New to Hunting, Where to hunt?

[heinzmoleman]

Hey guys so Im a new hunter but a little perplexed about where to go to start hunting. I unfortunately don't know anyone with land that I could use so I guess I would be hunting on State Land. I live in Niagara county and I believe the only public place to hunt would be Hartland swamps??????(if anyone knows anywhere else im willing to drive a bit) Anyways how does this process work? do i just go get a hunting license and then go out whenever I feel like? any tips for hunting on state land? is it even possible to bag anything or is it so overrun with hunters? Ive never been hunting and don't really have a mentor to show me the ropes. I have read and watched videos on all aspects of hunting so i feel like I could hunt just fine if i can work out this where to go issue. 

 

Edit: I have been shooting firearms recreationally for years so handling a firearm is not an issue.

 

[The_Real_TCIII]

There's a lot of state land within 75 miles where you can absolutely be successful. Check out some maps online, find some spots away from obvious access and sit tight. Did you take a hunting course? If so you're set you just go get a license and hunt

[nodeerhere]

I do believe there is sum state land in hartland or somerset some where around there. And there is lots of game to be had on the state land. The further u go in the better off you will prob be. Also remember u have to get out if u go in far. This really makes it a challenge when u get one! And I will also tell u. If u want to hunt state land and have a better chance. Pick up the bow. Less pressure more opportunity.

[DimitriS]

Im a new hunter too (self taught) and have been hunting for 4 seasons now. I also hunt only public land. Strongly suggest getting a bow. Its much harder to get an animal with a bow, but the season is much longer and you have significantly less pressure. And trust me you'll need the longer season because it will take many hunts before you get something. It took me 3 years to harvest a deer.

I learned A LOT from listening to podcasts. Hunt fish journal is great. A few others are pretty educational too.

Look into how to field dress. The first time is definatelly a learning experience.

Google maps your area and find small local patches of land where its not posted. If its green its a state park (no hunting). If you are not sure call DEC, theyre pretty nice and friendly they will let you know if its huntable.

Look into scent control - most important. Also strongly sugest to get a treestand (climbing one) otherwise theres a strong possibility that someone will steal your setup.

Quickly you'll realise that its a very expensive hobby/sport, but most rewarding. You get to bring home pure, tasty organic meat

Have fun and enjoy. Good luck

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[goosifer]

Heinzmoleman, did you take the required New York state hunter Education course ( http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/92267.html) ? You can't buy a hunting license until you have passed this course.

[DirtTime]

Im a new hunter too (self taught) and have been hunting for 4 seasons now. I also hunt only public land. Strongly suggest getting a bow. Its much harder to get an animal with a bow, but the season is much longer and you have significantly less pressure. And trust me you'll need the longer season because it will take many hunts before you get something. It took me 3 years to harvest a deer.

I learned A LOT from listening to podcasts. Hunt fish journal is great. A few others are pretty educational too.

Look into how to field dress. The first time is definatelly a learning experience.

Google maps your area and find small local patches of land where its not posted. If its green its a state park (no hunting). If you are not sure call DEC, theyre pretty nice and friendly they will let you know if its huntable.

Look into scent control - most important. Also strongly sugest to get a treestand (climbing one) otherwise theres a strong possibility that someone will steal your setup.

Quickly you'll realise that its a very expensive hobby/sport, but most rewarding. You get to bring home pure, tasty organic meat

Have fun and enjoy. Good luck

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

This is a good starting point, and will get you going.

But, don't go on private land just because it isn't posted. It's still trespassing. Get permission. If they don't have the land posted they will most likely be willing to let you hunt there. It also shows the land owner that as a hunter you have enough respect for them to ask. It's just promotes good relations.

Boots to ground! If you are using a gun get out there and learn the land, if there are dwellings and in what direction they are.

Ask questions, here and to other hunters. By asking questions you can get advice that might take you years to learn alone.