First time poster in here but trust the advice.

I'm in my early 30s and have just started getting the itch to start hunting and being able to stock my own freezer.

My question is what is yalls advice on how to get started. I'm a former college basketball player so my whole childhood was all revolved around that and didn't get the start like most Texans.

Any advise would be awesome!

Learn to safely handle a firearm and go put some rounds down range until you are very comfortable shooting and handling a gun in a safe manner.

Figure out what kind of hunting you want to get in to, then find a buddy that does that kinda hunting a lot and get him to let you tag along with him. Most people that hunt would really enjoy getting to show someone else how to do something they love.

Really depends on what kind of hunting you want to dive in to, your gear for western hunting will be different from box blind/tree stand hunting. So once we figure out what you want to chase, we should be able to help more.

Definitely interested in some blind/tree stand hunting. Have handled firearms before in my teenage years a tad just never went on a hunt. My brother in law in from up north where they do drives during deer season in Wisconsin so different than what seems to be the norm here in Texas

Every year take a couple grand, buy a side of beef and take whatever's left and set it on fire, you'll come out way ahead

Going guided at first is a good suggestion if you don't have friends who can take you. I'm sure plenty here can recommend a ranch that can give you a good inexpensive meat/pig hunt. Definitely get recommendations though because there are a lot of bad ones.

My son has been closely involved with this program and guided hunts in the program. They do a good job and I know he has enjoyed introducing folks to the outdoors. I am envious of some of the hunts he has told me about. I can check to see if he would visit with you about opportunities. He has a baby due any day so I need to clear it with him beforehand.

If interested shoot me a message.

GigEm!

EriktheRed said:

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Howdy Johnny. I cannot recommend this enough. Apply for a hunt in the program. You should get one, and this is hands down the best way to get the full experience. Wonderful properties, tons of teaching, and they will take care of you for a fraction of the price of anything else.

This is a great program that is made for people EXACTLY in your shoes. DO IT!!

https://www.texas-wildlife.org/program-areas/hunting-heritage/texas-learn-to-hunt-program/

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I came here to post this. Of course I'm a bit biased.

Given the OP, I don't think we can mention it too many times!

Do not buy every widget that is advertised on hunting/outdoor TV shows. You won't need most of them.

Buy a solid rifle and scope and don't be affraid to ask for help sighting it itn. Buy a standard caliber that has been in existance for a long time, you can go with all of the other exotic/wildcat calibers later. Standard issue for a good calibler is a 30-06 or .308. Tons of ammo options are available and you can find it anywhere.

In before the 6.blah blah blah has superior balistics and is more blah blah blah.

I recommend that you start on hogs. You can find relatively inexpensive hunts and its one of the best/cheapest tests you can do on you and your rifle's performance. Plus, if you mess up, pull your shot or whatever, you won't be out an arm and a leg.

Learn how to clean the animal & for this you are going to need a solid knife. I recommend a drop point, made in the US. It doesn't have to be a Rambo knife either.

Good luck to you and If I think of anything else I will add later.

Johnny, welcome to the club!!

Have you had your first desk pop yet?

All good advice but mine would be simply to get in the woods. Get a .22 and or a 20ga and hunt small game. While you do, hone your skills at seeing and hearing other game, finding sign and understanding why it is there. Finding a place to hunt can be one of the biggest challenges so if you don't have access to land, start making connections and researching what is available nearby. Enjoy the adventure.

DVM, you are the man. That's great of you. As far as the op, as mentioned, you might try to get out in the woods, and just start getting a feel for it. And Tx has public lands that you can do that on. Squirrel hunting is a great way to learn patience and being quiet, plus good eating.

jagsdad said:

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DVM, you are the man. That's great of you. As far as the op, as mentioned, you might try to get out in the woods, and just start getting a feel for it. And Tx has public lands that you can do that on. Squirrel hunting is a great way to learn patience and being quiet, plus good eating.

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This right here, get a shotgun that way if you get into bird hunting later you got the gun already vs a 22

Get a public land permit 55 bucks for year and go hunt squirrel, rabbit etc. Buy some slugs for shotgun to pig hunt with as well. Just walk thevwoods and learn it. Use a hunting app to not get lost