Trying to plan first hunting trip with dads and kids please help

[arikinthecity]

THis is for my first post   and the reason I'm on this forum is to quickly learn as much as possible about hunting. I've read lots and went hunting years ago.  I appreciate any advise others can give as well as constructive criticism.

I'm a 44 year old father of 7.5 year old twins living in Bergen County in the Soviet Socialist Replublic of New Jersey.   Yes,  I'm a die hard republican leaning libertarian at heard Conservative  american that voted for trump and is proud of it.  I have  rifle permit and frequent the shooting range.   A group of like minded fathers in the area and I would like to take our kids on a hunting trip to the wilds of Pennsylvania.  Here is my plan and I thank anyone in advance who can provide feedback and advise.   

My main plan is to get a Penn hunting license for a day and take the group of 4 kids and 3 fathers and one or two rifles to a private land or public land  and shoot some hogs.   The goal is to each our children about hunting, respecting the animals and possibly field dress the animals, collect the meat and donate the meat to a local food bank, charity,etc.   We want to teach the children that killing is not a sport but a way of life that used to be and that we use the meat to respect the animals and what it means to hunt. At the same time we want to focus on safety, awareness and respect for nature,  teach what it really means to hunt and to be humane in dispatching the wild animal.  TO add to this whole plan, I want to only hunt for feral hogs.  They are a pest and I want to impress upon my children the fact that hunting these animals protects other animals and people as the hogs are a significant danger and are destroying property and the balance in nature.   Some of you must be wonderin, why the heck isn't he going to stock up his freezer with all the meat.   Well, I don't eat pork/ham/pig so that's out of the question but I want to provide the meat to others.  Killing the animals without a positive outcome is even an option.

So with all that, I've searched on google and found some private locations that have a whole menu of hunting game and some insane $$$ for each.   THere is no way  I'm going to shell out good money to have a simulated fake hunting experience.   So can anyone give some advice of where a hunting party can go to hunt for free?   Any fathers out there do this with their young kids?     

 

Thanks again and happy hunting to all,

ARiK

[Hunter007]

4 minutes ago, arikinthecity said:

THis is for my first post   and the reason I'm on this forum is to quickly learn as much as possible about hunting. I've read lots and went hunting years ago.  I appreciate any advise others can give as well as constructive criticism.

I'm a 44 year old father of 7.5 year old twins living in Bergen County in the Soviet Socialist Replublic of New Jersey.   Yes,  I'm a die hard republican leaning libertarian at heard Conservative  american that voted for trump and is proud of it.  I have  rifle permit and frequent the shooting range.   A group of like minded fathers in the area and I would like to take our kids on a hunting trip to the wilds of Pennsylvania.  Here is my plan and I thank anyone in advance who can provide feedback and advise.   

My main plan is to get a Penn hunting license for a day and take the group of 4 kids and 3 fathers and one or two rifles to a private land or public land  and shoot some hogs.   The goal is to each our children about hunting, respecting the animals and possibly field dress the animals, collect the meat and donate the meat to a local food bank, charity,etc.   We want to teach the children that killing is not a sport but a way of life that used to be and that we use the meat to respect the animals and what it means to hunt. At the same time we want to focus on safety, awareness and respect for nature,  teach what it really means to hunt and to be humane in dispatching the wild animal.  TO add to this whole plan, I want to only hunt for feral hogs.  They are a pest and I want to impress upon my children the fact that hunting these animals protects other animals and people as the hogs are a significant danger and are destroying property and the balance in nature.   Some of you must be wonderin, why the heck isn't he going to stock up his freezer with all the meat.   Well, I don't eat pork/ham/pig so that's out of the question but I want to provide the meat to others.  Killing the animals without a positive outcome is even an option.

So with all that, I've searched on google and found some private locations that have a whole menu of hunting game and some insane $$$ for each.   THere is no way  I'm going to shell out good money to have a simulated fake hunting experience.   So can anyone give some advice of where a hunting party can go to hunt for free?   Any fathers out there do this with their young kids?     

