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Q:
hey guys im looking to get into hunting and shooting and i dont have anyone around to teach me so does anyone know of some good books that can teach me what i need to know? im thinking of getting a .22 to start.

Question by D'Arcy Cronin. Uploaded on April 15, 2013

Answers (21)

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from fng wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Great choice with that, D'arcy! Get a .22 very close in both weight and feel and looks, to your ideal deer rifle. Then put a decent scope (3-9 or 4-12, and actually spend some money on it). It may seem like a big investment to buy a 300 or 400 dollar .22, but it will pay off, in SPADES.

I personally have a Savage Mark II BTVSS, a very good looking thumbhole hole stocked rimfire with a nice, heavy stainless barrel. It's ridiculously accurate, and a good value for the dollar (if you search it up, Dave Petzal wrote a review on it that made me want to have it lol).

All in all, its what you put into it, and what you get out of it, that counts.

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from fng wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

I can't post the website address for the model (the website is saying it is obscene?!?!?!) but another good view of them is on the website that sells an aftermarket stock for them that I want, I'll see if I can link you there:

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from fng wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

okay, it won't let me post that either. Look up the Rhineland Arms website, searching for their Leopard Mark II stock

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from Pray- hunt-work wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

congrats on your choice to get into a couple of awesome sports. If you stick around on here and be patient sorting through what may seem like boring or confusing topics, there is alot to be learned from a lot of knowledgable folks. Feel free to ask questions, and great choice on the .22, keep in mind not to shoot it above the tree line, a .22 will travel up to a mile and a half if aimed in the sky! It's a small game caliber, and also of the rimfire breed, apposed to centerfire, google the difference and it might be a small start on some education.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Treestand wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

A Good Start in the Shooting and Hunting Sport is with a Hunter Safety Course! in your State,"Knowledge" is Power! Welcome to F&S Q&A.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from jhjimbo wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

FNG,
Delete everything to the left of the www to post.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from thehunter98.6 wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

A .22 is good for small game. What are thinking about hunting and make sure to take a hunter ed course. I'm glad you are interested in starting to hunt. Welcome.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Ga hunter wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Great choice of a start up firearm! I would just get on the internet and research like crazy the game you want to hunt, what type of gear you will need, and tactics to harvest your game. What game are you interested in hunting by the way? And also, I couldn't agree more on the hunter safety course! Hunting is actually a very safe sport, but as in everything accidents do happen. And a firearm/hunter safety course can help you avoid serious accidents.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Happy Myles wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

As far as books go, take a look at David Petzals Complete Book Of Hunting, and The Total Gun Manuel. Another good one is by Jim Carmichel's, The Book Of The Rifle (I think).

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Happy Myles wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Spelling. Try Manual, not Manuel.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from habben97 wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

I have learned a lot from the internet, field and stream magazine, and outdoor life.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Amflyer wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

"Art of the Rifle, " by Jeff Cooper.

Find a mentor, preferably with long-standing experience and not overly opinionated. Take a hunter's safety course, even if you aren't going to hunt for a while. Take an Appleseed course www.appleseedinfo.org/ some weekend once you are familiar with the rules and handling of your weapon.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Amflyer wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Now that I think about it. I recommended that you read Cooper's book and then that you find a mentor that wasn't "overly opinionated." He can be considered such, but with good cause.

I still recommend the Cooper book though.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Edward J. Palumbo wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Study the options and choose a quality .22 rimfire rifle, one that genuinely appeals to you (a "keeper"). One of your most difficult tasks will be to pare your choices to one rifle, because there are so many from which to choose. I agree, the Hunter Safety course is a fine investment of your time. I still have the Hunter Safety card I received when I was 13 (and I'm 66). Never fire unless you know what's going to stop that bullet!
Neither my father nor any of my uncles were hunters or campers, so I certainly understand how difficult it is to get started. If you have friends through scouting or classes who are campers, spend time in the field and see what lives there, what opportunities exist there.
If you enjoy reading (and I hope you do), study the habits of the game animals (small or large) that you intend to hunt. Corroborate your studies with personal observation, and enjoy your time afield. I hope there's a safe, legal, convenient place for you to practice. Establish a relationship with a well-stocked gunshop and ask questions. Tell them you're just getting into hunting and don't wear their patience out by monopolizing their time, but come back from time to time to look for the rifle you want. I have a single-shot bolt action .22 rifle which I purchased 40 years ago, and I still use it occasionally for squirrels and target practice. I have others, but that rifle has taken a great many squirrels and rabbits. I say this because you need not "outgrow" the first rifle you choose or any subsequent rifle, for that matter. You will observe the basics of marksmanship and sportsmanship for the rest of your life. Be safe, or you will be lonely, because there's no latitude for carelessness.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Ga hunter wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

