Brodie Swisher
So you’re looking to try your hand at hunting this fall? We’ve got you covered. Our list of 3 hunts every rookie hunter should try has some great options to get you started on what many hunters consider the best hunts of the season.
New hunters often struggle with where to start. Some set unrealistic goals on unachievable hunts far beyond their means or skill set. The hunts mentioned below are doable, affordable and guaranteed to provide more fun than you’ve had all year long. Read on for a look at the 3 hunts every rookie hunter should try this season.
Squirrel Hunting in the Early Season
Squirrel hunting may not sound like the grandest of hunting adventures you’ll take part in this season. But I can promise you, shot for shot, squirrel hunting provides some of the most fun and exciting action you’ll have all season long. Squirrel hunting is one of the few hunts that you can nearly guarantee an opportunity on game, while also delivering some of the sportiest shooting opportunities of the season.
Some may scoff at the idea of hunting squirrels. Such folks have grossly underestimated the excitement squirrel hunting can provide. Sure, you’re accustomed to seeing squirrels running around in the yard. No big deal. But when you’re targeting squirrels in the woods, the mere sight of one jumping through the treetops is enough to crank your heart rate up a few clicks. And you can be assured that when squirrels are the species you’re after, you’ll find them to be one of the most challenging critters in the woods.
You can hunt squirrels in a variety of ways. From still hunting, to spot-n-stalk, or hunting them with dogs, the options are wide open. But in the early season, the game is all about finding squirrels feeding in the treetops. Shagbark or Pignut Hickory trees are where you’ll likely find squirrels feeding in the early season. Beech nuts are another favorite when it comes to food sources for squirrels. If those aren’t around, or have already been ransacked, you’ll likely find squirrels feeding on acorns in and around oak trees.
Slip in early, find a tree to lean against that offers good visibility to the feed tree and ample shot opportunities at squirrels as they feed. Sit tight and wait for the action to unfold. Once the squirrels are busy feeding through the treetops, it’s time to make your move. Shotguns in .410, 20 of 12 gauge options work fine, while .22 rifles offer the greatest challenge and deliver a more tolerable report than the big boom of a shotgun.
And despite what you might think, squirrels provide some pretty tasty table fare after the hunt. Whether you fry squirrel quarters in a cast iron skillet, make squirrel & dumplin’s, or substitute squirrel for chicken to make Squirrel White Chili, you can count on some fine food on the table at the end of the hunt.
Deer Hunting in the Fall
When you’re ready to take the next step, from small game to big game hunting, deer is clearly the go-to game animal. The whitetail deer is America’s most popular big game animal. They are found throughout the country in large numbers with ample opportunities to fill a tag almost anywhere you go.
The whitetail deer has been a success story across the country with booming populations throughout many states. Deer seasons typically kick off with archery hunting opportunities beginning in September or October in most states, with muzzleloader, shotgun or rifle hunting following, depending on the state.
Deer can be hunted from the ground but are most often hunted from an elevated position in a treestand, deer blind, or saddle hunting setup.
When it comes to the weapon of choice among deer hunters, you’ll find archers shooting compounds, crossbows, recurves or longbows. Muzzleloaders and shotguns meet the demands of deer hunters in states where rifles are not allowed. And rifle calibers such as .243, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08, .270, 30-30, 30.06, .308 and 7mm Magnum are some of the favorites you’ll find in deer camp.
Close encounters with whitetail deer deliver the most adrenaline-packed hunts you’ll find anywhere. A notched deer tag provides meat in the freezer and a lifetime of memories.
Duck Hunting in Winter
Some might argue that ducks aren’t exactly the easiest of targets for the rookie hunter. And that’s true. They are one of the most challenging targets you’ll hunt all season. In fact, newcomers to the game will likely do far more missing than connecting. Their difficulty in take is not why duck hunting made our short list.
Instead, it's the timeless tradition experienced with a waterfowl hunt that will change your life. Every man, woman, boy and girl needs to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the duck blind at some point before they die. There’s truly nothing like it.
A duck hunting adventure will often find you pushing the limits to brave the nastiest of weather conditions for a chance encounter with ducks you’ve only dreamed of. The coldest of days deliver the waterfowl weather that results in memories you’ll one day tell the grandkids about. It’s just that good!
Ducks are drawn to your setup with a call and decoys, and pump or semi-auto shotguns in 20 or 12 gauge are typically the guns used to bring them down.
Finding a place to duck hunt won’t come easy. Ducks are taken on sacred waterfowl grounds that many hunters would be willing to fight for. So, find a friend or family member with access, or book a hunt through an outfitter, and take part in this nostalgic hunt that’s sure to be a favorite for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to get started on your first hunt? Hopefully the hunts mentioned above will help stoke the fire to get you rolling this season. Keep it safe, and take lots of photos as you embark on a new journey full of memories that’ll last a lifetime.
