“Becoming a hunter” - “Locavores and others entering the world of hunting” - “The new diverse hunting community”
First time hunters must complete a short course before they are eligible to buy a hunting license. Firearms used for sporting purposes generally do not require a permit, except as required by a few rare local laws throughout the USA. Information about public hunting areas can be obtained from your state wildlife agency. Information about the hunter safety course, required to buy a hunting license, can be obtained through that agency, as well as regulations governing hunting in your state. For New York, see the links at the bottom of this page.
The scope of the hunter safety course is limited and before actually hunting it is wise to seek additional information. In addition to learning about hunting you have to learn to shoot from a certified instructor or a friend experienced with shooting and/or hunting.
Learning how to hunt is up to you. You can learn on your own, consult others and books, or you can find an experienced hunter willing to teach you. In any event, the process of learning about hunting is never-ending and should be viewed as part of the fun.
For more information about Hunter Education class and to find a class in your area... click HERE!
For more information about Waterfowl Identification class and to find a class in your area... click HERE!
Legalizing dove hunting in the eight lower states that do not allow it, would facilitate new hunters and expand hunting opportunities for the novice and experienced hunter alike. Doves are the number one gamebird in the USA with more doves harvested than any other game species. The foremost reason for its popularity among hunters is the table quality of the meat. Other key reasons are because dove populations are exceedingly large and widespread and therefore, they are available to everyone on public hunting land. Another reason doves are popular with hunters is because they can be hunted with the lightest of ammunition and dove hunting does not require a lot of equipment, making it attractive to the less physically able, novice or economically disadvantaged. Dove hunting does not require extremely harsh conditions or terrain, such as that which is inherent with duck hunting. Many urban hunters cannot readily butcher a large animal such as a deer at their home; the same hunters however, have no issues cleaning doves. Unfortunately, dove hunting is not allowed in NY, NJ, CT, MA, NH, VT, ME, MI and AK. However, sportsmen and biologist are working to legalize dove hunting nationwide, with the exception of AK because doves only occur there as an accidental species. NY Dove Hunting urges new hunters to voice an interest in dove hunting to their state wildlife agency, hunting club or organization, their governor, and their state representatives.