Mississippi’s youth firearm season for whitetail deer opens tomorrow and, through a variety of combinations, will remain open throughout north and central Mississippi through the end of January. Weather in the past few weeks has entered an ideal phase for both deer movement and hunter tolerability, meaning opportunities to capitalize on chances to put meat in the freezer and experiences into memory are in their prime.
Starting small
When you are introducing a new hunter of any age to the outdoors, make sure to consider things from their point of view.
A new hunter doesn’t know what they’re getting into. That’s up to the mentor to consider. If it’s going to be cold, hot, windy or a long walk, they absolutely must be prepared accordingly.
Make sure they have approximately the same camo and equipment you have, appropriate to their age. Make sure their clothes and boots fit and that they’re comfortable. Above all, make sure they’re comfortable, no matter how well or otherwise their clothing may fit.
If they’re not going to be able to walk far, hunt close. If they’re not going to be able to last long, either slip in late or quit early as opportunities best allow. In all cases, do so before they’re miserable.
If seeing some deer involves sitting in a shooting house, blind or ladder stand until dark, pack along plenty of snacks, plenty of drinks and a sleeping bag to wrap them up in if it’s going to be cold.
In fact, bring a sleeping bag for them to wrap up in whether you think it’s going to get cold or not. When the sun goes down and the temperature drops any amount, wrapping up in a sleeping bag is a great remedy to the chills of body and of mind.
Show them how to do the hunting whisper and keep the conversation going.
If you tell them what’s going on all the time, even when it looks like nothing’s happening, you’re more likely to last long enough to show them what you’re after.
Make sure they have binoculars and a compass. Show them how to glass for things and let them tell you which way to walk to get back to the truck, even if you can practically still see it from your stand.
In sight
Teaching new rifle shooters how to use a scope is a step of mentorship that can be more challenging than anyone who hasn’t done it might imagine. Experienced hands are apt to forget, seeing through the scope at all requires some getting used to and, likely, some fitting of the new hunter’s cheek to the comb, the top of the stock of the rifle. Too close, too far or too sideways and they won’t see a thing.
It can be helpful for the instructor to draw on paper the crosshairs of the scope they’ll be using. That way, when the new shooter is asked if they can see a full picture, they won’t have to wonder, “A full picture of what?”
Also, practice giving the instruction to shoot when ready as calmly as possible and don’t rush them. Once you make this call you become a spectator and the responsibility is theirs.
Going public?
While private and hunting club land opportunities have flourished in recent years, there’s no need to overlook the thousands of acres of deer-bearing public ground right at our fingertips. They offer a wonderful chance to practice woodsmanship and hunting skills on land that belongs to us all.
As a starting point, hunters may find information at mdwfp.com or by visiting the local district office at Elvis Presley Lake.
What is where?
Maps and most recent information obtained here can be a great way to get the ball rolling. What areas have had a prescribed burn recently? Before hard frosts hit, these areas can be among the most productive found anywhere, public or private.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
