Hunting for Fowl - Newbie tagalong?

[Mr Wiggles]

Hi guys,

First off, i am a complete newbie to anything hunting related, so apologies in advance if i come off ignorant.

I've never hunted, and most of the firearms i've shot have been handguns. Anyway, i got a retriever earlier this year, and the more and more reading and researching i do on this breed, the more i think she would be happy being a hunting dog. I, for one, can't really imagine field dressing a deer or moose (though i've never been exposed to it either), but bird hunting has always interested me. I'm a big fan of eating birds, and i can't see stripping feathers & gutting them to be too much of an issue.

So, i'm wondering, if when bird season starts (sept 1 i think?), anyone would be willing to allow me to tag along for the day? I'll earn my keep in any way i can, just looking for a taste of the sport to see if it's maybe something i'd want to do.


Thanks in advance (or tell me to eff off! )

[Mr Wiggles]

Oh, and before you sign up to spend a day in the bush with me while you're armed i'd be happy to sit down for a pint.

[StrayArc]

Newbie here as well. jus got a 22 for plinking a couple months ago and looking into a shot gun for this fall for some fowl. heres a site i found with some conservation areas that may be helpful for planning any trips out.

[mac_xi@hotmail.com]

http://www.huntingfortomorrow.com/

I have made contacts and met hunters willing to show me the ropes.

There is a course/test you have to take to hunt in Alberta. You can do it online, it takes a few hours if you are really quick. But the people I've talked recomend taking the course in person. It would also give you a chance to ask questions.

The first thing to do is get a WIN number and the PAL (possesion and aquisition licence).

I am in the Edmonton area so unless you want to travel, try locally. You will find many people eager to help you as long as you are respectful and willing to listen.

Good luck and happy hunting!!

[theduke]

ok first off its really easy to get into waterfowling its easy to getinto waterfowling all u need is a shotgun, the first few years we hunted by jumping ponds with ducks and getting them with a dinggy or waders, then the addiction starts with the decoys and all that awesome gear but all u gotta do is start off slow then progress as u go on. and secondly u mentioned u just got a dog and would love being a hunting dog, im not to sure of what experence u have training a dog but it takes a long time and just can force the dog into being an instant hunting dog, and also if it has the desire to do it aswell but with the right trianing its probably possiable, anyways good luck with it and like i said u dont need to start off extreme

[StrayArc]

Brain fart... forgot to copy the link. http://www.ab-conservation.com/go/de...on-region/?r=s
Great advice with starting out. thanks.

[Gray Wolf]

Originally Posted by Mr Wiggles

" . . . i am a complete newbie to anything hunting related, so apologies in advance if i come off ignorant . . . "

Hi Elias

I'm new here too (as a forum member), but I've been viewing the AO forums for over a year now. I've seen a few 'ignorant' theads here during that time, but this wouldn't be one of them! I'm an experienced hunter/fisher/outdoorsman, but there are lots of 'newbies' here too ... you're not alone!

So far, you have been given some good advice ... especially post #4 by Mac_xi. As he advises, there are a few things you need to accomplish (PAL, WIN, etc.) before you can go hunting. The best time to take care of those things would be during the off-season ... 'this' would be a good time. Then when hunting season rolls around, you'll be all set to go!

One other thing I might suggest is that you get involved with this local Calgary group; http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showthread.php?t=27704. I've been to two of their meetings ... they're a great bunch of guys. I plan on being at their next meeting (1st Friday in Aug.?) ... maybe we'll see you there?!

GW