Hunting Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive: Start Today

    Getting started hunting can be overwhelming at first, particularly in this age of constant information overload. A quick google search on “how to get started hunting”, short content from the latest influencer, or stroll through the sporting goods section would render even the most excited newcomer ready to give up before even starting. Between YouTube, outdoors TV, and social media, the hunting industry leaves us believing that hunting is only for those with lots of money and the right connections. If you have ever wanted to hunt but talked yourself out of it after seeing the pros, you are not alone. If you got started only to be quickly discouraged by information and advertisement overload, you are in the right place. The truth is you don’t need much to get started hunting. You need the right mindset and some of the right gear. You need to get started today, because hunting can be so much more than just a season or a trip. It can be a new way of thinking, and a whole new way of life.

    Let’s start with a few things you don’t need. You don't need a guided hunt, record-high tax return, or a salary bump to get started. Despite the advertisements and the latest from the hunting industry, you do not need a full set of matching camo that costs over 300 dollars. Sure, matching camo looks great, but save it for later. You don’t need it to get started. While having access to private land may be nice, it is not a prerequisite to getting started hunting. Lastly, no, you don’t need a truck or ATV. As fun as that may be, this too can be saved for later. Despite what popular entertainment media may want you to think, the essentials of hunting have not changed, and it all starts with having the right mindset.

    Developing a good hunting mindset starts with planning, discipline, and resilience. No matter the time of year, you can plan for your next hunt. When hunting, we often have moves and procedures planned out and well-rehearsed before the target game appears. Moreover, buying gear or travelling, even knowing where you are going to hunt requires planning in advance. The best hunters are well known for spending significantly more time planning a hunt than they spend hunting. Maybe you need some gear, need to learn something new, or get boots on the ground to explore the property and locate game. Actions you can take today include:

1.       Use your state’s fish and game website to research key season dates and block weekends or plan when you can take time off work to hunt.

2.      Start a budget to plan to have the money you will need to buy new gear, travel, or buy necessary licensing.

3.      Write down your plans for accountability and to motivate yourself.

    Even a perfectly planned hunt can fall through if you do not have the discipline to follow through with your plan. However, like most things in life, disciplined hunting starts with discipline elsewhere. Ask yourself where you can practice discipline starting today. Maybe you need an alarm clock, to go for a walk, or get a gym membership. The important thing is to pick something achievable and go for consistency. If you try to hate yourself to a better place, you may find that you hate hunting. Change it up a bit and try loving yourself into a better place so you can be ready to enjoy your well-earned hunt.

    Hunting is hard but rewarding. To get to the rewarding part you will need resilience. Resilience is the ability to continue trying even when something is challenging. This may be sitting out on a cold morning or hitting the range regularly until you can shoot well. Start practicing resilience today to prepare for your future hunts. A hunting buddy is invaluable for accountability, support, and building shared memories. Challenge yourself where you can whether, its at work or in your home. Lean on your hunting buddy as you practice.

    Mindset is great but you will need some gear. You need the right gear, but not all the gear. Start with gear for your brain - learning. Free resources can be found at your state’s fish and game website, there are many educational videos for hunting on YouTube as well as podcasts on Spotify. One often overlooked free resource is books from the library. Check your local library for free books on hunting for beginners.

    In addition to learning, as part of the plan, you should choose what you want to hunt. Choosing what you want to hunt is fairly easy, just choose an animal that interests you and that you can hunt. Deer, waterfowl, upland birds, turkey, varmints, and small game are all easy to hunt on a budget.

    What weapon you will start with is a hunting essential but can quickly become overwhelming with options and price tags. Start with your budget, how much weapon can you afford? Then your hunt, what weapon do you need? If hunting with a bow, budget friendly options abound on Facebook Marketplace. A shotgun or rifle will cost more but stick to an affordably priced option from a reliable brand that will get the job done. Selecting a rifle on a budget will be covered in detail in a later post. Start today: There is no time like the present.

    Hunting on a budget is possible, and you can get started today. In fact, you should get started today. Start right now. Use your state fish and game resources to sign up for free (and required) hunter education today. Next, get a written budget and start a written hunting plan. To start routine discipline today, have a quick conversation with ChatGPT and get a workout plan. Lastly, check back in two weeks to learn about what you actually need to start hunting (and what you don’t) because we are going to break it down and get specific.