Northwest Fishing Reports

I would like to start hunting this year. Yes I have taken the required hunter safety class. I was just wondering what animals would it be best for me to start shooting? I have an uncle that as offered to take me dove hunting. id this good place to start before shooting larger game?

Pick something small that is easier to learn on for dressing out/skinning. Rabbits and squirrels is what I learned on. Birds are great too.
Got a rifle and shotgun?

No but the same uncle that offered to take me owns many guns and will teach me to shoot

Ok, that's good. I sold my shotgun, but I have 3 rifles for sale.

after i get started im sure i will want/need one at some point

Yup, that's what happens when we start things. That's why I have so many extras and want to sell what I don't use anymore. I've already sold 6 and have 4 more to sell.

wow lol

I started with quail and pheasant, then added grouse, ducks, and rabbits before moving to big game. Dove are fun, but they're fast and hard to hit in my opinion. Nothing gives you confidence like actually hitting something, so I'd recommend starting with something easy. If you start with birds, try practicing with clay pigeons first to learn how to shoot a flying target. Other than that go plink some soda cans and have fun. There is no rule as to what to start with, but I agree with AMX to start small if you can.

ok would it be reasonable to start practicing shooting with an airsoft gun at some cans?

Yup. Anything will work. BB gun, whatever. Teaches control, smooth handling, squeezing the trigger instead of pulling it which can cause a 'jerk' and so pull the muzzle off-target. Don't want to learn the basics with a big heavy rifle. BB gun, .22, then keep going bigger when you're ready.

ok

lol...although I started hunting when I was ten with a shotgun, I carried a BB gun around with me all the time. Darn near attached to me during the summer....of course that was in an area that I could do that (no neighbors for a few miles). An endless supply of BBs and constant practice. If you live in an area that doesn't allow that freedom, see if you can get your folks to take you to a range or someplace safe. Shooting/hunting is great, but if you can't do it safely/responsibly, it's best to wait until you can.

lol not what your looking for... get a 22 with a 3x9 at least start shootin

jake_k wrote:ok would it be reasonable to start practicing shooting with an airsoft gun at some cans?

best bet I would recommend is get what ever gun you plan on hunting with for big game and get use to it as it will be the one you will lug around in the field with you. tag along with people that hunt family friends and watch and learn what they do. not all guns are the same and a 22 shot and a 300 shot are not the same and the kick is very different. shooting ranges are and will be your best friend when learning how to handle your weapon. baby and get to know the weapon as all are different in most aspects but all have the end result in harming you or people around you if not treated with respect.

I hunt with my kids and both my son and daughter hunt with a remington 243 good for deer when your a great shot. bad for me I cannot see out of their scopes. for me I have 2 rifles I use and good for anything I hunt for. 300WSM and a 7mm mag love both my rifles and I used to hunt birds but stopped as I have noone to pawn them off too as I will not eat them. so no point in me hunting something I personally will not eat. a 22 is a fun rifle for varmit.... and IMO BB's are about worthless when it comes to accursey when getting basics down it will teach you saftey and isalot safer to accidently shoot yourself with a BB than a 22 or anything else.

good point

dicinu wrote:best bet I would recommend is get what ever gun you plan on hunting with for big game and get use to it as it will be the one you will lug around in the field with you. tag along with people that hunt family friends and watch and learn what they do. not all guns are the same and a 22 shot and a 300 shot are not the same and the kick is very different. shooting ranges are and will be your best friend when learning how to handle your weapon. baby and get to know the weapon as all are different in most aspects but all have the end result in harming you or people around you if not treated with respect.

I hunt with my kids and both my son and daughter hunt with a remington 243 good for deer when your a great shot. bad for me I cannot see out of their scopes. for me I have 2 rifles I use and good for anything I hunt for. 300WSM and a 7mm mag love both my rifles and I used to hunt birds but stopped as I have noone to pawn them off too as I will not eat them. so no point in me hunting something I personally will not eat. a 22 is a fun rifle for varmit.... and IMO BB's are about worthless when it comes to accursey when getting basics down it will teach you saftey and isalot safer to accidently shoot yourself with a BB than a 22 or anything else.