I’ve never been east of the plains and I’ve never been to a game animal preserve so maybe I’m about to misspeak. But, it’s okay by me to hunt a preserve to begin the process to become a hunter. With limited access to public lands and lack of knowledge about taking game and what to do with it once you’ve gotten it down, it seems you have to start somewhere. Seems kinda crowded back there along the east coast.
Yes, there are many opportunities to hunt public lands and sometimes they aren’t always good. Several years ago I hunted elk in Colorado during rifle season, with a rifle. Wow. Worst hunting experience of my life. The crowd mentality only with guns. I haven’t hunted with a rifle since. And I wouldn’t want to introduce anyone new to hunting with what I experienced.
Is it the right way? I don’t know. To me a guided hunt on private land is just about the same. Maybe more challenging, maybe not. DIY may not be for everyone but it should be the ultimate goal since it does build character, can bond people together (or not) and it can highly educational. Fun too!
One of my fears is ONLY being able to hunt in a game preserve. I’ll give up using motorized vehicles and easy access to keep the lands out here open. I’m spoiled out here in the west but I don’t take it for granted. This topic reminds me not to………..
Craig
But, I have been using a good “reactive” target lately that might be of interest. And it’s cheap too, like the balloons. I go out to the local areas where shotgun shooters use clay pigeons and I pick up the good ones left over. I have hung them on a target with tape, put them on dirt banks and suspended them from 2×4 with tape. The size makes them great for a “heart” shot. It’s a very satisfying and a cheap way to add something to your practice.