Quote:
Originally Posted by Tron_fdc
Figured I would start a new thread to discuss it.
I'm considering getting into deer hunting, either rifle or bow (not sure yet). I used to hunt with my dad 20 years ago in Kananaskis, but it's been a looooong time since I shot anything. I've been getting my head around shooting bambi again by using the argument that it's better than deer overpopulation, and a humane kill is probably a better death than what they face in the wild (eaten alive by a predator). Plus I like the taste of wild game.
Any experienced hunters out there with any input on bow vs rifle? What kind of cost am I looking at to start up? Is there somewhere close to the city that is a good place to hunt? What about lessons? Is that a good place to start?
Also, where is a good place to get your meat butchered? Will butchers even do it??
Let's try not to take this into an argument here too. I'm looking for info on it, not a debate on vegan vs meat, etc etc.
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I'll add my 2 nickles:
Bow vs Rifle: I've never used a bow, but I would say when you're starting out, if you don't want to have to track a half injured deer all day, you're better off to start with a rifle, as it's a lot less likley you'll be doing that. Once you've got your skill/confidence, up you just might want to switch.
Also, it really depends on where you go, trees, prairie, etc.
Cost? It can get expensive if you want it to, but it doesn't have to be if you stick to what you REALLY NEED. You don't need full camo gear, and you don't need the best of everything. You're pretty outdoorsy, so you've probably got everything you'll need except the gun, and maybe a good knife. You can get some good guns cheap, but you're probably looking at $700 or so for a "Starter" rifle.
Classes? Yup, take them both, the PAL one, and the Hunter's Ed. Just google them and you'll find them pretty easy.
As for where to take a deer to get butchered (it's something you can do yourself, depending on how much time I have, I've either done it myself or taken it to a couple places). Calgary meats on Edmonton Trail is good, as is, as Hulkrogan suggested, Rocky's. Rocky's makes some awesome sausage, so that's where I go these days.