Choosing a Hunting Rifle – 2 Things You Should Consider First

Choosing a Hunting Rifle

It can be overwhelming when you try to understand all the different guns and the purpose they were designed to accomplish. But when you know what it is you plan to hunt, you will realize that finding the right hunting rifle for the hunt can be simple.

I personally only own guns that I use in the field and each one has a purpose. My 12 gauge shotgun works very well for turkey, ducks, grouse and doves. My 300 Winchester Magnum is all I need for hunting big game animals like whitetail deer, elk, moose and goat. My .22 caliber long rifle is great for squirrel and regular target practice.

You Will Need to Choose a Rifle

Find the firearm that will work best for your hunting situation. Talk with other hunters and gun experts. Talk to folks at the shooting range or sporting goods stores. I’m sure you will get many differing opinions.

My first suggestion is to find a rifle that fits you. It needs to be a size that you can pack comfortably all day. You should be able to support it when you place it against your shoulder for an extended period of time. Weight and length of a rifle are important when it comes time to make the shot. Don’t try to use a rifle that is to big for you. This will create a real gun handling danger if you can’t manage your firearm with easy. The size of the rifle is an important consideration.

Next consider the caliber of the rifle. The caliber should fit you and the animal you plan to hunt. What I mean is, you need to shoot a caliber large enough to kill the animal you are hunting quickly without recoiling so hard you find yourself anticipating the shot and jerking the trigger. If you are not shooting your rifle comfortably because the recoil startles you, than you may need a different rifle or some shooting exercises. You will never shoot with the accuracy you are capable of until you shoot a rifle that fits you and is comfortable to shoot.

If you need help making a decision on what gun to buy and would like my advice, you can contact me anytime. I will be glad to offer suggestions based on your specific needs.

Breaking Down Hunting Regulations in Bite Size Pieces

In this video you will learn how to breakdown the Idaho hunting regulations. Hunting regulations are much easier to read and understand when you remove the information that does not pertain to the animal you are hunting.

Once you decide what animal you want to hunt, look for information related to that animal only. Don’t try to fill your brain with confusion by trying to retain the whole book.

In this video I use the scenario that I want to hunt a whitetail only, near my home, with a rifle. You will see how I took a 120 page book and broke it down to about 16 pages.

Are you looking for a resource that can help you learn how to hunt? Check out my book Learn to Hunt: 10 Steps to Hunting Success. You can get a free copy at greenhornhunting.com/starthunting.

Also if you still have questions about the Idaho hunting regulations, please feel free to reach out and ask. I would love to help you find answers and keep you on track to enjoying the coming hunting season. Send an email to roscoe@greenhornhunting.com or message me through the Contact Us page.

Introduction to Hunter Education

What is Hunter Education?

Hunter Education should be the starting point for all new hunters. Once you pass hunter ed in your state, your hunter certification is recognized in every state.

In hunter ed you will learn the information you need to get started hunting. See the list of subjects below that are incorporated into my hunter education classes.

The class begins with an introduction to hunter education and its history
You will develop an understanding of firearms, and how they work
My students practice basic shooting skills and learn how to sight in their firearms
You learn basic hunting skills, from planning the hunt to field dressing an animal
All students handle primitive weapons and learn about archery and muzzleloading
We practice how to handle your firearm
You will understand how to be a responsible and ethical hunter
Students learn basic survival skills and how to be prepared for the worst
Most important you will understand wildlife conservation and why hunting is essential

These subjects are the core to learning the sport of hunting. Understanding how to be safe and successful at the same time.

When you take the time to go through hunter education, you will discover that hunting is not any more difficult than driving a car. It just takes some time to learn and get better.

So if you need help finding the hunter ed program in your state that fits your schedule and location, let me know so I can assist you.

Intro to Hunter Education

International Hunter Education Association-United States of America (IHEA-USA) is the organization that serves as the primary resource for hunter education information. They promote education by fostering cooperative efforts among government agencies, organized groups and the hunting industry.

