7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Hunting

For many beginners, hunting on public land is the most accessible option. But it can also be intimidating—there’s more competition, and deer often behave differently due to the pressure. Learning how to navigate and hunt on public land is a crucial skill that can dramatically improve your success rate.

• Navigating Public Land : Public land can seem vast and confusing at first, but with the right resources, it becomes manageable. Use apps on your phone to identify public hunting areas and familiarize yourself with access points, trails, and legal boundaries. Most states’ Fish and Game websites also provide maps and hunting regulations for public lands.

• Public Land Scouting : The key to success on public land is thorough scouting. I use a combination of e-scouting and boots-on-the-ground scouting . Start broad by identifying potential areas with e-scouting tools, then narrow down your options by using trail cameras and personal observation. Deer behavior on public land changes as hunting pressure increases, so be ready to adapt. This approach, known as the funnel method , lets you cast a wide net early on and gradually refine your focus based on the activity you observe.

• Adaptability is Key : One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on public land is that you have to be flexible. Deer will move in response to human pressure, so don’t get too attached to one spot. Be willing to move your cameras or stands to areas with less pressure and more deer activity.

When I first started hunting, I underestimated how much time I’d need to spend not just practicing my shot or scouting the land, but also studying the regulations. These rules are crucial—they determine when, where, and how you can hunt, and they can change from season to season.

• Regulations are Key : Each state has its own hunting laws, and they can vary significantly depending on the type of game, the season, and the weapon you’re using (bow, rifle, or muzzleloader). It’s your responsibility to stay updated on these rules to avoid fines or losing your hunting privileges.

• Know the Season : Make sure you’re clear on when each hunting season begins and ends. Bow seasons often start earlier than rifle seasons, and some areas may have special regulations regarding weapon use, bag limits, or specific hunting days. Misunderstanding these rules can lead to missed opportunities or, worse, legal trouble.

As a beginner, it’s easy to think that the more gear you have, the better hunter you’ll become. But here’s the truth: fancy gear won’t make you a better hunter. What matters is your ability to use what you have effectively.

• Start with What You Have : You don’t need to buy the latest and expensive gear to be successful. Reliable, well-maintained gear is more important than having the newest model, but upgrading certain pieces of equipment as you gain experience can be beneficial.

• TideWe Gear Recommendations : When it comes time to upgrade, TideWe offers affordable, high-quality gear that’s perfect for both new and experienced hunters. Here are a few standout products:

  1. TideWe Hunting Waders

     • If you’re hunting in wet or marshy areas, waterproof waders are essential. TideWe Hunting Waders are lightweight, durable, and 100% waterproof, making them great for waterfowl hunting or navigating flooded areas. They also feature reinforced knees for added protection and come with a handwarmer pocket, which is perfect for those chilly mornings.

  2. TideWe Hunting Blind

     • A hunting blind is essential for staying hidden from your prey, especially in open fields or areas with little natural cover. TideWe Hunting Blind offers a 270-degree field of view with mesh windows that allow for easy, quiet shooting while keeping you concealed. It’s easy to set up and takedown, making it perfect for mobile hunting. The blind is also large enough to accommodate multiple hunters, so it’s great for group hunts or if you need extra space for gear.

  3. TideWe Heated Vest

     • Cold weather can ruin a hunt quickly if you’re not prepared. TideWe Heated Vest is a game-changer for staying warm in the field. It features built-in heating elements that can be adjusted to three different heat settings, keeping you comfortable during long sits in freezing conditions without the bulk of heavy layers.

  4. TideWe Hunting Backpack

     • A durable and functional backpack is a must for carrying gear, snacks, and extra layers. TideWe Hunting Backpack is designed specifically for hunters, with a 3400 cubic inch capacity and compartments for organizing all your equipment. It also has a built-in rain cover and is compatible with a hydration bladder, making it ideal for long treks in the woods.

  5. TideWe Hunting Boots

     • Comfortable, waterproof boots are essential for any hunt. TideWe Hunting Boots are insulated, making them perfect for cold-weather hunts, and they’re designed to be lightweight and durable for long hikes. The boots are also 100% waterproof, keeping your feet dry in wet or snowy conditions.

• Gradual Upgrades : You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics—perhaps a good pair of boots, some camo, and reliable trail cameras. Over time, as you gain more experience, you can start upgrading your gear where it matters most. The key is to stay within your budget while ensuring reliability. TideWe offers great options for hunters looking for quality gear without breaking the bank.

If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self to pay much more attention to the wind and thermals. Deer rely on their sense of smell more than anything else, and if they catch your scent, your hunt is over before it starts.

• Wind Awareness : Always position yourself so the wind is in your favor, meaning it’s blowing your scent away from where the deer are likely to approach. I can’t emphasize this enough—playing the wind is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies in hunting. Even the best camo or quietest approach won’t matter if a deer smells you.

• Thermals in Mountainous Areas : If you’re hunting in hilly or mountainous terrain, thermals come into play. Thermals are air currents that typically rise in the morning as the sun heats the ground and descend in the evening as the air cools. In the morning, warm air rises, potentially carrying your scent uphill, while in the evening, cool air sinks, pushing your scent downhill. Understanding how thermals work can help you choose the right location for your stand, depending on the time of day.

• Access Routes : How you enter and exit your hunting area is almost as important as where you hunt. Many beginners make the mistake of walking through high-traffic deer areas on their way to their stand, unknowingly spooking the deer before they even get set up. Plan your route so that you avoid disturbing bedding areas and food sources. Make sure that the wind is still in your favor as you approach your spot, and be as quiet as possible.

Hunting is a game of patience and persistence, and there will be plenty of days when things don’t go your way. Learning how to deal with disappointment and manage your expectations is crucial to staying motivated and enjoying the experience as a whole.

• Dealing with Disappointment : There will be hunts where you don’t see a single deer, and that’s okay. It’s easy to get discouraged, especially when you’ve put in hours of work scouting, setting up, and waiting. But remember, every moment in the woods is a learning experience. Even if you don’t get a shot, you’re learning more about deer movement, how they react to weather conditions, and what adjustments you can make for next time.

• Shifting Your Perspective : Success in hunting isn’t just about filling your tag. It’s about improving your skills, spending time in nature, and appreciating the entire process. Each season, set small, achievable goals for yourself that go beyond harvesting a deer—whether it’s learning to read sign better, improving your accuracy, or mastering wind direction. These smaller victories will keep you motivated and always give you something to work toward.