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Eric -did you do the combo hunt DIY?

If you lived around here, I'd take you out hunting a bit to show you the ropes. I'm sure there are people where you live that would do the same to get you off on the right foot. Just ask around.

Sure did, on public and private land. A good member of the fire joined us. We had good luck with antelope on BLM land, but the early snowfall pushed many animals to lower elevation, which is why we ended up paying an access fee to get on private land in order to chase white tails. The rancher showed us where they pattern on his property. The local intel was invaluable.

Eric

Eric, the combo sounds exciting. My antelope hunt is a late hunt (Nov 8). We've been a tad worried about whether they will show up but I realized in the unit we are hunting (antelope 102) it coincidences with the WT hunt dates in that area.

Could be something we consider for next year as well.

This year we were late to the party as we were planning on hunting moose so never got into the Wyoming draw and had to concentrate on a unit with left over tags but little to no public land.

Will be on the ball for next year. If you have a suggestion of a unit with decent access for a combo hunt, and don't mind sharing it, drop me a PM.

To be a flexible hunter you will need to combine a number of skillsets. If you start hiking a lot you can teach yourself land navigation, tracking, practice survival skills, learn to observe all critters. Birds, squirrels, bears, learning their habits will translate to other places. To see animals you will train yourself to move quietly and efficiently and to discern patterns and movement.

As you progress you can expand your horizons to encompass all 4 seasons and determine what is important in selecting equipment. Never miss a chance to practice your shooting and embrace dryfire as an essential training tool.

The more time you spend in the outdoors the better you will be in skills and attitude. Ethics are important, never compromise yours. You are embarking on a great journey, enjoy the ride.

mike r

+1 on this.

Even with a rifle, if you have tree squirrels to hunt, they are about the finest practice for woods deer hunting that I know of.
You'll be out there learning how and when to move.
You'll be sharpening your game eye, and learn to see more.
You'll acquaint yourself on game shooting, and getting a shot on target in a timely manner.

and...

You'll have a ton of fun...

canoetrpr:

Start hunting on your own, do-it-yourself (DIY) style. Have fun. It doesn't really matter where or for what game species. Have fun. Make some mistakes and learn from them. Have some more fun. Keep your eyes open and keep your mind open. Get frustrated and get over it. Eventually you will figure it out and have some more fun. That's how the rest of us did it.

KC

Best advice so far.