Why Whitetail Deer Are The Perfect Game To Start With
If you have never been hunting before and you want to get started, one of the first questions you're likely to have is which game you should hunt first. Everyone has their own preferences. Some people start with small game like squirrels, and others start with various game birds. But one species stands out as a really good choice for your first game: whitetail deer. Here are a few reasons why whitetail deer make the perfect starting game.
They're prevalent and have a large range.
Whitetail deer are pretty common all across North America. You can find them along the East Coast, in the midwest, and even through the south. So, no matter where you are in the U.S., you should be able to find a community of people who hunt whitetail deer. This community is vital as you're getting started. You need people to bounce ideas off of and ask questions as you hone your hunting skills. Also, the fact that whitetail deer are prevalent helps. You don't want to sit in the woods for days on end and not see anything when you're learning to hunt. You're pretty likely to actually see deer and get a decent shot at one.
They're large enough to aim at easily.
Some people start off shooting small game like squirrels and rabbits. While these animals are prevalent, they are harder to shoot because they are so small and quick. Whitetail deer, by comparison, are much larger and therefore easier to aim at. This is helpful when you're first learning how to hunt.
Their populations are too large in many areas.
In many areas, there are more whitetail deer than the plant life can support. They can also become a hazard to drivers when their population grows too large. So, you don't have to feel as morally conflicted about hunting whitetail deer as you may feel about hunting other species that aren't as prevalent. Hunting them is important in order to keep the populations manageable. As a new hunter who is just getting used to the idea of shooting animals, it's nice to have this reassurance.
If you want to start hunting, consider starting with whitetail deer. There are plenty of hunting ranges and retreat centers where you can learn to hunt in a group setting if you're in need of additional guidance. Look for one at a destination you'd like to visit and look into the whitetail deer hunting in the area.
