getting into hunting

[supratreo]

hi, so like the title says.
I've been wanting to start hunting for years now and just don't know where to get started. I've read a lot about the feral pig hunts and see that they have dates open in the next few months at lake berryessa.
pig/boar and duck is what I'm mostly interested in for now.
unfortunately no one in my family has ever been hunting so no one to teach me but i have a cousin who is just as eager as i and between the 2 of us I'm sure we can figure a lot out but where do i start?
things like etiquette, basic equipment, clothing, anything at all really that i can use to further search/learn from.

thank you

[supratreo]

i just remembered that i took a hunter safety class when i was 12-13, its been about 25 years so i plan taking that again along with my cousin who has never taken it. i see that they also have other classes available after this one so i will be looking into those aswell.

[CartridgeCalls]

Depending on what size you wear I can donate you some.

[NapalmCheese]

Do the hunter ed stuff. Get your license. Buy a pig tag, CA duck stamp, fed duck stamp, and HIP (HIP is free).

Find a guide that is willing to not just guide you, but teach you about pig hunting. Ask them questions, have them help you field dress your game (instead of doing it themselves).

Do the same for ducks. Beg for, borrow, buy, or steal a half dozen decoys. Mallards are fine but not always applicable. Buy a whistle. Then put in for lottery at the local type A wildlife place and buy a pass. Get the blind as early as you can, put the dekes in a vague V or L shape 35-45 yards from your blind. Peep on the whistle once or twice as ducks fly away from you. Don't shoot at them till they're inside of 40 yards.

[Jeepergeo]

http://www.boaring.com/Boaring_Experiences/Welcome.html

Take a day of shooting school (it is hunting focused) and add on a two day pig hunt. You will learn an amazing amount about shooting and hunting. You may or may not get a hog, but you'll get a great hunt.

[Jeepergeo]

http://www.boaring.com/Boaring_Experiences/Welcome.html

Take a day of shooting school (it is hunting focused) and add on a two day hog hunt. You will learn an amazing amount about shooting and hunting. You may or may not get a hog, but you'll get a great hunt with a great guide.

[Imageview]

[AAShooter]

Some good information can be had here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunter-Educa...562582890-2021

[supratreo]

Depending on what size you wear I can donate you some.

Very much appreciated, i might have to take you up on that on my next trip south. thank you

http://www.boaring.com/Boaring_Experiences/Welcome.html

Take a day of shooting school (it is hunting focused) and add on a two day hog hunt. You will learn an amazing amount about shooting and hunting. You may or may not get a hog, but you'll get a great hunt with a great guide.

i will check them out. thank you

that is great information, thank you. i have no problem just going out there with my cousin and figuring it out like you have. i just want to make sure i'm not on any land illegally or doing anything that might put other hunters in danger.
i will take those classes and be back to pick your brain if you dont mind.

Some good information can be had here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunter-Educa...562582890-2021

those are the classes i was speaking of, seems like some good info. thank you

[Che762x39]

http://www.boaring.com/Boaring_Experiences/Welcome.html

Take a day of shooting school (it is hunting focused) and add on a two day hog hunt. You will learn an amazing amount about shooting and hunting. You may or may not get a hog, but you'll get a great hunt with a great guide.

Great tip here. Props to @Jeepergeo

[Che762x39]

Sorry but I retired from duck hunting for health reasons. But that was my favorite hunt.

Turners always advertise this place at the end of the year for a Goose Hunt.

https://cibolasportsmansclub.wordpress.com/

Go with a guided hunt until you got a few seasons of experiences behind you.

[Tere_Hanges]

After figuring out some of our issues, we spent a couple hours scouting the area and managed to get a duck that was sitting on a pond oblivious to all the shooting going on and the two guys with shotguns walking up and taking aim.

Did you blast the duck as it was floating in the water? Highly unethical. Might also be illegal.

OP, get a permit, freshen up on the regs. Find land you can hunt on that is in a zone that you have a permit for, maybe get a guide, and just be ready to spend a lot and not actually get anything.

If you just want to hunt easy, find a pheasant club that is open to public and try that first.

[Imageview]

I did not. And while I can understand the ethical argument, what would be the legal concern?

[Che762x39]

If you just want to hunt easy, find a quail or pheasant club that is open to public and try that first.

Great advice. A Pheasant Club is a great option and they will clean the birds for you.

[Tere_Hanges]

I did not. And while I can understand the ethical argument, what would be the legal concern?

The legal concern is if it is unlawful.

Apparently not:

https://californiaoutdoors.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/ethics-of-shooting-birds-on-the-water-or-on-the-ground/