I want to start hunting?
Hey, I'm 16 yrs old and over the past year or so I've gotten really interested in hunting. I started watching outdoors shows on VS Network and just thought it looked awesome. I'm also really getting into guns and buying some gun magazines and looking at the NRA. I'd love to start hunting deer and turkeys. The main problem is that I don't come from an outdoors background at all. I live in rural New Jersey and we've got tons of whitetail and other game nearby, but my dad never hunted or owned guns so I've never been exposed to that. Any tips on how to become a hunter? I want to start a new outdoors tradition in our family by passing it on to my own kids in the future. Thanks y'all!
How old do you have to be to buy a hunting rifle and to go hunting because me (14) and my 39 yr old dad....?
You need to be at least 18 years old to buy a rifle (and 21 years old to buy a handgun). Your dad would have to buy your rifle in his name. You can likely get a State Hunting License and go hunting at 14. Most states allow it, and offer "Youth Hunting Licenses". Check the state laws for your specific state to verify. You and your dad both would likely be required to take the local Hunter Safety Class and pass the test. Every Hunter is required to take the Hunter Safety Training. I've provided a weblink below to access the Hunter Safety Traing online as well. That's neat for a father & son to do together as well. I would suggest that you and your dad look into arranging a "guided hunt" for the first time or two. This way a well- experienced hunting guide can show you two what it takes others year to learn. They will assist you in finding the wild game (deer or wild boar), and help field dress and quarter the animal as well. You may want to study a bit before getting into the Hunter Safety Training Class. Sometimes there is a lot to learn in the class, and it is easier if you've looked the Hunter Safety info over before attending the class. I have attached a link below, that will provide online assistance and training info. I have also provided a link to a really nice hunting ranch in California that offers guided hunts as well. http://www.hunter-ed.com/index.htm http://hunttejon.com/index.html
Is it really necessary to drink the blood of your first hunting kill?
It isn't a rumor or fairy tale, but a tradition older than our nation! It was, and still is where I was raised. It isn't 'necessary', but this ages old tradition has always been a part of that memorable 'first hunt' where I come from, and, looking back on yours in years to come, it just may be a loss you will regret if you don't. . . . . . I did it, both the drink and 'baptism', and losing my shirt tail, in celebration of my first victory, and the animal who gave its' life so that I and my family could survive a little better, as so did all of my uncles and cousins, and, for better or worse during the event, we ALL remember it with the same fond remembrance that I have after all these long years past. From the sound of so many of these other 'city boy' answers, my family must be a REAL bunch of heathen 'Mountain Williams'! ! ! !