Learning to hunt

BMB · Jun 24, 2018

I posted this in the General Hunting forum and was advised by one of the members to try my luck here so I've pasted it below.

Hey guys,

This is such an embarrassing thing to post but if I ever want to learn, I have to do it. I'm a citified guy. I lived in Miami, NYC, and LA for the last 18 years. I'm 36 and have never hunted. My wife and I are moving to Montana in a few weeks and we've never even been there before. We just know we don't want the city life anymore and decided to pack everything up and get out. We did the same thing here in Prescott, AZ. We left LA and moved here without ever been here before. We got a taste for being away from the city and now we want to go even further.

I love the outdoors and I own several firearms, including a Weatherby Backcountry in 300 win mag. I've only used it at the range but I bought that rifle because I want to hunt.

My question for you all is... How can I get started? I want to learn from seasoned hunters and get out there but it's tough to find people. I feel embarrassed and don't want to annoy people by asking.

I'd appreciate any suggestions/advice.

Thanks!

BradA · Jun 24, 2018

First step is get your hunter safety course done so you can legally hunt.

BMB · Jun 24, 2018

>First step is get your hunter
>safety course done so you
>can legally hunt.

I took my hunter ed when I was in CA. I've had a license there and in AZ but didn't really know how to get started.

BradA · Jun 24, 2018

Well the next thing to do is buy a hunting permit, I assume you haven't lived in Montana long enough to get a resident license or tag ?

NeMont · Jun 25, 2018

Where in Montana? Depending on where you are going to be located there are different opportunities to connect with hunters.

Nemont

Government is like a baby. An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other.

BMB · Jun 25, 2018

Thanks for the comments, guys. We're moving to Kalispell.

Dikndirt · Jun 25, 2018

BMB, One thing that I like to do when I am in a new area is to go to the local cafe where the local farmers and ranchers gather to have coffee and buy them all a cup. Dont come off as being pushy but just sit and listen. The conversation will involve lots of things that can be helpful. They usually gather very early in the A.M. so you can get back home and go to work.Offer your labor if the opportunity comes up. You can make some great friends and possibly hunting contacts this way. We all have hunting and gathering in our DNA dont be afraid to make mistakes when you are out in the field, your instincts will guide you and you will appreciate it much more if you can DIY. Good Luck and Happy Hunting

mtmuley · Jun 25, 2018

Welcome to Montana. mtmuley

seldomseenmt · Jun 25, 2018

If you get a R2 cow tag before general season PM me and I'll take you to try for a cow elk from Thanksgiving to the 15th of Feb. to see if you like hunting. It wont be a back country type hunt but will get your feet wet and you can make up your mind if it is for you.