HUNTING AS A POST-RETIREMENT ACTIVITY

Raising a family and conducting a career takes up the better part of an average life. The weeks at work are followed by weekends consumed by outings with the spouse, sports for kids, general chores and the occasional vacation. That leaves little time to do much else. But eventually the kids pick up your role as parent providers and you reach the age of retirement. If you’ve ever had an interest in furthering your outdoor pursuits into hunting, even fishing, it’s not too late to start.

It is true that most hunters start as kids. Fathers and grandfathers share time and teach traditions in hunting camps all over this country. If you’re a bit older, don’t feel like you’ve “missed out.” On the contrary, you’re more likely to enjoy and appreciate the experiences of becoming a new hunter like a kid never could.

Find a Mentor

Yes, you can have a mentor even when you’re a tad gray. Unless you’ve spent your entire life in a heavily populated metropolitan area, you likely know somebody that hunts, even if you’re separated by a few degrees. One of the most beautiful things about the hunting community is the willingness of veterans to take newbies under their wing. Increasing participation is good for wildlife and for the sport of hunting.

Take the Hunter’s Safety Education Course

This is where you might find a friend. We’d even bet good money the instructor of the class could set you up with a group of individuals that’d only be too happy to show you the ropes of hunting. This course is required by law and a necessary early step to learn hunting etiquette. You may be the oldest in the class, but who cares? Use it as a time to ask questions and take notes.

Once you’ve taken the course, you will then be able to purchase a hunting license. Let your state agency help you acquire the proper licenses or tags based on when, where and what you want to hunt. Violating the rules early on, even if you don’t mean to, will not make for a very good memory.

Read...a Lot

We can’t stress the importance of this aspect. Choose a few reputable publications - Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Montana Decoy’s blog - and consume every piece of information you can about whatever it is you’re interested in hunting. Learn animals’ traits, where they live, when to hunt them and how. The magazine racks and internet are full of valuable information to help you get started as a hunter.

Learn the Laws

There are seasons for the animals you’re allowed to hunt. And there are particulars about how you can hunt them. For example, most deer seasons start out with hunters only being allowed to use archery equipment. From there it typically moves into a blackpowder rifle season and then centerfire rifle. Likewise there are bag limits for each animal and it will vary by state, county and “unit.” Know these parameters and you’ll be fine.

Go With a Gun

Start with a gun then branch out into bowhunting and other methods as you learn the various intricacies of hunting. You may even consider hunting doves and small game before going after hooved animals. This will give you a feel for handling a gun, knowledge on how to hunt and clean animals that you kill. If you like it, keep moving up to bigger game.

Gear Up

Let’s say you’ve decided to pursue big game. You’ll need a rifle. And the rifle/scope combination is going to be the toughest decision you’ll make. Even reviews can be tricky because there are so many brand loyalists when it comes to rifle manufacturers.

If you’ve found a mentor or already have friends that hunt, try out their setups to see what fits you best. A rifle and riflescope is a big investment that should be chosen carefully. Don’t get a rifle that’s going to kick you like an old mule but don’t get too little a caliber either. You can’t go wrong with something like a .243, .308. .270 or .30-06.

Find a scope with good eye relief. This will prevent you from from having to place your eye too closely to the scope when shooting. For us older guard, many of who wear glasses, the is ideal. TRACT Optics is a company making top-of-the-line riflescopes and binoculars for a very reasonable price.

Once you’ve settled into a rifle and scope that you’re able to consistently shoot accurately, you can start compiling the rest of your gear. Clothes are widely available and you’re going to get what you pay for. Be sure to get a pair of long johns, warm socks and a solid pair of boots. Being cold while hunting is not fun. Unless of course you just like being bone-chilled cold.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice isn’t just for the rifle range. Make sure you’re familiar with ALL of your equipment before hunting. If you’ve purchased a climbing stand and safety harness, practice in your yard. Know how to change the batteries in your flashlight in a low-light situation. Know the tools so that you’ve straightened the learning curve by the time opening day arrives.

Hire an Outfitter

Hunting guides, for the most part, are some of the most knowledgeable individuals on the planet when it comes to pursuing game. Make it clear from initial contact throughout the hunt that you are new to the sport and need guidance. Watch how they move and act in the woods.

However, a note on outfitters: These ventures are successful because they know how to put people on animals. Don’t expect every outing to be a successful one when you’re hunting on your own. The sport of hunting is about enjoying the outdoors, so don’t ever let “killing” dictate that. But since you will have a high chance of success with an outfitter, you’ll be able to see every step of the hunt from tracking to skinning an animal.

Hunting is about enjoying the outdoors and everything it has to offer from sitting in the quiet woods to cooking an organic meal with your family. If the golf game isn’t working out and you’d rather install yourself in a peaceful past time, hunting is it. Montana Decoy is always happy to help out a newbie. Send any and all general hunting questions to our Facebook page for a quick response.