I would also recommend that you study up on your state game laws! At least be familiar with the laws concerning the game you will be hunting.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from thehunter98.6 wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Also, Don't forget to wear hunter orange.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Gary Devine wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

My best teachers on hunting and shooting were other experience hunters. Books are great but I would join a hunting and shooting club. You will meet many friends who will help you with shooting and hunting.

Being on this F&S website is a good place to asked questions. The guys here will help you with all their knowledge. Good Luck!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Treestand wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

JMO~~I would Recommend the RUGER 10/22 or 10/22M its a Working Mans Rifle at a fair Price at W*M!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from fezzant wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Where do you live? Chances are one of us is nearby and would be willing to take you out.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from JustTakeMeHunting14 wrote 8 weeks 5 days ago

there is hope for america. from what it sounds like your looking into mostly small game hunting. My recommendation is Successful Small Game Hunting by M.D. Johnson, who also is a writer for Field and Stream. It'll tell you everything you need to know about a wide range of game meats including upland game woodland game predators and even some trapping and cooking in the back.And like fezzant said, I'm sure almost all of the gentlemen and women on this site would be more than happy to take you out hunting or fishing.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Knife Freak wrote 8 weeks 4 days ago

For anyone in the outdoors I recommend all of the following.
-Woodcraft and camping- this book is very good and a short read.
- American Boys Handy book- Not only on hunting and more for teen 100 years ago but it is a good read and a bit of a novelty.
-The Ultimate Guide To Skinning and Tanning- Anyone who kills an animal needs to know how to skin it.
-Guide To Trapping- Jim Spencer- If you have any interest in trapping it is a good book.
I am aware they are not all specific hunting, but they are good books on my shelf.

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Post an Answer

from Treestand wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

A Good Start in the Shooting and Hunting Sport is with a Hunter Safety Course! in your State,"Knowledge" is Power! Welcome to F&S Q&A.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Pray- hunt-work wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

congrats on your choice to get into a couple of awesome sports. If you stick around on here and be patient sorting through what may seem like boring or confusing topics, there is alot to be learned from a lot of knowledgable folks. Feel free to ask questions, and great choice on the .22, keep in mind not to shoot it above the tree line, a .22 will travel up to a mile and a half if aimed in the sky! It's a small game caliber, and also of the rimfire breed, apposed to centerfire, google the difference and it might be a small start on some education.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from thehunter98.6 wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

A .22 is good for small game. What are thinking about hunting and make sure to take a hunter ed course. I'm glad you are interested in starting to hunt. Welcome.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Ga hunter wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Great choice of a start up firearm! I would just get on the internet and research like crazy the game you want to hunt, what type of gear you will need, and tactics to harvest your game. What game are you interested in hunting by the way? And also, I couldn't agree more on the hunter safety course! Hunting is actually a very safe sport, but as in everything accidents do happen. And a firearm/hunter safety course can help you avoid serious accidents.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Happy Myles wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

As far as books go, take a look at David Petzals Complete Book Of Hunting, and The Total Gun Manuel. Another good one is by Jim Carmichel's, The Book Of The Rifle (I think).

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from habben97 wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

I have learned a lot from the internet, field and stream magazine, and outdoor life.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Amflyer wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

"Art of the Rifle, " by Jeff Cooper.

Find a mentor, preferably with long-standing experience and not overly opinionated. Take a hunter's safety course, even if you aren't going to hunt for a while. Take an Appleseed course www.appleseedinfo.org/ some weekend once you are familiar with the rules and handling of your weapon.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Amflyer wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Now that I think about it. I recommended that you read Cooper's book and then that you find a mentor that wasn't "overly opinionated." He can be considered such, but with good cause.

