Hey all! So I've been poking around the forums for a couple weeks (loving the information) and thought it was time to become a more active participant and introduce myself!
I'm 25 years old and am currently back in school at UNL working on finishing up a degree in Literature and Philosophy.
As a youth I participated at a fairly high level in shooting sports, but unfortunately I did not grow up with a hunter for a father. I know I have a lot to learn if I am going to catch up to some of you life long hunters. But I'm more about experiences than trophies anyways. And that's what books, videos, and this forum are for, right?
The bug has bit me hard and I've been almost obsessive about learning and becoming a better hunter since I bought a bow two years ago. So far I've been taking advantage of the opportunities which Nebraska offers in the way of Whitetail and Turkey hunting. I've been loving the success and experience I've had so far and I'll continue to take advantage of what I have close by, but I'm not quite content. I want to challenge myself and push my limits. For the coming years I have my sights set west. I plan on allotting some of next falls hunting time for whitetails on a new Kansas property I have access to, but I also want to try for a mullie on one of the several bigger chunks of public land in western Nebraska.
But the reason I'm on this forum is I've set a personal goal to kill a bull elk with my bow on a diy public land hunt. I may or may not have an opportunity to make an attempt this fall because I'll be finishing up my degree, but thats ok, I have plenty to learn, so I'll start early and gear up for a for sure attempt in the fall of 2016. Between now and then I hope to work on the necessary knowledge and skills, and work on getting my gear in order. I'd like to do some more backcountry-esque mule deer hunts this fall to begin to ramp up and work on my skills.
So, since you all are the seasoned experts, any tips for someone looking to get into western hunting? It's too late for, "Stay away, Its too expensive." haha. I'm young and in good shape. Il be looking to do diy public land stuff. I'm ok with failing for a while. I'm about the process.
I've been researching pack, spotting scope, shelter, and sleeping bag options, and I already have an adequate clothing and layer system. Any tips here? used gear for sale?
Anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope to learn a lot from you all!
I'm 25 years old and am currently back in school at UNL working on finishing up a degree in Literature and Philosophy.
As a youth I participated at a fairly high level in shooting sports, but unfortunately I did not grow up with a hunter for a father. I know I have a lot to learn if I am going to catch up to some of you life long hunters. But I'm more about experiences than trophies anyways. And that's what books, videos, and this forum are for, right?
The bug has bit me hard and I've been almost obsessive about learning and becoming a better hunter since I bought a bow two years ago. So far I've been taking advantage of the opportunities which Nebraska offers in the way of Whitetail and Turkey hunting. I've been loving the success and experience I've had so far and I'll continue to take advantage of what I have close by, but I'm not quite content. I want to challenge myself and push my limits. For the coming years I have my sights set west. I plan on allotting some of next falls hunting time for whitetails on a new Kansas property I have access to, but I also want to try for a mullie on one of the several bigger chunks of public land in western Nebraska.
But the reason I'm on this forum is I've set a personal goal to kill a bull elk with my bow on a diy public land hunt. I may or may not have an opportunity to make an attempt this fall because I'll be finishing up my degree, but thats ok, I have plenty to learn, so I'll start early and gear up for a for sure attempt in the fall of 2016. Between now and then I hope to work on the necessary knowledge and skills, and work on getting my gear in order. I'd like to do some more backcountry-esque mule deer hunts this fall to begin to ramp up and work on my skills.
So, since you all are the seasoned experts, any tips for someone looking to get into western hunting? It's too late for, "Stay away, Its too expensive." haha. I'm young and in good shape. Il be looking to do diy public land stuff. I'm ok with failing for a while. I'm about the process.
I've been researching pack, spotting scope, shelter, and sleeping bag options, and I already have an adequate clothing and layer system. Any tips here? used gear for sale?
Anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope to learn a lot from you all!
