop may have leads ? There are many on here that take on newbies to mentor so it probably wouldn't hurt to have a resume ready to hand out and be prepared to do some "meet and greets" beforehand so both sides can size each other up.

[TheNaturalist]

Thanks for the advice! I am reaching out to local pro shops and definitely won’t be going on any hunts without a first meet and greet.

[Bowjob]

if you have a spot to hunt i would not mind at all coming out to hunt with you and share what i know. send a pm if interested.

[TheNaturalist]

Thanks! I’ll reach out at some point soon, hopefully get something going this fall?

[greatwhite]

Always stay tuned to this site come fall and winter sometimes people are looking for someone to join them on a hunt for anything from grouse, rabbits, Yotes etc.