A new guys journey to find a 2022 hunting spot: Intro and Volume 1

[MasonP]

Dude if you really spent the money on merino and Khul you screwed yourself. You are not hiking anywhere with crappy boots. My opinion boots and optics get the money the rest can wait

Optics are coming, but my brother said I had to wait for Christmas, so Im stuck with a rather crappy pair right now. The boots you are totally correct. My pops said they had suited him well when he went back east earlier this year...I trusted him, rather than buying a new pair of my own...wont make that mistake again! New boots are on the list to get before heading out again, I have a 96 hour work week this week, so I will definitely be making the money for some good ones. Ill also take any recommendations if you have them

 

[MasonP]

yep get good boots, good optics, a good sleeping pad, and a good bag . good water filter and a one burner stove now your ready for scouting. don't need to worry about a tent

Optics and bag are coming shortly, Im going to pick up boots and a pad very soon as well...hoping for those post-christmas sales. My GF wants to go camping with me, so I may pick up a larger tent for the two of us, and a small light one just for solo outings, I am a candyass when it comes to the cold and bugs...Waiting for a big overtime check to hit and will be getting the rest of what I need after the holidays. Thanks for the advice

 

[MasonP]

Focus on learning how to identify sign (tracks, beds, rubs, game trails and turds) before trying to spot deer...learn how they are using the landscape and get some trail cams to place in areas you think are being used by animals..chances are they are there when you are not..

I definitely need to learn the signs. I tried to look while I was out, but the only scat found was that of the canine variety of which people forgot to pick up.

 

[180ls1]

I was the same way as you. No family that hunted (my dad hunts all the time now) and eager to learn. You are doing all the right things so stay at it, unfortunately, this part of the journey is probably the most frustrating but you'll get through it. If I had a few pieces of advice.

#1. Try and kill some small game like rabbits and birds. They are easier to see/kill and keep your spirits up. You may also find good deer or turkey country doing that. I know I have.
#2. Read every single piece of info the fish and wildlife website has on your zone and target species. They will give you good spots where the animal you are after is located in the unit (better than just looking at onx) and some other tips.
#3. Do you have a good packable jacket? They aren't cheap but staying warm/light is critical. Midway USA makes one "Alverstone" for $100 that is a heck of a jacket for the price. I still use mine despite upgrading most other gear.

 

[MasonP]

I was the same way as you. No family that hunted (my dad hunts all the time now) and eager to learn. You are doing all the right things so stay at it, unfortunately, this part of the journey is probably the most frustrating but you'll get through it. If I had a few pieces of advice.

#1. Try and kill some small game like rabbits and birds. They are easier to see/kill and keep your spirits up. You may also find good deer or turkey country doing that. I know I have.
#2. Read every single piece of info the fish and wildlife website has on your zone and target species. They will give you good spots where the animal you are after is located in the unit (better than just looking at onx) and some other tips.
#3. Do you have a good packable jacket? They aren't cheap but staying warm/light is critical. Midway USA makes one "Alverstone" for $100 that is a heck of a jacket for the price. I still use mine despite upgrading most other gear.

I have a good jacket, but I dont think I would consider it sufficient for below freezing or even a harsh rain storm.

Ill make sure to go searching for those releases by DFW, sounds very useful, thank you!

 

[HortoTheSlayer]

Camofire.com has some solid daily deals..keep an eye on it and you can find some good stuff for cheap. Found an Alps hunting pack for $50 a few years back. Oh and I bought my vortex nockers from bass pro and was able to pay them in in like 5 or 6 payments and they sent them to me right away.

 

[MasonP]

Camofire.com has some solid daily deals..keep an eye on it and you can find some good stuff for cheap. Found an Alps hunting pack for $50 a few years back. Oh and I bought my vortex nockers from bass pro and was able to pay them in in like 5 or 6 payments and they sent them to me right away.

I will keep my eye on it, thanks!

 

[SteveHazard]

Weekdays off are better for hunting to be honest.

 

[MasonP]

Weekdays off are better for hunting to be honest.

I agree, but it also makes it hard to find a hunting partner/mentor, as many jobs have normal hours...once I get my bearings and can do it with relative success on my own, I know I will be missing my weekdays off

 

[dhntr48]

I love Wolverine boots , buy them friday night , hike 7 miles saturday and no blisters , average price about $ 150 . When the leather starts to go they still seem to be water proof . Also high top boots , great ankle support and the high boot keeps the dirt out of the boot . Optics get the best that you can afford .