Many people don’t realize that manufacturing companies that make hunting and shooting related products are a major funding source for hunter education. The Pittman-Robertson Act requires manufacturers of sporting arms, ammunition and archery equipment to pay an 11% excise tax, as well as handgun manufacturers to pay a 10% tax. This act was started in 1937 to fund the selection, restoration and improvement of wildlife habitat. But in 1970 it was amended to include funding for hunter education programs and the development and operation of public shooting ranges.

After Hunter Education

Another important factor in the introduction of hunting is to teach students how to become responsible, knowledgeable, skilled and involved hunters. You are the future of hunting in America. Without your involvement and willingness to share, this sport and it’s traditions will someday fade away.

So I suggest that every hunter should give back to the future of hunting. You can do that by joining a conservation group like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and many others. Speak up for the sport of hunting with your time and money. Then your kids will have the opportunity to experience the traditions you will learn to enjoy.

Another way to give back to hunting is to share your experiences with someone. Ask your neighbor or a friend to join you on a scouting trip. Take your whole family to the woods and make it about the adventure as you spend quality time together. You will find the hunting lifestyle will build life long relationships.

Hunting will bring you opportunities and build memories that last a lifetime. Join us and let Greenhorn Hunting give you the tools and tactics to be successful in the outdoors.

Enter your name and email below and I will send you an e-book that teaches you all the steps to becoming a successful hunter.

Jamey’s First Successful Elk Hunt Builds Confidence

In this video we share the sights and sounds of a fun and action packed elk hunt. Jamey drew a controlled hunt tag for an antlerless elk (cow) in unit 11 in Idaho. This unit has many elk and offers a great opportunity for success for a dedicated hunter.

We knew with the first day of October being the first day of the hunt that the elk could still be in the rut. Our expectations were met on opening morning when we had 3 bulls bugling. So our plan was simple, find a rutting bull elk and we will find a cow elk.

That first day we got close to a couple different herds of elk. Jamey was closing in on the sounds of a bugling bull when we heard the gun shot of another hunter. Of course the sound of a gun shot will quite the woods quickly. Time for a new plan.

No elk bugling now, what should we do? So we decided to cross the canyon and hunt the other side of the drainage. There were elk on that side as well, but no bulls wanted to bugle. So without an elk giving up his position, we decided to pull out of that area for the remainder of the day.

Next day, day 2 of the hunt. We stepped out of the truck at first light and the bulls were already bugling their heads off. Now again, the elk were in the same spot as the day before which was about 3/4 of a mile from the road. We needed to hustle to the elk before they changed their attitude and stopped bugling.

Now you can watch the action and hear the bulls as we pick up the hunt about 120 yards from Jamey’s first encounter that 2nd morning of the hunt.

I always like to reflect on the hunt afterwards and think about the things that helped us be successful. May I suggest you learn now that hunting is part “being in the right place at the right time”. But it is more about knowing how to put yourself in the right place at the right time.

On this hunt we first found an area that had a large concentration of elk. We used the cow call to communicate with the bulls, because they were looking for girlfriends that were vocal and needed attention. We knew that bugling bulls would more than likely have cows with them. But the biggest key to Jamey’s success that day was staying in the area where the elk lived even after they stopped talking.

The bull you see in the video was wondering around looking for cows. We heard a snap of a twig over the hill, so I hit my cow call 1 time. That bull emerged in seconds and walked up to within 8 yards of us. I never said another word as he searched for the cow until he finally smelled us.

When you know where the elk are living, invest time just hanging out in the area. What does that look like? There are often lots of tracks, lots of bull rubs, and lots of stinky smells. I can tell you that sometimes an elk infested area can smell like a barnyard.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Feel free to email me your questions at roscoe@greenhornhunting.com

Kadey’s First Turkey Hunt

Join us on Kadey’s first ever turkey hunt. You will see the change in expression from her response before the hunt to how she shares her story after the hunt. Memories like come only once and they last a lifetime.

