First Timer, TONS of questions

[Smid]

I was thinking about how I got started. We started with bb guns and then .22's.

If you don't have experience shooting then start with a gun club and the shooting range. There will be members that will show you the way. Firearm safety is the most important ingredient.

If I may suggest, I would start with a bow. There are most likely archery ranges around or clubs that you can meet folks to help you get started. Bow hunting will be safer and you will learn more about hunting quicker with a bow than a rifle or shotgun. That's because you have to be closer to the animal and that takes a higher degree of awareness and preparation. You can hunt from the ground until you get the gist of it all and graduate to treestands as you learn where to place the stands and treestand safety.
Learn to gut a deer properly. Surprisingly, quite a few hunters could use a course on this topic as reported by butchers at the processors. A lot of meat is lost from contamination due to the gutting methods of evidently many hunters.

I don’t feel confident enough with a bow. I don’t have the land to do it. I was able to get 20 yards in my backyard and I feel more than capable at that distance but that would be my max. I shoot clay pigeons with my buddy a couple times a year when he’s on leave and do good with a rifle at the range. I did think about crossbow, but for some reason they’ve never been that appealing.

I’ve been watching videos about cleaning the deer but I think it’s going to be tough until I get actual hands on.

Thanks for the advise and thanks to the other guys above. Sounds like I’ll add binos to the list

 

[Diesel]

Don't give up on the bow. With today's compounds, almost anyone can get proficient. 25 yards is my self imposed limit on deer even though I am deadly accurate out to 50. I agree the crossbow is not a 'satisfying" as the recurve or compound.

I hunt with rifles, shotguns and bows, but I became a much better hunter using a bow. The early season is a great time to be in the woods and is really enjoyable. All day sits are much more comfortable and watching the creatures go about their day is worth all the effort.

You will gravitate to what gives you the most satisfaction.

Welcome to the hunters world.

 

[Hunt41]

This is solid advice above. You will really enjoy archery hunting. It’s a great time to be in the woods. Although, it does require a tree stand to substantially improve your odds of success.

Another thing. Keep in mind that you will not be wayyy back off the road. I doubt there are many places that are one mile from a road. Realistically you will be hunting 1/4 to 1/2 mile from a road.

 

[Rifleman86]

Hunting Ohio is way different than hunting out West. That said success rates are high and it’s much less of a time/money investment to hunt the east.

What are you looking to hunt?

Squirrels are great to start out on, even for adults. I’ve been hunting 20 years, done the western thing, hunted antelope, mule deer and elk, killed deer with recurves, crossbows, rifles, etc and still love sitting in the woods looking for tree rats.

Deer are also great fun, but a bit more involved. If you are looking to go this route I’d highly recommend getting a crossbow. A lot of guys poo poo crossbow hunters. Don’t listen to them, they are idiots. I started with a crossbow, and still use one on occasion. I also hunt with a recurve. Don’t focus so much on the weapon but making clean effective kills. If and when you are ready, start messing with compounds or traditional bows. Hunting is a very personal thing but a lot of guys project on others to try and validate their own opinions or choices. Just ignore the noise and have fun!

I’d stay away from gun season on public land. Chances are it will be way to crowded, borderline dangerous and put you off to the whole thing. That said I’ve had some success on public land during deer gun season and you can avoid crowds if you are in the right areas.

Sounds like clothing and pack wise you are going in the right direction. A 12ga shotgun, 22 rifle, and a crossbow you will be capable of hunting just about anything in Ohio. You can probably get all 3 for under a grand if you look.

I grew up on the east side of Cincinnati. I know some solid public land spots near by to get you started. Shoot me a PM if your interested.

 

[fwafwow]

I grew up on the east side of Cincinnati. I know some solid public land spots near by to get you started. Shoot me a PM if your interested.

Where on the east side? Anderson Township here.

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[Rifleman86]

Where on the east side? Anderson Township here.

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Symmes Township. Small world! Up in the Columbus area these days.

 

[Smid]

Hopefully the pic posted, usually have a hart time with those. My wife’s pretty cool, and I think she did an awesome job by herself

 

[fwafwow]

Wow. That's an awesome knife to get as a present!

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[agardner00]

Yep, that’ll definitely do the job


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[Hhardrockminer]

Just my .02 here, If you're going rifle I'd look at a good used one as most hunters don't abuse their guns and a good used rifle will be cheaper and you can always upgrade if you desire.
You can also find a good new combo of rifle with scope at a reasonable price as well if you look and would rather go in that direction.
Happy you're here and these guys are great for advise and their wisdom is free for the asking.
Good luck with hunting and the new adventure you'll be on.
BE SAFE my friend. Hhardrock (S.D)

 

[Afhunter1]

You've got some good advice but I'll give ya some that in my opinion is of the utmost importance for hunting in Ohio; more important than most everything else listed in this thread. Go to Walmart and buy the biggest bottle of sawyer's insect repellent that you can or 2 or 3 etc. then use more than the directions say and reapply every 3 weeks in hunting season. Don't buy any other brand it wont work.

I never wash my treated clothes unless they are bloody then they get laundered and retreated right away.

Lyme Disease is no joke!

 

[Smid]

You've got some good advice but I'll give ya some that in my opinion is of the utmost importance for hunting in Ohio; more important than most everything else listed in this thread. Go to Walmart and buy the biggest bottle of sawyer's insect repellent that you can or 2 or 3 etc. then use more than the directions say and reapply every 3 weeks in hunting season. Don't buy any other brand it wont work.

I never wash my treated clothes unless they are bloody then they get laundered and retreated right away.

Lyme Disease is no joke!

Thank you, I’ll add it to the list