New Hunter Looking for Advice - NY Area

[ToxicNerv]

Hi everyone,

I’m excited to try hunting for the first time and would love to bring my 13-year-old son along for the experience. We’ll be in the Cocoa, FL area this Christmas, and I’d like to try hog hunting. I’m looking for recommendations on a good, budget-friendly setup that would be effective for this.

A bit about me: I was vegan for over 22 years due to concerns about animal treatment, hormones, antibiotics, and factory farming practices. However, my son enjoys eating meat and recently expressed a wish to share meals that include meat with me. That inspired me to explore hunting as a way to provide meat while maintaining a sense of respect and connection to the animal.

I’d really appreciate any advice, especially on gear, local tips, or how to get started as an ethical and responsible hunter.

Thank you!

ToxicNerv

 

[pabearhunter]

Welcome aboard.

 

[Wildabeest]

Welcome to HuntTalk. For hogs and other eastern species, you don’t need a “big” gun. Assuming you’re new to shooting, I would go with something along the lines of a .270, .308 or the hipster 65 Creedmoor. Less recoil will make for a more enjoyable “learn to shoot” experience and you’ll be more likely to practice shooting more often and longer. Find a local a local range that has a variety of guns you can try, and see what you like.

I can’t really help you with FL hog hunt advice other than to say (a) see above and get proficient at shooting before you go hunting, and (b) it’s probably best to find an outfitter given that you’re unfamiliar with the area and hunting in general. Higs are often baited and/or hunted at night, so it’s really helpful to know the area you are hunting well, or hunt with someone who does.

I’d recommend you set your sights on next fall and look to get you and your son out deer hunting or small game hunting in your home state. PA has lots of great hunting.

Best of luck to you!

 

[ToxicNerv]

Welcome to HuntTalk. For hogs and other eastern species, you don’t need a “big” gun. Assuming you’re new to shooting, I would go with something along the lines of a .270, .308 or the hipster 65 Creedmoor. Less recoil will make for a more enjoyable “learn to shoot” experience and you’ll be more likely to practice shooting more often and longer. Find a local a local range that has a variety of guns you can try, and see what you like.

I can’t really help you with FL hog hunt advice other than to say (a) see above and get proficient at shooting before you go hunting, and (b) it’s probably best to find an outfitter given that you’re unfamiliar with the area and hunting in general. Higs are often baited and/or hunted at night, so it’s really helpful to know the area you are hunting well, or hunt with someone who does.

I’d recommend you set your sights on next fall and look to get you and your son out deer hunting or small game hunting in your home state. PA has lots of great hunting.

Best of luck to you!

Great suggestion—thank you! Since I’ll be heading to Florida anyway, I might take the opportunity to visit some state land areas and scout around to get a feel for the terrain. I’ve never been there, so it’ll be good to familiarize myself with the environment.

In the meantime, I’m continuing to watch safety videos and focus on shooting practice, as you suggested. As for deer, I’ve been concerned about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) as well. It’s troubling to think about the impact it’s having on these animals. Doesn’t the possibility of eating sick meat worry you? I’d love to hear how you approach that issue when hunting or processing game

 

[Gellar]

Do some research on what you need to do legally hunt in the areas you intend to hunt. Ask questions, on here and by calling your state authorities. Find a mentor program, take a hunters education course with your son.

Hunter Education Program

The Hunter Education Program teaches future hunters and trappers how to be safe, responsible, and ethical. After successful completion of a hunter education course or a trapper education course, students will receive a certificate of qualification necessary for purchasing a first-time hunting or...

dec.ny.gov

 

[Wildabeest]

As for deer, I’ve been concerned about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) as well. It’s troubling to think about the impact it’s having on these animals. Doesn’t the possibility of eating sick meat worry you? I’d love to hear how you approach that issue when hunting or processing game

Many game and fish departments provide testing for CWD. Lots of stuff online as to how to remove the gland from the neck for testing. Also lots of opinions online about whether folks eat CWD infected animal or not. That’s really a personal decision. There are no known cases of it transferring to humans, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible.

 

[Cornell Cowboy]

I would also look at hunting in your own home state. Even as a Wyoming guy, I lived in NY for five years and always enjoyed the whitetail hunting there...really good eating!!