 

Thanks again and happy hunting to all,

ARiK

Why there are more deer in New Jersey and bear .

If you want to hunt 

 

[jmark]

12 minutes ago, arikinthecity said:

THis is for my first post   and the reason I'm on this forum is to quickly learn as much as possible about hunting. I've read lots and went hunting years ago.  I appreciate any advise others can give as well as constructive criticism.

I'm a 44 year old father of 7.5 year old twins living in Bergen County in the Soviet Socialist Replublic of New Jersey.   Yes,  I'm a die hard republican leaning libertarian at heard Conservative  american that voted for trump and is proud of it.  I have  rifle permit and frequent the shooting range.   A group of like minded fathers in the area and I would like to take our kids on a hunting trip to the wilds of Pennsylvania.  Here is my plan and I thank anyone in advance who can provide feedback and advise.   

My main plan is to get a Penn hunting license for a day and take the group of 4 kids and 3 fathers and one or two rifles to a private land or public land  and shoot some hogs.   The goal is to each our children about hunting, respecting the animals and possibly field dress the animals, collect the meat and donate the meat to a local food bank, charity,etc.   We want to teach the children that killing is not a sport but a way of life that used to be and that we use the meat to respect the animals and what it means to hunt. At the same time we want to focus on safety, awareness and respect for nature,  teach what it really means to hunt and to be humane in dispatching the wild animal.  TO add to this whole plan, I want to only hunt for feral hogs.  They are a pest and I want to impress upon my children the fact that hunting these animals protects other animals and people as the hogs are a significant danger and are destroying property and the balance in nature.   Some of you must be wonderin, why the heck isn't he going to stock up his freezer with all the meat.   Well, I don't eat pork/ham/pig so that's out of the question but I want to provide the meat to others.  Killing the animals without a positive outcome is even an option.

So with all that, I've searched on google and found some private locations that have a whole menu of hunting game and some insane $$$ for each.   THere is no way  I'm going to shell out good money to have a simulated fake hunting experience.   So can anyone give some advice of where a hunting party can go to hunt for free?   Any fathers out there do this with their young kids?     

 

Thanks again and happy hunting to all,

ARiK

 

Great idea.  Not so great plan.

First, I don't know what a "rifle license" is.  Is that a thing? 

Second, I don't know that you can get "a hunting license for a day."  I suggest you look into hunter ed and licensing requirements.  

Third, 4 kids and 4 adults hunting is honestly not likely to result in much.  

Fourth, I think you need a guide.  

Assuming this is a serious post, my suggestion would be to sign up for one of the organized hunts done by professionals, which I think are out there in every state in the country.  Pricey, yes.  But with 4 families you should be able to swing it.  Otherwise, and I say this as someone very sympathetic to the idea - and I hunt with my 14 year old son, and am relatively new at it - I think you're setting yourself and all your friends and the kids up for a real disappointing experience.

Just my 2 cents, worth what you paid for it.  

 

[arikinthecity]

19 minutes ago, jmark said:

 

Great idea.  Not so great plan.

First, I don't know what a "rifle license" is.  Is that a thing? 

Second, I don't know that you can get "a hunting license for a day."  I suggest you look into hunter ed and licensing requirements.  

Third, 4 kids and 4 adults hunting is honestly not likely to result in much.  

Fourth, I think you need a guide.  

Assuming this is a serious post, my suggestion would be to sign up for one of the organized hunts done by professionals, which I think are out there in every state in the country.  Pricey, yes.  But with 4 families you should be able to swing it.  Otherwise, and I say this as someone very sympathetic to the idea - and I hunt with my 14 year old son, and am relatively new at it - I think you're setting yourself and all your friends and the kids up for a real disappointing experience.

Just my 2 cents, worth what you paid for it.  