Mentoring the youth is one way we can keep the hunting tradition alive. If you need help learning to hunt or would like to learn more about hunting and the tradition. Join our Mentorship program and we will do our best to teach you how to be an ethical, responsible and knowledgeable hunter.

Parts of a Firearm

In this video I will share with you the 3 main parts of a firearm. This is part of the basics of firearm training. If you have not handled firearms before or you have little experience with guns, please watch this and learn the basics.

Learn to Hunt

Find a Hunting Mentor

Are you part of the growing population that wants to learn how to hunt but doesn’t have a teacher or mentor?

Is something inside of you desiring to explore the outdoor hunting world, but you can’t find a consistent resource of information about how to get started?

Have you been hunting for a couple years and you are getting discouraged because you haven’t harvested a deer yet?

Well don’t give up, I’m here to help. So let me introduce myself.

My name is Roscoe Hix and I grew up and still live in the heart of Idaho. I have been hunting and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle for over 40 years. I am a God loving, father, husband, friend and outdoor mentor. I teach hunter education and outdoor life skills. When you connect here with me, you will have access to all of the years of experience that this life has given me. Now let me tell you about this hunting community you have found.

Welcome to GreenhornHunting.com where our mission is to educate, inform and produce knowledgeable ethical hunters in our quest to promote and grow the sport of hunting.

As a hunter education instructor I am constantly being ask for information about where to go hunting, how do I pick out a rifle, what should I wear when I hunt, and many other beginner and new hunter questions. So Greenhorn Hunting is my answer to helping this growing group of future and beginning hunters.

When you connect with me here you will learn to hunt. I share great stories and teach you how to capture your dream of being a successful hunter. I have not experienced every opportunity in the world of hunting, but I love to learn and then in turn teach. So whatever it is about the great hunting lifestyle that puzzles you or challenges you, please don’t hesitate to ask.

If you are feeling intimidated and don’t think you can be successful as a hunter, let me help you change that. If you need a little advice and guidance to finally harvest that buck deer, you have found help.

So why waste any more time? If you are looking for a hunting mentor like Greenhornhunting.com, stayed connected and learn to be a successful hunter.

Meet Greenhorn Hunting

My name is Roscoe and I would like to welcome you to greenhornhunting.com. Greenhorn Hunting has two important goals. The first part is to introduce the non-hunter to the world of hunting and give them the resources they need to learn to be a hunter. The second goal is to help hunters learn how to become successful in the field, while hunting safely and developing ethical behavior.

My team of avid sportsmen and I are normal guys and gals just like you. We are not professional hunters, just passionate sportsmen. Our years of hunting experience has taught us many tricks and tactics, and these skills will help you become a better hunter. We will work together to educate and inform you, in our quest to strengthen the sport of hunting.

Are you one of the millions of people that have never been hunting simply because no one took the time to teach you?

Are you wanting to go on your first hunt, but not sure where to start?

Are you interested in learning more about hunting different animals and would you like some specific instructions and advice?

Would you like someone to teach you strategic hunting techniques, gun safety and basic survival?

Would you like to ask simple hunting questions and be treated with respect and get good sound information?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you’re in the right place.

The Greenhorn Hunting guides and I will share with you many years of experience in the field. This will allow you to reap the benefits of our knowledge, without putting in the hours of hard work that we did, and learn quickly the skills to harvest big game and small game animals.

Our mission is simply to educate, inform and produce knowledgeable, ethical hunters in our quest to promote and grow the sport of hunting.

If we sound like the type of hunting partners you are looking for, then join us and enjoy the content. If you need help with something specific, go to the Contact Us page and ask your questions. We look forward to building relationships with hunters across North America and welcome all who want to learn more.

Enjoy the outdoors today and we look forward to seeing you on the trail.

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