I still recommend the Cooper book though.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Edward J. Palumbo wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Study the options and choose a quality .22 rimfire rifle, one that genuinely appeals to you (a "keeper"). One of your most difficult tasks will be to pare your choices to one rifle, because there are so many from which to choose. I agree, the Hunter Safety course is a fine investment of your time. I still have the Hunter Safety card I received when I was 13 (and I'm 66). Never fire unless you know what's going to stop that bullet!
Neither my father nor any of my uncles were hunters or campers, so I certainly understand how difficult it is to get started. If you have friends through scouting or classes who are campers, spend time in the field and see what lives there, what opportunities exist there.
If you enjoy reading (and I hope you do), study the habits of the game animals (small or large) that you intend to hunt. Corroborate your studies with personal observation, and enjoy your time afield. I hope there's a safe, legal, convenient place for you to practice. Establish a relationship with a well-stocked gunshop and ask questions. Tell them you're just getting into hunting and don't wear their patience out by monopolizing their time, but come back from time to time to look for the rifle you want. I have a single-shot bolt action .22 rifle which I purchased 40 years ago, and I still use it occasionally for squirrels and target practice. I have others, but that rifle has taken a great many squirrels and rabbits. I say this because you need not "outgrow" the first rifle you choose or any subsequent rifle, for that matter. You will observe the basics of marksmanship and sportsmanship for the rest of your life. Be safe, or you will be lonely, because there's no latitude for carelessness.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Ga hunter wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

I would also recommend that you study up on your state game laws! At least be familiar with the laws concerning the game you will be hunting.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from thehunter98.6 wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Also, Don't forget to wear hunter orange.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Gary Devine wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

My best teachers on hunting and shooting were other experience hunters. Books are great but I would join a hunting and shooting club. You will meet many friends who will help you with shooting and hunting.

Being on this F&S website is a good place to asked questions. The guys here will help you with all their knowledge. Good Luck!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Treestand wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

JMO~~I would Recommend the RUGER 10/22 or 10/22M its a Working Mans Rifle at a fair Price at W*M!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from fezzant wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Where do you live? Chances are one of us is nearby and would be willing to take you out.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from fng wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Great choice with that, D'arcy! Get a .22 very close in both weight and feel and looks, to your ideal deer rifle. Then put a decent scope (3-9 or 4-12, and actually spend some money on it). It may seem like a big investment to buy a 300 or 400 dollar .22, but it will pay off, in SPADES.

I personally have a Savage Mark II BTVSS, a very good looking thumbhole hole stocked rimfire with a nice, heavy stainless barrel. It's ridiculously accurate, and a good value for the dollar (if you search it up, Dave Petzal wrote a review on it that made me want to have it lol).

All in all, its what you put into it, and what you get out of it, that counts.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from fng wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

I can't post the website address for the model (the website is saying it is obscene?!?!?!) but another good view of them is on the website that sells an aftermarket stock for them that I want, I'll see if I can link you there:

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from fng wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

okay, it won't let me post that either. Look up the Rhineland Arms website, searching for their Leopard Mark II stock

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from jhjimbo wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

FNG,
Delete everything to the left of the www to post.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Happy Myles wrote 8 weeks 6 days ago

Spelling. Try Manual, not Manuel.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from JustTakeMeHunting14 wrote 8 weeks 5 days ago

there is hope for america. from what it sounds like your looking into mostly small game hunting. My recommendation is Successful Small Game Hunting by M.D. Johnson, who also is a writer for Field and Stream. It'll tell you everything you need to know about a wide range of game meats including upland game woodland game predators and even some trapping and cooking in the back.And like fezzant said, I'm sure almost all of the gentlemen and women on this site would be more than happy to take you out hunting or fishing.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Knife Freak wrote 8 weeks 4 days ago

For anyone in the outdoors I recommend all of the following.
-Woodcraft and camping- this book is very good and a short read.
- American Boys Handy book- Not only on hunting and more for teen 100 years ago but it is a good read and a bit of a novelty.
-The Ultimate Guide To Skinning and Tanning- Anyone who kills an animal needs to know how to skin it.
-Guide To Trapping- Jim Spencer- If you have any interest in trapping it is a good book.
I am aware they are not all specific hunting, but they are good books on my shelf.

0 Good Comment? | | Report

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