 

[SteveHazard]

Buy boots from somebody that has a very good return policy is all I will say. Everybody's feet are different what's great for one person may be horrible for another. I've found that I must have a crappy shaped foot because it's hard to find ones I like.

 

[dhntr48]

If the boot fits wear it , you are so correct .

 

[SurfNHuntSD]

Optics are coming, but my brother said I had to wait for Christmas, so Im stuck with a rather crappy pair right now. The boots you are totally correct. My pops said they had suited him well when he went back east earlier this year...I trusted him, rather than buying a new pair of my own...wont make that mistake again! New boots are on the list to get before heading out again, I have a 96 hour work week this week, so I will definitely be making the money for some good ones. Ill also take any recommendations if you have them

I love my Kenetreks.. solid boots.

 

[TrapLine]

What were you hunting for?

 

[MasonP]

What were you hunting for?

Wasnt hunting per se, more of just looking around to see what’s out there. For 2022, I’d like to do deer, maybe take a trip up the coast a little for hogs.

 

[TrapLine]

Wasnt hunting per se, more of just looking around to see what’s out there. For 2022, I’d like to do deer, maybe take a trip up the coast a little for hogs.

Always hunt. Actually always hunt coyote. You don’t have to spot them or stalk them, they will come to you. Just need a squeeker or a $10 mouth call, dog toys work too. But the biggest reason to hunt coyote is they are open season all year, they are everywhere, and in the process you will find all the other animals. Get a calendar and look up season open and close dates, choose your hunts and then circle the date you are going to hunt that animal. You have between now and then to find it. If you hunt the seasons you will always have something to target all year. Take up fishing in the summer, to damm hot. Like fishing first light and last light are the best times.

Fuel is the biggest expense of hunting for me, it has surpassed what I have spent on guns and gear long ago. I can be setup in D15 in 45 minutes from my couch but I usually drive 2-3 hours away, get there before sun rise, hunt for 6 hours and drive 2-3 hours back. If you look down and see boot prints on the ground, go farther until the boot prints turn into animal tracks.


I am a weekday hunter also because of work, let the masses have it on the weekend. You will do better on weekdays.

Take that spot you found on your last outing, get seated before the sun comes up and enjoy the show.

PS… Post up pics of your outings, you might just find more people will want to join you VS take you.

 

[MasonP]

Always hunt. Actually always hunt coyote. You don’t have to spot them or stalk them, they will come to you. Just need a squeeker or a $10 mouth call, dog toys work too. But the biggest reason to hunt coyote is they are open season all year, they are everywhere, and in the process you will find all the other animals. Get a calendar and look up season open and close dates, choose your hunts and then circle the date you are going to hunt that animal. You have between now and then to find it. If you hunt the seasons you will always have something to target all year. Take up fishing in the summer, to damm hot. Like fishing first light and last light are the best times.

Fuel is the biggest expense of hunting for me, it has surpassed what I have spent on guns and gear long ago. I can be setup in D15 in 45 minutes from my couch but I usually drive 2-3 hours away, get there before sun rise, hunt for 6 hours and drive 2-3 hours back. If you look down and see boot prints on the ground, go farther until the boot prints turn into animal tracks.


I am a weekday hunter also because of work, let the masses have it on the weekend. You will do better on weekdays.

Take that spot you found on your last outing, get seated before the sun comes up and enjoy the show.

PS… Post up pics of your outings, you might just find more people will want to join you VS take you.

Thanks for the tips!
I wasn’t aware we could hunt coyotes in CA. Are they good eats? I’d hate to hunt and have it go to waste.

I have a few pictures from my last outing but it was more of just the landscape and the views

 

[HATCHET1]

Oh man..Larry eats coyotes...they are in the K9 Family...(dog)

 

[180ls1]

I have a good jacket, but I dont think I would consider it sufficient for below freezing or even a harsh rain storm.

Ill make sure to go searching for those releases by DFW, sounds very useful, thank you!

You'll want to keep your rain gear separate from your down/puffy/packable jackets. Sounds like you have a good jacket but you can add a rain jacket to your system if the weather turns bad. Rain jackets also make a terrific windbreaker if you need added warmth.

PS: Hunting after a rain storm can be great. The animals are cold and want to move around, dry off, get some food and warm up.

 

[SteveHazard]

Oh man..Larry eats coyotes...they are in the K9 Family...(dog)

I think even Larry said they suck... and he green lit his son to drop a coot. Told him not to let his dad make him eat that crap.
I remember way back when there was that guy that would make jerky out of them supposedly, PCH, lol.