Hi all,
Recent(ish) Denver transplant by way of Seattle. I'm about as green as they come in terms of firearms; no family history with them, no close friends who own guns or go to ranges, basically no exposure to gun culture or firearms at all.
I joined the forum because I'm interested in learning to hunt small game and deer so as to have a better appreciation for where my food comes from, as well as creating a more sustainable method of meat consumption for myself.
After a LOT of reading on the internet, I've come to the conclusion that it's almost impossible to learn to hunt without already knowing someone who does. As I said, relatively new to Denver, and my few friends here are all not folks who can be helpful in this regard.
So, I come to you, oh internet strangers, seeking advice. I signed up for a Hunter's Education class in mid-February that has a live-fire portion, but I'm assuming I should probably, ya know, learn how to safely handle a firearm before that, right?
Where do I start? Any range recommendations? Where can I find a hunting mentor? Is this a fools errand? Am I asking too many questions?
Also, hello!
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
2Hello & welcome! Afraid I can’t be much help in regards to hunting but just wanted to say welcome from Florida!OhHaiDRol wrote:Hi all,
Recent(ish) Denver transplant by way of Seattle. I'm about as green as they come in terms of firearms; no family history with them, no close friends who own guns or go to ranges, basically no exposure to gun culture or firearms at all.
I joined the forum because I'm interested in learning to hunt small game and deer so as to have a better appreciation for where my food comes from, as well as creating a more sustainable method of meat consumption for myself.
Also, hello!
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Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
3Hi. You can learn to hunt, by yourself, as an adult. Good call taking the class. Next, find a range where you can shoot rifles. Buy a .22 rifle. Which ever one you want. Shoot it as much as you can. Ruger 10-22's are common, affordable and popular. Buy a bunch of ammo for it before the 2020 election.
'Sorry stupid people but there are some definite disadvantages to being stupid."
-John Cleese
-John Cleese
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
4I thought you needed something larger than a .22 for deer hunting? Something that could handle the small game AND deer would be preferable, but probably best to start with something easy.Mason wrote: Mon Jan 27, 2020 4:58 pm Hi. You can learn to hunt, by yourself, as an adult. Good call taking the class. Next, find a range where you can shoot rifles. Buy a .22 rifle. Which ever one you want. Shoot it as much as you can. Ruger 10-22's are common, affordable and popular. Buy a bunch of ammo for it before the 2020 election.
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
5Yes, you will need a different rifle for deer. You can use a shotgun for both deer and small game but in CO a shotgun is not likely your best option for big game. Ideally a hunter will have a small game rifle, a big game rifle and a shotgun.
You need to learn the fundamentals of shooting and gun handling. A .22 is the best and most inexpensive way to achieve that. It will be your small game rifle.
You need to learn the fundamentals of shooting and gun handling. A .22 is the best and most inexpensive way to achieve that. It will be your small game rifle.
'Sorry stupid people but there are some definite disadvantages to being stupid."
-John Cleese
-John Cleese
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
6Perfect! This is exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. Thank you!Mason wrote: Mon Jan 27, 2020 5:27 pm Yes, you will need a different rifle for deer. You can use a shotgun for both deer and small game but in CO a shotgun is not likely your best option for big game. Ideally a hunter will have a small game rifle, a big game rifle and a shotgun.
You need to learn the fundamentals of shooting and gun handling. A .22 is the best and most inexpensive way to achieve that. It will be your small game rifle.
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
7Welcome! If you are going to hunt, I recommend a CZ 455 bolt action rifle. You can swap the barrels between 22lr and 22 mag. Crazy accurate gun out of the box and easy on the eyes too.
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
8And great value for the price. You can also interchange the .22 LR barrel for a .17 HMR one in case you want something with more range and velocity. They make a mess of a squirrel though.
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Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
9ha! good to know. I've mostly been thinking about pheasants and deer.Bucolic wrote: Mon Jan 27, 2020 5:44 pm They make a mess of a squirrel though.
