New to hunting

[Jdonham]

My wife and I would like to take up hunting but have no idea how to begin. We have no friends or family to show us the ropes. Neither one of have been hunting. How can we get started? Are there books we can get?

Thank you

[Hubcap]

Here is a site that might help.

http://www.azod.com/

[Arizona Griz]

It probably would be a good idea to take a Hunter Safety Class.

http://www.azgfd.gov/i_e/edits/hunter_education.shtml

[Webopper]

What are you looking to hunt? Bird/waterfowl hunting is fairly easy to break into even with limited knowledge. Big game on the other hand is going to require extensive work. Between those 2 extremes would be predator hunting. Fairly easy to get into, but still going to take some effort and knowledge.

And I'm with Chris...hunter safety class would be an awesome start.

[azotto]

#1 Take the Hunter Education course offered by Game and Fish. There is a lot of good info in the course. I would take the classroom version and not the online version. Being new to hunting, the classroom discussions could be really helpful for you.

There are some good books/DVD's out there. Check out Duwayne Adams site http://www.arizonabiggamehunting.com/videos.htm. I've got a couple of his books and vids.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation runs checkpoints with AZG&F during select Elk Hunts. They are usually looking for help and you would get a chance to hang out and talk with other hunters and maybe a few successful hunters as well. Arizona Elk Society has a "Calf Camp" every year but it may have already passed. It's geared towards kids with some parental involvement but from what I've heard, the adults learn quite bit as well. Game and Fish also hold species specific seminars with biologists at different times of the year. The schedule should be on the web site.

[jeepers creepers]

First start with the hunter education class, then the easiest thing to hunt in Arizona is rabbit. Lots of fun too. No season on them its all year long. Start with a .22 or shotgun, you can't go wrong.:)

[cvgriffis]

quote:Originally posted by jeepers creepers

First start with the hunter education class, then the easiest thing to hunt in Arizona is rabbit. Lots of fun too. No season on them its all year long. Start with a .22 or shotgun, you can't go wrong.:)


And if you soak them in salt water overnight, dip them in milk then flour, fry them slowly, they taste really good.

[Arizona Griz]

quote:Originally posted by cvgriffis

quote:Originally posted by jeepers creepers

First start with the hunter education class, then the easiest thing to hunt in Arizona is rabbit. Lots of fun too. No season on them its all year long. Start with a .22 or shotgun, you can't go wrong.:)


And if you soak them in salt water overnight, dip them in milk then flour, fry them slowly, they taste really good.


Make sure you get rid of all the worms first. [:0]:D[:p]

[duneflyer]

And the hair and guts too:D

[Jdonham]

Does anybody know if it is legal to hunt with an AR-15 M4A2 .223 in AZ ???? I know that the .223 round isnt ideal for deer or Elk but I know it can be done and drop them with one shot humanley.

[Arizona Griz]

The caliber is okay, only needs to be centerfire. I am sure there are some regulations on how many rounds can be in the magazine. You would need to check the regs and they are on line at the Arizona Game and Fish website.

[cvgriffis]

quote:Originally posted by Jdonham

Does anybody know if it is legal to hunt with an AR-15 M4A2 .223 in AZ ???? I know that the .223 round isnt ideal for deer or Elk but I know it can be done and drop them with one shot humanley.


The magazine in a semi-auto center fire rifle is limited to a five round capacity, so if you have a 20 round mag with only 5 in it you are still in violation. You can get 5 round mags for an AR type rifle from several manufacturers. I have used the 223 for javelina and white tail deer and it works great. The problem with game like elk and mule deer is not shot placement but bullet construction. Unless you use full metal jacket bullets, which are illegal for hunting in Arizona, 223 bullets are designed for rapid expansion and fragmentation on thin-skinned game. Elk and mule deer are not thin skinned game. I would ask that you re-think using your M4 for heavy game like elk and mule deer. Either way, good luck.

[vintagemxr]

Ditto on what CV said. I've got rifles in .223 and it's a great varmint round and great for target practice but I'd look at something heavier for anything bigger than a coyote.

I'm partial to single shot rifles (although I have an AR-15) and single shot, larger caliber long guns are not that expensive to buy, especially used. I'd much rather use a little too much gun than count on making a perfect shot with one that's a little undersized.

Doug

[Brudahpete]

Jdonham, with cold weather coming on fast, get with some of these guys in the valley and go coyote hunting. You and the wife have got to get used to killin' and coyotes are a good place to star with your AR. ;) Rabbits are a good 'un too. Cottontails are pretty good if you soak them in salt water first like was mentioned by cvgriffis.

I would concentrate on the preditors and small game first and work my way up. Dove and quail hunts are a blast too and a great way to get started.:) Too bad you haven't had the experience yet, it's a boy's right of passage to manhood! Some kritters were created for killin' [}:)]

[FLY-N-HIGHER]

The Game and Fish organizes huning camp for new hunters. Here is the link.

http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/small_game_camp.shtml

These are designed for the younger hunters so they will not help you, but I thought others would be interesed in the info.

[The Legend]

what they all said. Also If you shoot right you'll never have a prob with a 223. Ive killed deer personally with smaller bores in one shot. Its all about placement. My dad was a great teacher.

[Brudahpete]

Just curious, did you and the wife go out hunting yet? Pray tell, we'd like to hear about your story!;)