First time hunter

[bbgunz]

As I mentioned in https://www.pegym.com/forums/gym/74687-am-i-only-prepper.html, I am a prepper which means I am trying to be as self reliant as possible. One thing I have been thinkin' heavily on is hunting. I have never been hunting. I would like to use a bow. I also thought about using traps for small game (up to a raccoon). Problem is I have no idea what to look for with certain things. As far as what the bow's intended purpose is that's larger game (deer, coyote etc). I know about certain arrow head grains but have no idea how heavy to go. Preferably I'd like to be on the ground (afraid of heights). I'd like to go old school (recurve bow). Less maintenance etc.
Any advice I can get about hunting would be great. Trapping, too. I realize this place being what it is, hunters may be far and few but what the hell?

 

[youforme93]

I would start off by contacting your state wildlife conservation agency. They will probably be the most helpful. You can also go to your sporting goods store and start asking questions. Even though you want to hunt with a bow; go to your local gun range, there should be a few guys there that would be more than willing to help.

 

[someone_like_u]

bbunz, although I am an avid hunter, I have never used a bow. Maybe ncguy will chime in, I think he has some experience with them.

Now, for small game (squirrels and rabbits), my 22 works great. 308 for deer. I wish I could help with the bow info. though.

Why don't you go by Walmart to the sporting goods section and pick up the yearly Game/Wildlife Regulation Book. There's tons of great info. in there and let's you know your state's regulations on what firearms are legal and at which time. Also, it'll let you know about grain/lead for firearms, so maybe it'll state something about arrow head style/size that would be deemed legal.

Also, you might can download your state's Regulation Book in .pdf format. Just go to your state's DNR website (Department of Natural Resources) and hopefully you'll find it.

 

[NCGUY1972]

I bought a bow for hunting but never bow hunted either! I don't have a lot of experience with recurve bows Ive shot my neighbors and personally it just wasn't for me it just didn't do what my compound bow does. I don't know what type of range you can hunt with a recurve but they say about 35yrds with a compound. My first compound was a "Martin Threshold" and it was an excellent value/ starter bow. Over 300 fps and you can get it at "Sportsmans Guide" for like $175 comes with everything needed. Then take it to a local archery shop have it fitted for you and the sights installed. Now I shoot a PSE and maybe I'll try hunting with it this year? I have been shooting for several years and have confidence in my ability to place the shot where I want and judge distances. You'll need to practice plenty because you don't want to leave injured animals out there to suffer.

 

[bbgunz]

I know I stated bow but I came across an article that talked about air rifles and I had considered them before, but part of my goal was to be able to take bigger game as well (varmints, up through deer). Well I never knew they made air rifles powerful enough to take down a small boar (about 80lb range.) So, now, I'm considering air rifles. I'd like a small one for small game (squirrel, rabbit, maybe crow..). The caliber sizes I'm considering are .25 and .45. Part of the reason is the shot is so cheap. SLU, I had considered a .308 myself. I like the take down power they have. Right now money is pretty tight, though, and I can't afford a conventional firearm. Part of the reason I'm looking at air rifles.

 

[someone_like_u]

bbguns, I haven't heard of the air rifles being powerful enough to hunt much other than birds. I'd def. have to read up on that option. How are these air rifles charged....CO2 cartridges? Although they might be a cheaper alternative, should you not be able to buy the cartridges anymore, what will your option be then?

 

[bbgunz]

If I may back up my words: http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/hunting/

Getting to the charging: There are a variety of ways (I'm still learning so bear with me). There is:
the precharged which has small tank on the front that you charge with an air compresssor (typically referred to Precharged pneumatic) and you lose pressure per shot.

Co2 (not what I would recommend, especially if you need to survive on it) which you use co2 cartridges.

There's single stroke which takes in all the air in a single pump. No need for multiple pumps and scaring game.

There are more but I'm not entirely sure what or how they work. As far as caliber I think the smallest (and one of the most common) is .177 and of course the .22 but go as high as .50! .177 and .22 are used for small game (small birds, squirrels, and rabbits). .25, I think, is used for varmints (ground hog, larger hare, raccoon and opossum). .45 and .50 are for "big game": deer, coyote, hog etc. Being ble to bring home a small hog without scaring the hell out of all the game in the area is a big deal. A lot of them (usually smaller calibers) have built in suppressors to help keep the shot quiet. Here's a site with all the common types of rifles: Air Rifles | Pellet Rifles | Shop by Caliber & Manufacturer

 

[NCGUY1972]

I love air rifles myself and own several but a large caliber air rifle is going to cost more than a budget centerfire rifle with enough ammo to last years

 

[someone_like_u]

Getting to the charging: There are a variety of ways (I'm still learning so bear with me). There is:
the precharged which has small tank on the front that you charge with an air compresssor (typically referred to Precharged pneumatic) and you lose pressure per shot.

This is cool. Def. something for me to check out, esp. if the price is right. Thanks for the info bbgunz

 

[bbgunz]

apparently you can kill bear and buffalo: Best Varmint Rifle - Guns Hero

 

[bbgunz]

I love air rifles myself and own several but a large caliber air rifle is going to cost more than a budget centerfire rifle with enough ammo to last years

Yeah I noticed...$500+ for big caliber Air rifle.. Still a .25 is big enough to take down common small game: racoons, rabbits etc. To me that's food on the table, not sport hunting.

 

[bbgunz]

Happy to help! I would stay away from CO2 and multi pump ones if you can however. The constant pumping may scare game and the constant need to buy CO2 cartridges can be annoying and potentially costly though I am not sure of the cost.

 

[JonPop]

If you don't intend to eat it, don't kill it.

Killing for the sake of killing is not right.

Killing is not a sport but is a way to survive and
should be done only as a last resort.

 

[bbgunz]

If you don't intend to eat it, don't kill it.

Killing for the sake of killing is not right.

Killing is not a sport but is a way to survive and
should be done only as a last resort.

Please read my post JP. I have no intention to murder an animal. I do, however, have intentions to hunt as a means of providing food for my family.

 

[JonPop]

Please read my post JP. I have no intention to murder an animal. I do, however, have intentions to hunt as a means of providing food for my family.

I read your post. That is what I'm saying.
Kill for necessity, not for sport.

 

[bbgunz]

Then I'm not sure why you posted what you did when I had already stated my intentions: to provide for my family.

 

[bbgunz]

SLU (and anyone else interested) I found a good description on what to look for for hunting (what I'll call) medium game (raccoons, opossums etc): https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100311145344AAolHtH

 

[NCGUY1972]

17 hmr very cheap very long range capability and ridiculously accurate

 

[bbgunz]

17 hmr very cheap very long range capability and ridiculously accurate

Would that be capable of bigger-than-rabbit game? Also, I don't want the animal to suffer so would this create a humane kill?

 

[watersnake]

I think you would be better off with a rod & reel.