 

Jmark,

I understand you setiments. I'm realistic about this and I know I sound green and naive the way I wrote this up on the first post.  I do realize that hunting is not the simplest thing and takes years of learning and trial and error to get any good at it.  Just like archery and fishing and I want to start with my kids so they will be experienced hunters by the time they reach their teen years.  Instead of spening money on an xbox and plastic toy guns, my kids will learn to respect weapons, know how to use them safely and learn about what hunting really means.

  Ok,  I'll get a hunting license that makes it legal, whatever it takes, if it's for a season or week or whatever.   I'll even pay for a guide or read up on any specific area and make myself an expert.  I'll even go hunting first on my own to get experienced with the land and the process.  I realize it is hard enough for an experienced hunter to do this on their own and my dream of taking 4 kids and 3 dads that haven't hunted before is quite a tall order.  Regardless, I hope that there are good folks out there and on this forum that can give some guidance on some key points to help me on this journey. 

If there are any posts that deal with specific hunting grounds for hogs in Eastern Pennsylvania please let me know. If you know of any guides that can lead a team please let me know.  

[TreeGuy]

If the target is hogs, I'm not sure if we have any hog savy guys from pa, as this is a ny forum. Second, my .02 is that there's prob plenty of state land in Jersey that is crawling with tree rats. I'd take baby steps with the new hunters. Squirrel hunting is a great way to hit all the things your trying to accomplish. Safety. Respect the animal. Clean / eat them etc. Squirrel hunting can be an absolute blast and your almost guaranteed to get an opportunity. Idk. I feel like after I read your post I thought of so many other things I would personally do different. Sorry I'm not much help. Good luck, your on the right path with trying to get the kids in the woods !!

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[Uncle Nicky]

There is no huntable population of hogs in PA, NY, NJ, or anywhere north of North Carolina (a few in Virginia, but that is top-secret  ), so if hogs are what you want, I would go to a preserve. Mohr's Island is a slam dunk type operation, not insanely expensive, and I don't think you need a license  .http://www.mohrswidowmaker.com/island.htm

If hunting completely wild animals is the goal, I would take TreeGuy's advice and start with squirrels, and move on up to deer once you feel confident. 

Just curious, is there a reason why you want to hunt in PA if you live in Jersey?  I live in PA, hunt in Jersey a lot, it's just as good in many cases, and a lot easier walking.

Edited October 18, 2018 by Uncle Nicky

[grampy]

Outside of hunting a preserve, you will need a hunting license, anywhere you hunt. In order to obtain a hunting license, you will need to complete a hunter safty course. This is the first step to becoming a hunter.

[Robhuntandfish]

have everyone take the class together and then have lunch - would be a good day and then everyone is legal and youve gotten the kids the certification if they ever want to hunt.  Great advice from treeguy - most of us grew us squirrel hunting and it is def a great time.  Also a good place to start with young ones and firearms is with a pellet gun.  And if you went in the early fall you also wouldnt have to worry about other deer hunters esp with a big crew like that. 

think your gonna have a hard time finding open available areas in Penn to hunt pigs.  I dont think there is that much of a population and would bet where there is, there are people hunting it already.  

The most difficult aspect of hunting many times is finding the right location. and to find one for a lot of people makes it even tougher.  And i dont think going to public land in PA for hogs is going to be a realistic chance of getting much.  Youd be better off applying for some doe permits and going to public land, and just remember you guys prob wont be the only ones out there. Public land hunting for hogs even in the southern states would take a lot of scouting and planning, as not just everyone is going to grant permission to hunt.   A lot of times these feral hogs that are labeled a nuisance and a pest are also highly coveted as a game animal and there are a lot of businesses in the south that capitalize on this and a lot of hunters too.    

I would say try to use any channels of someone you might know that has access to land and get some doe permits for that area.  Get your licenses and then take a day in the early fall as a scouting trip and a squirrel hunt and then plan a deer hunting trip there.  With that many new hunters please be careful and good luck.  And dont give up this thought - if its something you can set up would be a great time that i bet you would want to do again.  And giving away the meat is a nice and noble idea but dont pass by the experience of enjoying some yourselves.   good luck.  

