/out/ guide on getting started hunting in the US

So you're an American /out/ist and you want to get started on hunting? Look no further than this guide. I won't be covering anything in-depth like scouting, hunting itself, or species specific tips, just a basic intro on how to get started. Specific questions about those should be asked in /hrt/ or other hunting threads. Make sure to mention your state and what species you want more information on.

Table of Contents:
1.)Things to be aware of
2.)Step 1 - Decisions, Decisions
3.)Step 2 - Safety Third
4.)Step 3 - The DFW/DNR are your friend
5.)Step 4 - I drew/bought my OTC tag, now what?
6.)Step 5 - Hunt

1.)Things to be aware of for first timers:
>You will probably fail.
It is rare for a first time hunter to actually take game, this is especially true for big game hunters. I started hunting at 12 and didn't get my first deer until 15 and my first elk until 17. If you don't get anything, don't stress. The meat is nice, wallhangers are cool, but ultimately the fun from hunting comes from the experience. You'll learn the dos and don'ts as you go and will hopefully have better luck next year.

>Public land isn't always common depending on where you are.
Generally speaking, the further East you are in the U.S., the more difficulty you will have trying to hunt on public land. If you live in someplace like Texas, try to buddy up with a farmer or rancher to see if you can hunt on their land. Some will let you, some will charge you, some will slam the door in your face. It never hurts to ask.

>Guided hunts are expensive, but worth it.
If it's your first time hunting, don't hesitate to pony up for a guided hunt. Yes, they cost a lot of money, especially if you try to get a guide in a trophy area. When you start calling guides, be sure to explain that you've never been hunting before, what your goals for the hunt are and be sure to ask questions both before and during the hunt. They are there to help you achieve those goals and if you pay attention and listen, you'll learn a thing or three.

>Are there any helpful resources?
I've heard decent thing about HuntX, but I've never used it. It's basically AllTrails for hunting. For big game hunting, HowToHunt is unironically a fantastic resource for many species across North America. Field and Stream used to be great, but it's become extremely commercialized. Other than that, your best option is to ask around locally. You probably have a local sporting goods store or even a bow shop that would love to help you out. As stated prior, any specific questions can be floated in threads. Just remember to tell us your state and what you're after.

2.)Step 1 - Decisions, Decisions
The first thing you're going to need to decide is on WHAT you want to hunt and HOW you want to hunt, i.e. small game, waterfowl hunting or big game hunting with a bow, etc. Before you even THINK about hunting, make sure you're proficient in whatever manner of take you want to hunt. Don't get me wrong, even professional hunters miss, but you want to maximize your chances. Over time, you can and probably will decide on different game and different manners of (legal) take, but for now just focus on the one

3.)Step 2 - Safety Third
Sign up and take a hunters safety course. There isn't a state in the Union where you can legally hunt without a Hunter's Safety Card. It is legally required in order to get license and/or tag. Besides the legal requirement, it's a really good first step into hunting as they teach you some of the basic ins and /out/s of hunting and it teaches you what is and isn't legal in your state.

4.)Step 3 - The DFW/DNR are your friend
I don't meant game wardens, they're usually dickheads. However, whatever state body governs hunting for you almost always issues annual brochures for Big Game, Trophy Species, and Waterfowl. Remember how I wanted you to pick what you wanted to hunt and how you wanted to take it? Here's where that comes in. Read the brochure and it will inform you on how to get licenses and tags for the species you want and how you want to take them, legal manners of take, and area specific information. Be sure to check the website for a PDF version.

5.)Step 4 - I drew/bought my OTC tag, now what?
Congratulations, you're already ahead of the curve depending on where you live. If you're a big game hunter, it's time to get innawoods and start scouting. I generally start scouting two months to six weeks before opening day and then stop roughly two weeks prior. This'll help you find game, and if you bring your pack, it'll help you get conditioned. For small game and waterfowl, just get prepped for opening day.

6.)Step 5 - Hunt
It's opening day, go /out/.