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going deer hunting for first time

ok guys im going deer hunting for the first time this shotgun season..someone im talking to on another forum has invited me into his group of hunters (4).what should i go out and buy or do before season??i have a fanny pack with a first aid kit and some important information just in case something happens all one has to do is open fanny pack and look in first aid kit..i have a couple grunt calls a pair of nikon 10x42 Binoculars..a slug barrel that has sat in box for 2 years still needs to be sighted in and such..how should i pre pair my clothes?? as far as scent free??when you guys go hunting what are some high protein foods you guys take??whats more stuff i should take with me?? what should i do and buy to make this a good hunt any more ideas let me hear them thanks..alan
 
I don't think you need alot of extra stuff for shotgun hunting. A gun and orange is about it, maybe binoculars. Make sure your gun is on and don't forget to lead the deer. If it's a 75 to 100 yard shot lead it by a body length. If you like hunting with a group, you'll really like it hunting by yourself.............

Good luck.
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Gut gloves, you can get them at most sporting good stores or stop in at your local vets and ask him for a pair of large animal ob/gyn exam gloves. They fit over your clothes up to your shoulders and help keep the blood off your clothes. Your wife will like that.
 
Can't say I've ever heard anyone concerned about high energy foods for a farmland deer hunt - a mountain hunt, sure, but as far as food, most shotgun groups will break for lunch. Just don't eat so much you can't walk or eat so much to make yourself fall asleep if you'll be on stand. Bring some granola bars, candy bars, water, I like to munch on trail mix, etc. Don't need to get too technical. One thing I learned early on...don't eat a big greasy breakfast with a bunch of coffee if you'll be on stand all morning...those stomach rumbles suck when you're 20 feet up and it's just getting light.
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As far as scent free....don't know if it's such an issue with shotgun hunting. Depends on how you'll be hunting...is your group doing drives or sitting all day? If you're doing drives I don't think the scent thing is that big of an issue. If you're sitting on stand all day, might as well wash your clothes in scent free soap...sold at any hunting store. Remember, with a shotgun you can reach out and poke him before he has a chance to circle downwind of you and bust you!

Good luck man...get that gun sighted in!
 
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yep got a knife will this work i hope??wife just won this off ebay for me..

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That will work fine...only need to carry the top knife to gut him...leave the other two (too much stuff to carry) ..you can saw his rib cage and tail bone when you get back to the truck.
 
Ask your hosts if you can bring anything- or what you should bring.

Find out if they are stand hunters that sit all day, or if they move around and do some drives. Find out how "serious" they are about hunting- is it more of a social outing, or are they serious deer hunters that are there to shoot deer. Are they trophy hunters, or tag fillers? That will help you prepare.

Have layers of clothes...NO COTTON! You don't need underarmor or name brand, but get polyester underwear or athletic gear. You can get cheap stuff at Wal-Mart in the athletic section that is great. A fleece insulation layer above that helps, then your overcoats.

Chemical hand and footwarmers are cheap and help you sit longer.

A power bar or two (they can get hard if its cold), some water, and a sandwich..maybe an apple for a snack. I like to take a candy bar.

Wash your clothes in some kind of "free" detergent (Tide Free, All Free- whatever) or some baking soda. Hang outside on the line, and when dry, put it in a plastic garbage bag or a rubbermaid tub. You can dip your insulated boots in a tub of baking soda or free detergent, dry outside, then put in plastic bag and tub and you are good to go.

Its your first time hunting, so hit the range. Practice, practice, practice. Shoot at deer targets, not just circular targets. I wouldn't recommend shooting at moving deer. Know your effective range and don't shoot beyond it. One excellent shot is much better than 5 poor ones. A poor hit makes for a long track job, an upset stomach, and sometimes, a terrible regret. If you don't think you can make a quick, clean kill, don't take the shot.

If possible, have your buddy take you to your hunting area and pick out your spot ahead of time. Pick out some landmarks- a fence, a tree, a rock, a hill- whatever, that help you get your bearings on distances to help you with your maximum distance for shots, etc.

Lastly, if your buddies say "don't bring anything- we'll get it" don't show up empty handed. A case of soda, beer (for after the hunt only), some tasty snacks (beef jerky), or some other contribution will help ingratiate you to the group.

Be polite, enjoy the outing, and put the focus on enjoying yourself and experiencing the outdoors and not so much on "getting your deer".

Think about if you get one- if you have a truck, fine, but if you might have to bring a deer home in a van or trunk, you'll want to have some rope and plastic.

Gut gloves are a good idea, but also have a rag and some water along to wash up. I always seem to get blood inside the gloves or one of them breaks, etc. However, if your crew is decent, one of them will probably do your first one for you to show you how.

Keep your eyes open, and just take everything in.
 
thanks for the tips and advice guys
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..does anyone carry a first aid kit in there pack?? i thought about having one in mine since i have asthma...that way if something would happen anytime im out in field id have a first aid kit in my pack with emergency contact information and who to contact etc.. according to the guy that is taking me they do both drives and sitting..question not trying to sound dumb but i do sweat alot even in winter time how should i dress to avoid this??

thanks guys
 
Don't wear cotton! Everyone sweats. Thats why you wear polyester wicking clothing- like workout gear, or synthetic fabric underlayers that wick the moisture away.

Dress in layers and take a backpack along. You can peel off or put on gear, depending on the situation.

Ask your buddies how they dress.
 
Bring your Albuterol MDI and you shouldn't really need anything else, you can always go back to your truck for other 1st aid supplies.

I agree that you should call your hunting party to get a feel for how they hunt, and dont be 5th wheel, take initiative and bring some things even if not asked to and don't hesitate to pitch in whatever way you can.
Good luck
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Also, so its your first time -- BE QUIET. When you get out of the truck at the hunting area, don't slam your door. Close the door until just before it latches, then push it shut. No loud voices-- very low quiet voice or a whisper.

Pitch in with camp chores- firewood, etc. Ask if anyone needs help beforehand setting up a stand or whatever. If you're hunting private land, ask the landowner if he wants any assitance with chores- stacking firewood, etc.

And don't forget a thank you gift/card when its all over.

You really want to let the folks know you appreciate this. Its hard to find good hunting places and get into a camp sometimes. Show the guys that invited you that you appreciate it. If it turns out its not your thing, or not your kind of camp, you can always decline the invitation next time. But if you treat it right, and it turns out you enjoy it, you definitely want to get invited back.

But most of all, I'd just talk to your buddies that invited you and ask them as many questions about the hunt, past hunts, and what you can expect. That way, you (or they) won't be in for many big surprises.

Deer hunting is just a thrill. Wait until you see your first deer on stand. Your heart will be pounding with so much adrenaline, your senses will be on full alert. That's what makes deer hunting so exciting. You always remember those experiences and love to re-live them over-and-over by sharing them in stories.
 
has anyone shot Hornady slugs out of a 12 gauge??im gonna start sighting it in next week..i dont feel like spending a lot of money on slugs i know ill have to but whats some of your favorites? anyone shot the buckhammers??
 
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