I have never been hunting, really want to start and am serious about it. But don't even know where to get started.?
Yes, of course you will need your first hunting license.I still have my first one ever. This likely requires a hunter safety course. I used to be a trainer of Instructors, and though the course has a set list of things to be covered you can also ask about how to get started. Once you have your license you have to find places to hunt. If you live in the country this is much easier. But, you should try taking a couple rides in Rural areas. Decide what you would like to hunt. As a beginner I would suggest Rabbits, and Pheasants. You can hunt both at once. Both make a very enjoyable dinner. Watch some utube vids about how to clean them and get ready to cook 'em up. That will cover everything you need to know about that. Here is a suggestion I found VERY handy. I make what I call "Bunny Bags". I take a one gallon baggie, in that I place two folded up paper towels. Fold it up nice and compact, stick it in your pocket. Now when you get a critter, You clean them right there in the field. Best way to take care of the meat,cool it down, and make the best tasting dinner possible. Then once you have you game "In the bag" it stays clean of debris, and now you can find some snow, or a puddle to wash you hands, and dry them with those handy, dandy, paper towels. Finding places to hunt is difficult and takes time. If you have a farm that allows you to hunt, ALWAYS offer the family some of what you have. Not needing to be cleaned, but, ready to be cooked just as yours is. I honestly never have had anyone take any. But, the fact you offered is good enough. I have actually pushed the matter. Asked if I could use this Grill and cook some up for them to try. Be nice, polite, and even comical if required to be a nice guy to have around. AND PUT THAT SHOTGUN IN THE CAR before going to the door, RIGHT. Good luck young man. You are setting out on a course that will become a passion. Everyone needs a passion to be a happy soul. I hope this grows into a life long passion you can share with your kids. Added : Oh, call your state, ask for a list of Hunting Areas near you . And don't forget to ask if the person you are speaking to has ever hunted the areas near you.
Hunters... You would know. How come I can't buy venison in Massachusetts?
Here in N Dakota I can only barter or give my surplus venison away. A friend has a license to raise deer and elk and our local slaughterhouse is licensed to butcher and inspect his meat for out of state sales. A lot of the hunters here every year are trophy or sport hunters not interested in the meat and those hunters can only give the meat away to me for allowing them to hunt on our land or donate the meat to the state for processing and distribution to non-profit organizations like prisons, Boy Scout camps, food banks, soup kitchens etc. My freezers are always brimming with mule deer, whitetail, elk, bison, antelope and bear. Stop by for supper anytime. Lots of on-line sights selling venison but it aint cheap. RScott
Dog lovers, if given the chance, would you sample a bit of dog meat?
This is a hard question for me to answer... I LOVE meat. All kinds. IF I was visiting a country where in the culture it was normal to eat dog... And I was offered it.. I would probably at least try it. I wouldn't ask questions.. But if I did, it would be "did the dog have a good life, first?" Even when eating beef, pork, chicken, and wild game I have "rules" for myself. The animal HAD to of had a good life. It had to of had a healthy and happy life. And if it is wild game, then it has to of been caught by following all regulations so that it had a fair chance. I will NOT buy from companies such as Tyson's, BPI, and Smithfield.. Something of which most people here are probably guilty of. Its not that bad.. It's cheaper. BUT, to me, it's worse to buy from them then it would be to eat a dog. There chickens, cows, and pigs all lived horrible, tortured, and sickly lives.. Some die before they reach slaughter.. And they'll go ahead and slaughter them anyway for our consumption. Yuck. Give me a healthy meaty dog from Korea anyday.
Why is Deer meat called venison?
This is why God gave us wikipedia: The etymology of the word derives from the Latin Vēnor (-to hunt or pursue). This term entered English via Norman in the 11th century following the Norman invasion of England, and the establishing of Royal Forests