Looking for a new hunter

[jdonovan]

Years ago some folks were nice enough to me to teach me to hunt, and it is time to pay that favor back. I am looking for a novice who is interested in learning to hunt. I have some property in western Fauquier county, and have a few other experienced hunters who are helping me out with mentoring some new hunters.

This is our first try at this so we are trying to keep this a small operation. We are going to setup a 1:1 student to mentor for the full season.

We'll provide access to land, guidance, instruction.

You need:

• A good teachable attitude and a be willing to learn
  To learn and follow the hunting laws and regulations
  Hunter safety training. (must be completed before the start of the season)
  Safe firearms handling skills
  Reasonable fitness. This is mostly a non-vehicle accessible property. You are going to walk. A LOT. You should be capable of walking 2-3 miles over rough terrain.
  Appropriate gear, clothing, boots, firearms
  Free time! This is a many weekends for many months commitment. You'll need time to scout, get familiar with the property, demonstrate shooting skills to your mentor, and more This is not a one weekend climb into a stand and shoot a deer experience.

Please be reasonably local as we will need to be out at the property many times before the season to meetup for teaching, training, scouting etc. The 'farm' is in Western Fauquier, and is about an hours drive from Centerville or Winchester, and is about 15-20 min from Marshall. This should give a general idea of the location.

Because someone will ask. This is not an invite for a place to hunt for experienced hunters looking for land. I'm VERY specifically looking to introduce NEW people to the sport. So if you've hunted before please, leave this offer to the new person.

We have ONE slot left for a new hunter.

[skeeterss0]

OMG for once I wished I lived in Northern VA . I just wanted to let you know thats a great thing that you are doing and I wish I could take you up on it, but I'm all the way down in Hampton. Anyone between here and Richmond or down around Suffolk that has a similar offer please let me know.

[jdonovan]

I've have a reply from someone, so it looks like we're full for this season.

[Taggure]

Congrats

I salute you for handing down an American tradition is something to be proud of.

[Mindflayer]

This is awesome! Wish my wife and I had seen this. Good friends and long time hunters have taken me out before, but I'm always looking to learn new stuff.

[jdonovan]

ok, the person who had made contact didn't have very much free time.

Hunting season starts Sept 7th, only 6 weeks away. If you're busy 4 of those 6 weekends, wait for next year.

[PeterK]

Thank you for doing this. I know I've been looking to get into hunting for a few years, and it's quite hard to figure out how to go about it. and scary to just "go do it". So thanks to you, and everyone else who's helping.

[jdonovan]

ok, we've got all the spots for this year filled. hopefully in a few months I'll have some success photos to share with the forum.

[allingeneral]

Thanks for your efforts jdonovan. This is a really neat thing that you're doing!

[mamabearCali]

What a kind thing to do....Wish I lived in N. VA. Thank you for your kindness.

[Vince]

Great job JD. Someone is going to love venison very soon.

[bryanrheem]

I'd love to do this if offered again!

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[jdonovan]

we'll see how this year goes... a few more months and I should have a status report.

[jdonovan]

Well I can now give some feedback.

We did a bunch of pre-season work, getting familiar with the property, where the animals moved, showing signs, and how to find where the activity was. Got to do some in-the-field shooting, and discovered how different it was then a rectangular range, from a shooting bench.

Small game season came and we were able to get out for some for small game, and got a few squirrels into the pots.

It all came together today.

Kelu put 2 deer onto the ground with 2 shots.

I think the discoveries for the day included:

its way colder sitting still than you could ever believe.. even on a 40 degree morning.. and we were even in a field chair, and not sitting on cold wet ground.
just when you're ready to give up for the day, the deer seem to appear.
When they do appear things happen FAST.
150lb deer can sneak up on you
Field dressing is more work then youtube makes it out to be
Youtube can't convey smells properly

That was my impressions... hopefully Kelu will join the thread and give his views on the day and season.

I had fun working with a new hunter, and passing on a little experience and a bit of field craft.

[GeneFrenkle]

No pictures? How am I suppsed to live vicariously through y'all without pictures?

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Taggure]

Congrats

[jdonovan]

No pictures? How am I suppsed to live vicariously through y'all without pictures?

I'm not a pictures person, so I don't tend to take them of others either.

[GeneFrenkle]

Roger that. Congratulations, y'all!

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Palladin]

No pictures? How am I suppsed to live vicariously through y'all without pictures?

I'm not a pictures person, so I don't tend to take them of others either.

He ain't much to look at, but damn he can shoot!

My hat's off to you, sir!

[kelu]

Deer12 (600x339).jpg (162.31 KiB) Viewed 2630 times

Thank you jdonovan!
I forgot to make pictures before processing.
I learned part of the basics of hunting, now I need to continue to practice and learn more. The processing part... I suck at that.
I have discovered that I like to stay in the woods, but I need better clothes to keep my ass warm.