How to Introduce Someone to Hunting in Three Easy Steps
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Let it be known that hunting is for everyone. Regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, etc, every human on earth has the right to enjoy this great hobby. As such, it is important that we established hunters spread the joy of hunting to those who otherwise may not get the opportunity to go.
There are two types of new hunters: Those who are innately interested and those who are apprehensive. Hunting can be daunting for those who have never been exposed to the idea of going outside to procure food. After all, modern society has conditioned us to believe that our food needs to come from a refrigerated plastic package.
It is paramount that you take precautions and a stepwise approach to introducing new hunters to the hobby. Ensure that it is fun for all involved so that people keep coming back. The more ethical hunters in the world, the more conservationists there are to protect our beloved resources.
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1. Pre-hunt
It goes without saying that new hunters should practice with whatever weapon they plan to use in the field. Take the new hunter to the range or sporting clays course and give them a chance to use a shotgun, rifle, bow, etc. in a situation that may be similar to what they will encounter in the field. While shooting is never the same in a controlled environment as it is in the field, this experience is necessary so that the new hunter is effective and most importantly, safe.
I always like to give new hunters a background on what we will be hunting. Give them insight into the ecology of the game you are pursuing. If they have a better idea of the patterns and sign you are looking for, then they will have a better appreciation for the harvest.
Lastly, I like to expose new hunters to several videos of the type of hunt we are going to embark on. The best way to learn is through experience, but videos can help new hunters visualize what might happen in the field. Watching videos with new hunters is always fun to observe their reaction. Not to mention, it gets me quite excited for the upcoming season.
2. During the hunt
Make sure the new hunter is always comfortable. This often involves physical comfort, but you should also ensure that they are also comfortable with the situation at hand. The last thing you want is for a timid new hunter to lose their nerve and decide that the pursuit is not for them.
In my experience, if you follow the pre-hunt steps, then you should not have any issues with discomfort on the part of the new hunter. Generally new hunters will enter the hunt with a sense of excitement, anxiety, and novelty that can only be squashed by a harvest.
The level of comfort will also be dictated by your audience. You may be hunting with kids who have a shorter attention span or do not want to sit in a duck marsh for six hours. You may also be hunting with an adult who has extensive outdoor experience and could hunt all day. Cater your hunt to whomever you are introducing and ensure that you do not over do it or under do it depending on their propensity for the outdoors.
3. Post-hunt
Praise, praise, praise. The same could be applied during the hunt but you want to make sure that you give the new hunters plenty of praise after the hunt. If they harvested, praise their shot or ability. If they did not harvest, then praise their focus and ensure that they know a harvest will come.
To the inexperienced person, hunting can be like fly fishing. It looks easy and fun on the outside but is very difficult in practice. It is easy to become frustrated and discouraged when hunting. It is up to you as a mentor to ensure that this does not happen. Everyone will harvest eventually, especially with a mentor guiding them along.
Recent Success
I recently introduced my partner and one of my best friends to hunting. Both had been hunting with me before as spectators, and both had gone shooting with me before. They each went on a turkey hunt with me in the 2024 spring season. While we did not harvest on those hunts, we came very close and went through the back-and-forth dance with several gobblers.
Both individuals were able to harvest on a preserve hunt in northern Massachusetts shortly after the turkey hunts. We ran my dog on stocked birds to give them an introduction to upland hunting and keep my dog in shape for the upcoming wild bird season in the fall. Both individuals harvested in truly dynamic ways. The look on each of their faces was a sight to see.
As both individuals continue to improve as marksmen, their experiences will only improve. They each came away from that preserve hunt with a new sense and understanding of where food can come from. They both also loved the experience of hunting over a dog.
As each individual branches off and hunts with other people, I am proud to help them along their journey as little or as much as they want. I cannot wait to see where they go with their hunting careers, and I relish the opportunity that I got to see both of them harvest their first birds.
Keeping up with new hunters is the key to continuing to grow this hobby. Do not let them falter and make sure that they know that you have their back. As they continue to gain experience and invest in the hobby, they will eventually share in your love, obsession, and passion for hunting.