[Culvercreek hunt club]

Arik,

I belong to a group called QDMA. We have new hunter programs in some areas and trying to expand into others. There is a program called Field to Fork and may be a perfect opportunity for the fathers to take part in the year prior to taking the kids afield.  There are also youth hunting programs as well. 

There are two branches in NJ and it may be worth reaching out to them and asking about the program

https://www.qdma.com/new-jersey/

I will say you may be a little late to the party for this year unless you do take part in a "preserve hunt". As the others have said about the hunter education classes, they are all required as far as I know. Since most are taught by hunters they are as rare as hens teeth as the seasons are active in most states. The volunteer instructors are usually hunting. 

[arikinthecity]

So the reason I'm thinking of hog hunting is that I'm taking young children.   Hogs are not as beautiful as  deer and I don't want my kids hunting for deer at a young age.   THe other reason is that hogs are destructive and they can understand that we are hunting for a nuisance animal that is hurting the environment and other animals.   I'm not judging those that hunt deer as I completely understand why their populations need to be controlled as well.   We have dozens of them walking through my yard in jersey all the time.     We also want to include the process of taking the hogs and donating the meet for others , especially those that don't have food.   It's one part learning to hunt another for teaching kids a few good lessons as I mentioned in my first post. I'm sure you guys reading this understand.   

As for why I picked  Pennsylvania,  it's only two hours drive from NJ,  and I thought that hunting and guns are more acceptable out in those parts.   In my neck of the woods, having a  permit for long guns is not the norm.  Getting a hand gun permit is even tougher and a CCP  is next to impossible.  

I'll look into  Field to Fork  or other ways to donate the meet that we get.  Maybe I can barter with a guide his services for the meet.   

Again thanks to all for the good points.  I'm sure my plan will change and you input is appreciated ALOT.   I'm starting to think about a weekend trip to Texas. They have more hogs then they can handle and hunting is simpler out there. 

[Culvercreek hunt club]

Something you may want to take a look at as well. Possibly a bird hunt on a preserve. It is pretty natural setting, fun to deal with the dogs and can be one of the most reasonable preserve hunts out there. I don't know if you eat birds or not but they are fine table fare. 

[TreeGuy]

Go to Texas. Look up Heli hunters. Nothing like getting the kids in a chopper and shooting a pile of his from the air.... Just sayin

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[Hunter007]

18 hours ago, arikinthecity said:

So the reason I'm thinking of hog hunting is that I'm taking young children.   Hogs are not as beautiful as  deer and I don't want my kids hunting for deer at a young age.   THe other reason is that hogs are destructive and they can understand that we are hunting for a nuisance animal that is hurting the environment and other animals.   I'm not judging those that hunt deer as I completely understand why their populations need to be controlled as well.   We have dozens of them walking through my yard in jersey all the time.     We also want to include the process of taking the hogs and donating the meet for others , especially those that don't have food.   It's one part learning to hunt another for teaching kids a few good lessons as I mentioned in my first post. I'm sure you guys reading this understand.   

As for why I picked  Pennsylvania,  it's only two hours drive from NJ,  and I thought that hunting and guns are more acceptable out in those parts.   In my neck of the woods, having a  permit for long guns is not the norm.  Getting a hand gun permit is even tougher and a CCP  is next to impossible.  

I'll look into  Field to Fork  or other ways to donate the meet that we get.  Maybe I can barter with a guide his services for the meet.   

Again thanks to all for the good points.  I'm sure my plan will change and you input is appreciated ALOT.   I'm starting to think about a weekend trip to Texas. They have more hogs then they can handle and hunting is simpler out there. 

Just saying if you are thinking it's better to kill a hog then a deer,  you may want to rethink that  hogs , genetically much  closer to humans then deer .

 

, hogs are much more intelligent then deer meaning they also have more feelings like feeling of pain, fear Etc .

Deer also do alot of damage .

Just like hogs .

