New to hunting

**Dean** · 04-29-2012, 07:19 PM

I am looking to not only buy a rifle but any other things I might need as well such as a game hoist , bag , ect.
but everywhere I go ( like Cabela's , sportsmans warehouse , ect. ) every salesman has a different ( and more expensive ) list of needed items .
The rifle I have in mind is the .270 Savage Axis , mostly because the cost is low and from what I have read and heard it is a decent choice for a first game rifle but the rest of the items I might need I am pretty much in the dark , can anyone offer any advice ?

**snake35** · 04-29-2012, 07:26 PM

Welcome to a great new sport / protein gathering. Remember SAFETY FIRST. Good luck!

**myakka** · 04-29-2012, 08:40 PM

Admittedly, I am not the world's leading authority on hunting. I do what I do, and it works for me. But I think I can offer a small insight.

First thought is, what do you see yourself hunting? If it is small game, rabbits, etc, then some items won't be needed, (game cart.... etc) If you want to stalk, or sit in a tree stand then that will make a difference.

But for me, I just went stalking hog hunting, and here is what I took:
Small backpack with 4 bottles of water, weapon (in this case crossbow) ammo (most beginners carry way too much. You will only be pulling the trigger once or twice while looking for big game like deer)
Field glasses (binoculars, but not 10x 50's, something small just for scoping out large fields)
Now I was near my truck, but in the bed in case I made a large kill I had a fold out game cart.
Rules about whether you can field dress a kill and leave the remains are specifiv to your hunting area.
I also carry a small pistol for a mercy kill on a wounded animal, and for self protection if I am run up on a monster boar who takes exception to my presence.

I am lucky. A friend of mine is an avid hunter, and really respected by everyone I know who hunts. While I had hunted as a kid, I don't consider myself an expert by any means. So I asked him to let me tag along and to give me any pointers. He obliged, and I have learned alot. Maybe you have a friend who could do the same?

Lastly, I use a Savage 270 when I carry a rifle hunting, and have been very happy with it.

Good Luck!

**myakka** · 04-29-2012, 08:44 PM

Sorry, forgot sharp knives and a compass on the list! I have a fillet knife like in a tackle box, and a fat curved knife with a hook on the back called a "gameripper".
There might be a few odds and ends i forgot, but I am sure there are some very experienced voices on here that will cover what I missed.

**longhunter** · 04-29-2012, 09:09 PM

+1 on the idea of tagging along with an experienced hunter if possible. There are a million tips and tricks, depending on the game and area you're hunting, that can only be gained through time in the field. An experienced hunting partner can shorten the learning curve for you. As for equipment...I assume with the 270 you're going after deer sized game. With that in mind, in addition to what myakka mentioned, I carry a field dressing kit in my pack. They can be picked up at Walmart for a couple of bucks and contains gloves, bags etc. I also have a pack of wipes, like Wet Ones, for cleaning up any blood from knives and/or myself. Topo and aerial maps of the area you're hunting can also be a big help. Not just for keep track of where you're at but I like to make notes on mine. I mark the game trails and any sightings I have to include time/date and weather conditions. Hope this helps and Happy Hunting!

**JLBIII** · 04-29-2012, 09:27 PM

Well first I would suggest you get a copy of your state hunting regulations, so you know what caliber rifle is the minimum allowed and if there are any restrictions as to where you can use them. Plus read all the rules and regulations associated with each animal you plan on hunting, If you haven't taken a hunter education course I would suggest that as your next step, I think most states require it now for new hunters getting their first hunting license. Next get U.S.G.S. topographical maps of the areas you plan on hunting and a good quality compass, and learn how to use them. Don't rely on electronics alone, that is a recipe for disaster.

As far as rifles go, if you can rent different calibers and models at your local range you may want to go that route, or hopefully you have a few friends with different models who would take you out to try theirs. My first deer rifle was a Winchester model 94 lever action .30-.30, it was a great starter rifle and I used it for years and still have it. I now use my Remington Model 700 BDL L.A. 30-06 bolt rifle and have for many years. I also have an Armalite AR-10 .308 that I use occasionally but usually I stick with my Remington.
It all comes down to what you are comfortable with.

As for the rest, their are plenty of books and websites out there to help you, and hopefully you know someone willing to be a mentor, nothing beats knowledge and experience. Good luck, safety first and I hope you have a wonderful time learning and enjoying your new pastime.

Joe

**dalewick** · 04-29-2012, 11:59 PM

Dean, I'm assuming you considering hunting big game, (Deer, Elk, Moose, antelope, bear, etc.). For the rockies personnally I used a rifle of the right caliber (270 win, 308, 30-06, 300 mag., etc.) with a good scope, a good sharp belt knife, folding saw, cheese cloth (to wrap gamemeat in), rope (20-25ft.), and a way to pack your game out (Good pack frame, ATV, Horse/preferred), Good pair of Bino's. That should easily get you started.

Another great thing for a young hunter to do without family members to learn from is get to know some respected local hunters especially farmers or ranchers. More can be learned from your states big game biologist and game wardens/Conservation officers.

Hope this helps.

**nakadnu** · 04-30-2012, 12:27 AM

The bare necessities, A rifle and ammo, good knife, sharpener of some sort, Someway to attatch the tag to your kill ( I use electrical tape) some way to cut out the date on the tag, Some way to get your kill from the kill spot to your vehicle or camp ( rope, sled, cart, muscle) and a hunting license.
Some "luxuries" include a survival kit, map, compass, firestarter, appropriate clothing and footwear, water, food, medicine, hand sanitizer, rubber gloves, bone saw, binoculars, bear spray, handgun, etc.

So much depends on what you are hunting and where you are hunting at. If you could give us more details I am sure there are all kinds of good advice from all the hunters on this site.

**Applejack** · 05-05-2012, 09:20 PM

I don't hunt but my husband used to and is unble to hunt now. but my neighbor hunts wild boar and bear. first time i have eatin these and they where great eating. he also hunts deer and fishes. we wil be having a lot of neigbors getting together for barbaques again this summer. and he helps us fill our freezer with meat. We are blessed to have a few great neigbors here. we have a garden and another neighbor also has one and we share this also. we have already canned a lot and my neighbor the hunter wants me to teach him to make salsa and can it. He can't get enough of it.
Applejack

**TScott27** · 06-24-2012, 02:50 AM

I'm not exactly like a hunting guru but I can suggest a couple of things: basic knowledge on hunting (read up some materials and know your state regulations on hunting), grab some gear which would include knives, rope (anything similar you can use to tie your kill), compass, binoculars, camo or dark clothing, communication equipment (just make sure that you know how to use them/switch on and off, you don't want to scare those animals away, I use radios and I always bring two way radios along for emergency purposes, you'll never know what will happen when you're out there), lots of muscle (to help you carry what you've hunted to your vehicle), and perhaps, if you can find help from somebody(someone experienced) if it is your first time to hunt, the better.