How to Get Into Hunting: A Beginner's Field Guide

Introduction

The American white-tailed deer is the most pursued big game animal in North America, making deer hunting the natural entry point for most beginners. Getting started doesn't require expensive gear, private land, or years of experience — but it does require knowing where to begin.

This guide is based on a field conversation between experienced hunters Elliot Delp and Hunter, filmed at one of their actual hunting spots. It covers every stage from finding land to handling your first harvest.

Watch the Video

The full conversation this guide is based on — filmed on location at a real hunting spot.

The 7 Steps at a Glance

1 · Finding Land

Public land with light pressure is an ideal starting point for beginner hunters.

Public land

If you have no existing connections to private hunting property, public land is the recommended starting point. Look for sections that don't show obvious signs of heavy, repeated use by other hunters — overcrowded areas reduce both wildlife activity and the quality of the experience.

Public land is generally abundant across much of the United States and provides a legal, accessible option for anyone with a hunting license.

Finding an experienced partner

Alongside land access, finding an experienced hunting partner is equally important for beginners. A knowledgeable companion can teach you to read sign, navigate the land safely, and handle situations no video can fully prepare you for.

2 · Scouting for Deer

Trail cameras and physical scouting reveal where deer are moving and feeding.

Once you have access to land, the next step is learning where deer move. Trail cameras placed along natural deer paths are the primary scouting tool.

Trail camera tips

• Start placing cameras in August or earlier in the pre-season
• Check and adjust placement regularly based on activity captured
• Look for worn paths, tracks, rubs on trees, and ground scrapes as starting points
• Identify good shooting lanes — avoid placing yourself in the thickest cover
• Spend physical time walking the land; camera data alone is insufficient

3 · Choosing a Hunting Setup

For beginners, a ground blind is the most approachable option. It conceals movement, requires less prior experience than a tree stand, and is easy to set up on public land without permanent structures.

Don't let the lack of a blind stop you from getting out. Experienced hunters regularly harvest deer from the ground with no blind at all.

4 · Clothing and Gear

Hunting gear doesn't need to be expensive to be effective. Walmart and Rural King are both recommended for budget-friendly camo clothing. Specialty hunting brands and premium base layers are not necessary when starting out.

Estimated starter clothing cost: ~$150

• Camo jacket, pants or bibs (layered over regular thermals or leggings)
• Quality hunting boots — prioritized above all other clothing items on public land
• Blaze orange hat — required during rifle deer season; recommended for muzzleloader season
• Scent-away spray
• Hand warmers (climate dependent)

5 · Selecting a Firearm

Four rifle calibers are recommended for beginners based on widespread ammunition availability, manageable recoil, and proven field performance on deer.

Recommended calibers

Budget options

• Entry-level bolt-action rifles: $300–$350 — some models include an optic
• Savage Axis — a frequently recommended beginner option that often ships with a scope
• Local pawn shops and military-surplus rifles can reduce the cost significantly
• A basic optic in the $50–$60 range is sufficient for deer at standard hunting distances

6 · Legal Requirements

Staying within legal requirements is non-negotiable. Rules vary by state, but the following apply broadly across the United States.

• A hunting license is required for all hunting on public land
• Some states require a hunter education course before a license can be issued — check your state agency's website
• Blaze orange is legally required during rifle deer season; the minimum square-inch requirement varies by state
• Hunt only within the designated season dates for your species and method
• On public land, exercise elevated situational awareness — other hunters may be nearby

7 · Handling the Harvest

After a successful hunt, field dressing the deer is the immediate priority — especially in warm weather, where delay risks spoiling the meat.

Field dressing

This is the stage where a knowledgeable hunting partner is most valuable. Video resources exist, but watching them is comparable to learning to drive a stick shift from a YouTube tutorial — there is no full substitute for someone walking you through it in person the first time.

Processing options

• Take to a local meat processor — they handle everything from quartering to packaging
• All four legs processed into ground venison typically costs around $50
• Backstraps and tenderloins are the finest cuts and are typically handled separately

References