Maybe you should show them some hunting videos  to get them ready for what they are going to see .

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 19, 2018 by Storm914

[Uncle Nicky]

18 hours ago, arikinthecity said:

 

Again thanks to all for the good points.  I'm sure my plan will change and you input is appreciated ALOT.   I'm starting to think about a weekend trip to Texas. They have more hogs then they can handle and hunting is simpler out there. 

I agree, if it is wild hogs you are after, the best states to hunt are Texas & Florida; both states have a lot of guides, and it's generally cheaper to hunt than at a preserve up north. I don't think you need a license to hog hunt in FL (don't quote me on that), but it never hurts to take the gun/hunter safety class with the kids. Good luck!

[phade]

On ‎10‎/‎17‎/‎2018 at 8:28 PM, Uncle Nicky said:

There is no huntable population of hogs in PA, NY, NJ, or anywhere north of North Carolina (a few in Virginia, but that is top-secret  ), so if hogs are what you want, I would go to a preserve. Mohr's Island is a slam dunk type operation, not insanely expensive, and I don't think you need a license  .http://www.mohrswidowmaker.com/island.htm

If hunting completely wild animals is the goal, I would take TreeGuy's advice and start with squirrels, and move on up to deer once you feel confident. 

Just curious, is there a reason why you want to hunt in PA if you live in Jersey?  I live in PA, hunt in Jersey a lot, it's just as good in many cases, and a lot easier walking.

Virginia has tons of hogs...tons. I've shot several there as a teenager and young adult.

[Uncle Nicky]

5 minutes ago, phade said:

Virginia has tons of hogs...tons. I've shot several there as a teenager and young adult.

Send me a PM with details please.

 

[phade]

1 minute ago, Uncle Nicky said:

Send me a PM with details please.

 

No need to PM. Draw for the Back Bay refuge down in VB. Hell, there are so many, I once had to climb a tree to avoid attack. Chickahominy has them as well. Lots of hogs in VA.

[Uncle Nicky]

1 minute ago, phade said:

No need to PM. Draw for the Back Bay refuge down in VB. Hell, there are so many, I once had to climb a tree to avoid attack. Chickahominy has them as well. Lots of hogs in VA.

I think you are right, they have moved in. I wasn't aware they had gone that far north, and I have never seen one hunting in VA. I stand corrected.

[arikinthecity]

I've watched lots of hunting videos with my kids.  Virginia is only 4 hours away.  Paying a NJ preserver  some insane price to setup a hunt  just seems like the most unreal hunting experience.  I'm willing to take time and my plane is to setup a blind  and some bate in the worst case.

 

[Hunter007]

8 minutes ago, arikinthecity said:

I've watched lots of hunting videos with my kids.  Virginia is only 4 hours away.  Paying a NJ preserver  some insane price to setup a hunt  just seems like the most unreal hunting experience.  I'm willing to take time and my plane is to setup a blind  and some bate in the worst case.

 

Tioga hog hunts are not much and probably closer to you while it's not exactly diffcult hunting for someone just starting out  with no experience And  has not taken the hunter safty course yet .

You may have more fun with your kids there . 

 

 

[TreeGuy]

Again, I think a nice squirrel hunt is the best bet.

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[dbHunterNY]

On 10/18/2018 at 8:30 AM, Culvercreek hunt club said:

Arik,

I belong to a group called QDMA. We have new hunter programs in some areas and trying to expand into others. There is a program called Field to Fork and may be a perfect opportunity for the fathers to take part in the year prior to taking the kids afield.  There are also youth hunting programs as well. 

There are two branches in NJ and it may be worth reaching out to them and asking about the program

https://www.qdma.com/new-jersey/

I will say you may be a little late to the party for this year unless you do take part in a "preserve hunt". As the others have said about the hunter education classes, they are all required as far as I know. Since most are taught by hunters they are as rare as hens teeth as the seasons are active in most states. The volunteer instructors are usually hunting. 

this ^^^