How Do Adults Get Started in Hunting?

September 23, 2009

Question: Most hunters that I know learned about the sport in their youth. I am an adult male who has never hunted and am eager to learn. Are there classes or programs geared toward adults? (Edward H.)

Answer: Yes! The best way to start is to take a hunter education course. The course is required to get a hunting license in California and provides good entry-level instruction about firearms safety, laws and regulations, first aid and wildlife management. DFG also offers Advanced Hunter Education classes throughout the state, including seminars on wild pig, waterfowl and wild turkey hunting. A list of these seminars can be found on the DFG Web site at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/advanced/. In addition to the education you will receive, the seminars are a good place to meet other experienced hunters with similar interests.

Look around for sportsmen’s clubs in your local community, too. They are usually associated with a gun range, which would be another good location to learn a great deal about firearms and discuss hunting with experienced people. Check the National Shooting Sports Foundation Web site www.wheretoshoot.org for a list of ranges and sportsmen’s clubs organized by location and interests. There are also lots of books and magazines that provide many resources about hunting and the Internet is always full of information that should help.