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Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
10Hi ho from California. Yep: a Ruger 10-22, a classic American pewpewpew gun.
CDFingers
CDFingers
Crazy cat peekin' through a lace bandana
like a one-eyed Cheshire, like a diamond-eyed Jack
like a one-eyed Cheshire, like a diamond-eyed Jack
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
12i hunt with a camera, so not much help there. .22 is a good place to start. learn the basics and be safe.
i'm retired. what's your excuse?
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
13 We're a bit CZ crazy here, top quality firearms and you won't break your bank. 10-22s are classic, 22 rifles and pistols are Ruger's best. And most important with your new hobby, have fun.
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts." - Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
14Eventually! Once I sift through the overwhelming amount of information and actually, ya know, make it to a range.
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
15And 10/22s give you near-infinite upgrade possibilities. ( but are just fine out of the box. )
CZ .22 rifles are cool for their quality, simplicity, and accuracy. A bolt action will slow your pace relative to a semi auto. IMO, this is a good thing for a beginner.
CZ .22 rifles are cool for their quality, simplicity, and accuracy. A bolt action will slow your pace relative to a semi auto. IMO, this is a good thing for a beginner.
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
16Welcome!
From never owning a firearm and no friends or family history with them, it seems that jumping to hunting seems like a theoretical leap. Go with a 22LR rifle and try out shooting cheap first.
From never owning a firearm and no friends or family history with them, it seems that jumping to hunting seems like a theoretical leap. Go with a 22LR rifle and try out shooting cheap first.
It is an unfortunate human failing that a full pocketbook often groans more loudly than an empty stomach.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
17Hello! Welcome to the world of firearms. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun. I am new to owning my own firearms. I had them around me growing up but no one ever took me shooting as a kid. I finally had a friend take me when I was 20. From that point forward, I'd occasionally shoot with others. I'd always wanted to buy some guns so I finally got some of my own a few months ago. I kinda wish I'd done it sooner. Anyway, I agree with K9s about starting with a 22LR rifle. They have minimal recoil and the ammo is super cheap so you can practice for long periods of time without spending a lot of money.
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
18Welcome from blue dot veteran
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Blue Dot Veteran
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
20Howdy from Las Vegas.
To add my support to all others who are telling you to go .22, if you practice with a .22 and get to the point where you are delivering the best accuracy that you can achieve; stepping up to whatever you choose as a deer rifle will be monumentally easier.
It's the same with handguns. Forget everything else until you've mastered the corresponding .22. What ever you step up to, you'll be a better shot out of the gate.
Concentrate on your fundamentals and safety procedures for now, reap the rewards for doing so later.
And since we are all Liberals here, voting for the least orange candidate this fall would be greatly appreciated.
To add my support to all others who are telling you to go .22, if you practice with a .22 and get to the point where you are delivering the best accuracy that you can achieve; stepping up to whatever you choose as a deer rifle will be monumentally easier.
It's the same with handguns. Forget everything else until you've mastered the corresponding .22. What ever you step up to, you'll be a better shot out of the gate.
Concentrate on your fundamentals and safety procedures for now, reap the rewards for doing so later.
And since we are all Liberals here, voting for the least orange candidate this fall would be greatly appreciated.
If liberals interpreted the Second Amendment the way they interpret the rest of the Bill of Rights, there would be law professors arguing that gun ownership is mandatory. - Mickey Kaus, The New Republic
Re: Hello, total newbie in Denver here!
21Hi from AZ, and welcome home!
I shoot various guns, but the .22's go out with us every time.
For more hunting advice, try talking to a taxidermist...they know all the hunters to connect with, and most of them would be willing to guide you a time or two.
S u b R o s a
I shoot various guns, but the .22's go out with us every time.
For more hunting advice, try talking to a taxidermist...they know all the hunters to connect with, and most of them would be willing to guide you a time or two.
S u b R o s a
"Oozing charm from every pore, he oiled his way around the floor."