Thread: Need help for newbie

Hey everyone, my name is George, I am 16 years old and I have never done any hunting before but I am really keen to give it a go. I am wanting to start off with doing some rabbit hunting (because its cheaper) but I would love to do some deer and tahr hunting. Can anyone give me some tips on how to start? I know I need a gun license and to learn gun safety. What rifle should I get? Cheapest option would be best. Even if someone would be able to sell me one of their old rifles, I am in the Christchurch area. Also would anyone be able let me tag along on a hunt they are doing, that would be awesome.

Pop over to the introduction section and tell us about yourself. I've replied to your other thread

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Hey George, great to see a young guy who's super keen.

A bit of advice from me - a bit older than you, but absolutely pumped about hunting and the outdoors.

Since you ask for tips, here are a few from me for hunting public land in Canterbury:

- You don't need a rifle or a licence to get out in the bush and learn
- Fitness, navigation, hiking in the dark, learning about deer behaviour, and setting up camp efficiently are just as important skills as shooting
- Getting transport to the hills is probably your first step as a teenager, once you have your full driver's licence you will be away
- Just going to emphasise that getting really fit and able to smash out a bunch of kms is going to put you streets ahead of most people and put you in really good country
- Buy some binos, tramping pack etc and get out into the hills this summer and look for animals
- Lots of people like the idea of shooting deer, but give up when they experience what else is involved

I've been helping as many people as possible get their first animals before Christmas, but I'm heading south for a few months. I'd be open to taking you out for some rabbits mid next year when back in Canterbury.

Originally Posted by Springy

Hey George, great to see a young guy who's super keen.

A bit of advice from me - a bit older than you, but absolutely pumped about hunting and the outdoors.

Since you ask for tips, here are a few from me for hunting public land in Canterbury:

- You don't need a rifle or a licence to get out in the bush and learn
- Fitness, navigation, hiking in the dark, learning about deer behaviour, and setting up camp efficiently are just as important skills as shooting
- Getting transport to the hills is probably your first step as a teenager, once you have your full driver's licence you will be away
- Just going to emphasise that getting really fit and able to smash out a bunch of kms is going to put you streets ahead of most people and put you in really good country
- Buy some binos, tramping pack etc and get out into the hills this summer and look for animals
- Lots of people like the idea of shooting deer, but give up when they experience what else is involved

I've been helping as many people as possible get their first animals before Christmas, but I'm heading south for a few months. I'd be open to taking you out for some rabbits mid next year when back in Canterbury.

Thanks for the tips and I would love to go for a hunt with you. I have done a navigation course and first aid course. I also do a fair bit of tramping so I have a lot of the gear I need. My uncle said he might be able to buy me a rifle or give me his old .243 but I have just learnt its unsafe to use a .243 on possums in trees and might be overkill for rabbits. I will also be getting my drivers license in the next few weeks.

Good stuff, keep up the tramping, and hopefully you can connect with some other hunters who can mentor you through the early stages.

If you're looking for a handy little possum and rabbit hunting tool you could look into flat band slingshots e.g. the brand simple-shot. You can buy the bands etc, online and build your own. It's a fun project and surprisingly effective on possums at close range when you get your shooting form dialled in.

Originally Posted by Springy

Good stuff, keep up the tramping, and hopefully you can connect with some other hunters who can mentor you through the early stages.

If you're looking for a handy little possum and rabbit hunting tool you could look into flat band slingshots e.g. the brand simple-shot. You can buy the bands etc, online and build your own. It's a fun project and surprisingly effective on possums at close range when you get your shooting form dialled in.

I actually have one of them but the strap is broken so I will have to get a new one. I was thinking I could go to Oxford Forest with some binoculars look for some deer and other wildlife while I wait for my firearm license.

could always get a bow.

Hey George,

If you havnt already, join up too the deerstalkers association and attend their H.U.N.T.S course. It will get you years ahead on learned info and help with your firearms handling for your licence.

Offer to tag along with some hunters and do a bit of carrying for them is a good way to meet hunters and learn as well.

Good luck!