First-Time Bow Hunting: Beginner Advice

Are you a brand new hunter? Are you alone on your endeavor without family or friends who hunt and can show you the ropes? Many hunters start alone and unsure. But I’m trying to change that by growing a community for sharing first-time bow hunting advice. One of our mottos is “Community over competition”.

Mentoring Services: Hunt with Scott

Are you intimidated by the thought of driving out to public land and not knowing what you are doing? That’s why I started my “Hunt with Scott” mentoring community and services. You don’t need to do this alone. Let’s take the first step together and make your hunting journey less daunting and more rewarding.

If you’re in Michigan, you can set up a mentor appointment with me, Scott. We can scout public land together for your first-time bow hunting, answer your questions, and help you learn more about hunting. If you’re not in Michigan, you can still reach out for a phone appointment. I’ll provide mentor advice to help you on your journey.

Spend Time in the Woods

The best time to start preparing is now. It doesn’t have to be hunting season to drive out to public land areas and just walk around. True learning happens when you experience things for yourself in the wild. You’ll gain confidence when you’re actually out there doing it. The feeling of overcoming each day in the woods is rewarding! A lot of personal growth happens while figuring things out on your own.

Find a nice spot and sit down for a few hours. You don’t need a saddle or stand. Just bring a folding stool and sit down to listen for a while. Learn your woods. Eventually, you’ll see some sign; then you can put a camera up and see a deer. That might take a year. Be patient but get out there. You won’t learn otherwise.

When the season finally arrives, it will hopefully feel more natural. But it might not, and that’s okay. Find out when opening day is, suit up, and walk into the woods with your bow before sunrise. Don’t overthink it. Just be happy and plan to enjoy nature on your first day.

Three Mistakes to Learn From

You might make a lot of mistakes the first year (or maybe even two to three years). Get after it, and learn from each mistake. 

Planning the Time:

If you’re struggling to find the time, be more intentional about putting it on your calendar. Otherwise, work, a broken car, or other life events will keep you from getting started. You won’t get anything out of it if you don’t specifically make time for it.

Learning Patience:

Don’t take a shot longer than 30 yards, assuming you can group inside a pie plate or basketball-sized circle consistently at 40 yards. Bow hunting is about patience and getting close, not flinging arrows at long range and hoping for the best. If you can safely practice at home, I have tips for backyard practice.

Shooting Practice:

Practice shooting your bow a lot. If you’re not knocking fletchings off your arrows somewhat regularly (not saying you should expect to be like Robin Hood every session), you can get more consistent with your shooting. Time in the woods and practice will always pay more dividends than spending more money on gear. Check out more information about different types of targets if you’re unsure what to buy.

Modern Tools for Beginner Hunters

GoHunt: 

GoHunt is an invaluable resource for hunters, offering a comprehensive suite of tools and information designed to help you plan and execute successful hunts. Here’s a closer look at what GoHunt offers:

• Hunting Research Tools: GoHunt provides detailed information on hunting areas, including statistics on animal populations, hunting pressure, and success rates. This helps you choose the best locations to hunt.
• Maps and GPS: The platform offers interactive maps with features like terrain analysis, land ownership details, and access points. This helps you navigate public and private lands with ease.
• Hunt Planning: GoHunt offers a range of planning tools, including tag application information and strategies, draw odds, and hunt unit profiles. This ensures you’re well-prepared for the hunting season.
• Gear and Apparel: GoHunt also has a gear shop featuring high-quality hunting equipment and apparel, tested and recommended by seasoned hunters.
• Community and Support: Access a community of hunters through forums and social media groups where you can share experiences, ask questions, and get advice.

onX Hunt: 

onX Hunt is a powerful mapping and navigation tool designed specifically for hunters. It provides detailed and accurate maps that are crucial for planning and executing successful hunts. Here are the key features of onX Hunt:

• Detailed Mapping: OnX Hunt offers highly detailed maps that include topographic and satellite views. These maps show land boundaries, property lines, and landowner information, making it easier to understand your hunting area.
• Offline Maps: You can download maps for offline use, ensuring you have access to vital information even without cell service. This is especially useful in remote hunting locations.
• Waypoints and Tracking: OnX Hunt allows you to mark waypoints for important locations like trailheads, campsites, and hunting spots. You can also track your movements, making it easy to find your way back or share your route with others.
• Land Ownership: The app provides detailed information on land ownership, helping you avoid trespassing and understand where public land ends and private land begins.
• Weather and Wind: OnX Hunt includes weather updates and wind direction indicators, which are crucial for planning your hunt and positioning yourself correctly in the field.
• Hunt Units and Regulations: The app provides information on hunting units and regulations, ensuring you’re compliant with local laws and maximizing your chances of a successful hunt.

How to Use GoHunt and OnX Hunt Together

Using both GoHunt and onX Hunt in tandem can greatly enhance your hunting experience. Start with GoHunt to research and plan your hunt, choosing the best locations and understanding your odds. Then, use onX Hunt to navigate the terrain, mark waypoints, and stay informed about land boundaries and weather conditions.

By leveraging the strengths of both platforms, you’ll be better prepared, more informed, and ultimately more successful in your hunting endeavors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hunter, these tools are essential for making the most of your time in the field.

Where to Find More Hunting Advice

In addition to the phone apps like GoHunt and onX Hunt, there are more resources available to modern hunters. Look for Facebook groups or other meetups at local ranges where you can meet people and other new hunters.

Reddit has communities you can join, ask questions, share photos of your shooting form, and get feedback. It’s pretty amazing.

Check out other articles on our website for beginner advice from me and my hunting network.

There are also great podcasts such as Wired To Hunt. Join expert Mark Kenyon as he explores the world of whitetail hunting, sharing actionable strategies and insights from his experiences and expert guests. Perfect for beginners, check out Wired To Hunt: Foundations with Tony Peterson every Tuesday for a quick 15-minute guide on key hunting topics, and Rut Fresh Radio with Spencer Neuharth every Wednesday (Sep-Dec) for weekly deer activity updates and tips from hunters across the country.

First-Time Bow Hunting Encouragement

Ask around your friend groups to try and team up with someone who can show you the ropes. If you’re in Michigan, reach out to me for a mentor appointment. And if you live further away, consider a phone consultation.

My biggest tip is to explore. Ask lots of questions whenever you get a chance. Drive dirt roads, find accessible roads and trailheads, and then get off the trail to see what’s around. Exploring is fun and the best part of hunting, as you see things you would never experience at home. OnX is invaluable for exploring.

Embrace the learning journey. The mistakes, second-guessing, and eventual rewards make it incredibly rewarding when everything comes together.