Getting Started: Your First Hunt
Seven steps from "I've never hunted" to "I'm heading to the field this weekend." No experience required. No jargon. Just what you need to know.
Decide What You Want to Hunt
Start small. Dove, squirrel, and rabbit are great first hunts — they're forgiving, action-packed, and don't require much gear. Once you've got a few small game hunts under your belt, move up to turkey or deer.
Take Hunter Education
Almost every state requires hunter education before you can get a license. Most states offer it free and online. It covers firearm safety, wildlife ID, ethics, and regulations. Plan 6-10 hours to complete it.
Find your state's courseGet Your License
After passing hunter education, buy your hunting license through your state's wildlife agency website. Youth licenses are usually discounted — sometimes free. You may also need species-specific tags depending on what you're hunting.
Find a Mentor
Hunting with an experienced adult is the fastest way to learn. Ask family, friends, or check youth hunting organizations like NWTF Jakes, Pheasants Forever, or your state wildlife agency's mentored hunt program.
Gear Up on a Budget
You don't need $2,000 in gear. A rifle or shotgun, boots, layers, ear/eye protection, and a daypack will get you started for under $400. Borrow what you can.
Build your gear listScout Your Spot
Whether it's public land or a family friend's property, walk the ground before opening day. Look for tracks, scat, rubs, and food sources. Use our Land Access Mapper and E-Scouting Notes tool to find access points and plan your approach.
Open Land Access MapperHunt Safe, Hunt Smart
Always follow the four rules of firearm safety. Always wear blaze orange when required. Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Bring water, snacks, and a first aid kit. And remember: patience is the #1 skill in hunting.
Best Species for Your First Hunt
Start with something forgiving, then work your way up.
| Species | Difficulty | Season | Gear Needed | Cost | Why Start Here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dove | Easy | Sep–Oct | Shotgun (20ga) | $50–100 | Fast action, short hunts, easy to clean |
| Squirrel | Easy | Sep–Feb | .22 rifle or shotgun | $25–50 | Teaches patience and marksmanship |
| Rabbit | Easy | Oct–Feb | Shotgun (20ga) | $30–60 | Active, exciting — great with a dog |
| Wild Hog | Easy | Year-round | Rifle (.243+) or shotgun | $50–150 | No tag needed in most states, abundant targets |
| Turkey | Moderate | Apr–May | Shotgun (20ga) + calls | $100–200 | Exciting calling, close encounters |
| Whitetail Deer | Moderate | Oct–Jan | Rifle (.243) or crossbow | $150–300 | Classic first big game, fills the freezer |
| Pheasant | Moderate | Oct–Dec | Shotgun (20ga) | $100–200 | Social, active — great with groups |
| Quail | Moderate | Oct–Feb | Shotgun (20ga) | $50–150 | Fast flushes, great dog sport, covey hunting |
| Grouse | Moderate | Sep–Dec | Shotgun (20ga) | $50–100 | Walk-and-flush in beautiful mountain terrain |
| Ducks & Geese | Moderate | Oct–Jan | Shotgun (12/20ga), decoys, waders | $200–500 | Team sport, calling, decoy strategy |
| Javelina | Moderate | Jan–Mar | Rifle (.243) or bow | $100–200 | Great first big game in the Southwest, spot-and-stalk |
| Mule Deer | Moderate | Oct–Nov | Rifle (.243–.308) | $200–500 | Western spot-and-stalk, open country hunting |
| Pronghorn | Moderate | Sep–Oct | Rifle (.243–.308) | $200–400 | High success rates, teaches long-range shooting |
| Coyote | Moderate | Year-round | Rifle (.223) + e-caller | $100–300 | No tag needed, predator calling is addictive |
| Elk | Hard | Sep–Nov | Rifle (.308/.30-06) + backcountry gear | $500–2,000 | Ultimate western hunt, physically demanding |
| Black Bear | Hard | Apr–Jun / Sep–Oct | Rifle (.308+) or bow | $300–1,500 | Spot-and-stalk or bait, rewarding challenge |
| Moose | Hard | Sep–Oct | Rifle (.30-06/.300 WM) + pack-out gear | $500–3,000+ | Once-in-a-lifetime tag, massive meat yield |
For Parents: How to Support a Young Hunter
If you hunt:
Take them with you as an observer first. Let them carry binos, help with calling, or sit in the blind. When they're ready for their own tag, start with high-success, low-pressure hunts like dove or youth deer weekends.
If you don't hunt:
That's completely fine. Check your state's mentored youth program — many pair youth with experienced volunteer mentors. Organizations like NWTF, Pheasants Forever, and your state wildlife agency run free youth hunts with everything provided.
Safety is non-negotiable:
Every young hunter should complete hunter education, even in states where it's not required for mentored hunts. The four rules of firearm safety should be memorized and practiced every single time. No exceptions.