The 10 Most Common Questions New Hunters Have

common questions new hunters have The 10 Most Common Questions New Hunters Have thegearhunt.com

New hunters have a couple of questions on their minds, and as it is with every facet of life, gaining understanding in a new endeavor can be a challenge.
To make the transition easier for new hunters, the 10 most common questions new hunters have are presented here with suitable answers.

10 most frequently asked questions by new hunters

1. Is an Archery Permit needed if I hunt on personal property?

If you own a piece of hunting land, you do not need to apply for a license but you will need to have a deer hunting permit. In most states, you might need a free landowner permit to hunt specific animals that fall under classified classes.

The open season for special landowner hunting is the suitable time to apply for and get the hunting stamps for new hunters, and their family members.

2. How do hunting accidents happen?

Hunting accidents can take place at unintended intervals, and they result when:

  • The hunter handles the firearm carelessly
  • The target cannot be properly identified
  • There is an out-of-sight victim shot unintentionally
  • The shooter swings on a target
  • Falling when entering a stand or climbing into a position
  • The shooter stumbles and a fall result
  • There is a failure to check the horizon beyond the prey

3. Can stands be erected on public lands?

The use of hunting stands is allowed on public lands; but, these must be portable tree stands. Any construction that does damage to shrubs or trees in public space falls under the prohibition clause. Most states require that hunters use fall arrest harness when they have to climb a tree stand to avoid injuries.

4. Do you need hunting licenses and course of completion certificates?

A number of states require that you complete a hunter education program in an American state within the last five years or less of your application date. Evidence of having completed a similar course overseas is also accepted. Completing a course will ensure that you are granted the license that corresponds to the hunting type you want to engage in at the time of applying. Trapping, fishing, and hunting are the classes of activities covered here.

5. Are bowhunting permits available?

To hunt a deer or even a turkey using archery methods, you need a permit that is granted after you complete a recognized bowhunting program. If you are from another state or jurisdiction, it is expected that “bowhunter education” is specified on your certificate for it to be recognized.

6. How is a hunting license granted?

On presentation of evidence of your completion of the requisite hunting course, you can go ahead to apply for your hunting license. Although the position might differ in certain jurisdictions, online purchase is possible. You can also buy hunting licenses from town hall offices or hunting apparel and goods stores. In each of the options provided, your hunting course completion evidence must be provided before you are attended to.

7. Where can I get updated on hunting goings-on?

The world of hunting media has opened up since the advent of the Internet age. Whether you want up-to-date information on gears and apparel, hunting methods and cutting-edge developments; a couple of blogs are available. There are also television channels and vlogs that can arm you with the latest news and ideas to help your hunting awareness.  You can also share your experiences with other hunters and get tips from time-tested shooters and archers if you subscribe to reputable blogs online.

Do not forget that you can also earn some side income if your ideas are considered by journals and magazines. Search out small publications that have less attention from proven names in hunting, and you can get a head-start with fewer rigors.

8. Are handguns allowed for hunting?

The use of handguns is allowed when hunting but these must fall under the required specifications. Most handguns that are of .22 caliber or less are allowed on public lands. In some hunting areas that require permits for access, handguns are prohibited. The owners of private lands are allowed to use .357 caliber revolvers when the rifle deer season opens in many states. Free landowner permits for deer hunting also gives the holder the right to use the revolver of .357 caliber when the landowner deer season kicks off.

Migratory birds and turkeys are prohibited for hunters if you use a handgun. Be sure to ask questions when you move to a new territory than the one you are familiar with, to avoid running afoul of the law.

9. Are centerfire rifles allowed?

There are different calibers of centerfire rifles just like handguns. Some states do not allow rifles that go beyond the rimfire .22 caliber when hunting on public lands.

Private land hunting requirements also go against the use of rifles other than those of .22 caliber during the private land shotgun hunting season.Hunting areas that require permits or state-leased lands also fall under areas that prohibit the use of .22 caliber or more rifles. Some exceptions to the above requirements are granted when hunting on landholdings that are more than 10 acres and are privately owned. Centerfire rifles can be used for coyote hunting in some states if you have the verbal assent of the landowner. This exception is also limited during the rifle or shotgun deer hunting season to rimfire .22 caliber guns or lesser.

Also worth reading modern black powder rifle

10. Is canned hunting any different from normal hunting?

Canned hunting was coined in the year 1998 when an ITV report in a UK broadcast aired the shooting of a lioness within an enclosure. This was what gave rise to the practice across the southern fringe of Africa, where wild animals are bred for captive hunting. Canned hunting is, therefore, a mimicking of hunting as we know it, and it is prohibited in many climes. You need to be aware of local legislation before accepting or applying to hunt in such scenarios. I guess you do not want to end up behind bars or be set back by some thousands of dollars in fines.