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To some people, not much beats getting outdoors, taking deep breaths of fresh air, and immersing themselves in the surrounding nature. Although this December and January may not be the most ideal time to be outside, these months can be a great time to reflect on the past year and really take the time to determine what you want to achieve in terms of the new year. Along with your more common resolutions like making a budget and eating healthier, this new year may present a good opportunity for you to make more outdoor-specific resolutions. If you are an outdoor enthusiast who is struggling to figure out which outdoor-related resolutions you want to set for the new year, the best thing to do is to think about what you enjoy, what you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t done yet, and see what goals other outdoor-lovers like yourself are setting. To help you identify goals to set for 2020, we gathered personal new year resolutions and other outdoor-related resolution suggestions from real outdoor enthusiasts. Plan a mountain bike-packing trip “My New Year’s Resolution this year is to complete a long-distance mountain bike-packing trip. I’ve been wanting to do a bike-packing trip for some time now, and I have discovered some incredible long-distance trails to choose from. Mountain bike-packing is growing in popularity, and the number of routes seem to be growing as well. The main appeal of bike-packing for me is the opportunity to bike (my favorite mode of transportation), cover lots of ground, enjoy spectacular scenery, experience new places, and camp along the way. I am turning 40 this year so this resolution is also a big fitness goal for me. I’m looking forward to pushing my body to its limits!” — Julie Singh, Cofounder of TripOutside.com Take trips to a state park “My family’s New Year’s Resolution is to visit a state park once a month. Once a month may not sound like a lot, but with three kids and all the varying activities that fill up weekends, it’s easy for state park trips to be crowded out of our schedule. Putting our outings into the calendar early ensures that our outings don’t get pushed to the back burner. This particular outdoors resolution is really important for us and is great for other families in a similar stage of life. My husband and I both want our kids growing up experiencing the magic of being outside in the woods, just like we did. The lure of screens or man-made fun is powerful at our kids’ current ages, but a monthly trip to a state park (on top of the usual outdoor activities we enjoy) is the type of family trip that, if prioritized, will show our kids how special and important nature and simple’ fun is.” — Leslie Kiel, Mom, Yoga Teacher, and Writer for QuickQuote.com Train for a triathlon race “I think a great New Year's resolution would be to train for a triathlon. There are many reasons why I recommend triathlons; they've changed me in several positive ways and that is something I'm very thankful for. Triathlons could be extremely beneficial for your mental and physical health, improving your overall health. It's a great sport for those who enjoy multitasking or strive to be better at it. Overall, it's a great accomplishment and could motivate your friends, family, and even set a great example for your kids. It's extremely enjoyable and you'll most likely be hooked!” — Ryan Raskin, Triathlete and Category Director at RECREATIONiD.com Ride your bike to work “This year, your New Year's resolution can be to ride your bike to work for a set number of days each week. It's easy to choose the comfort and convenience of commuting by car, but you will be surprised how much you'll enjoy bike commuting if you discipline yourself to try it out.Riding a bike to work allows you to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and get the heart beating even during the busiest of work weeks. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, stop coming up with excuses on why bike commuting isn't for you and give it a shot. You'll be surprised how accessible it is and how much fun it can be!” — Tyler Smith, Owner of Bicycle2Work.com Try out different outdoor-workout spots “In the year 2020, I want to find a different outdoor workout spot every weekend. I want to document the spaces so that I can look back on them at the beginning of the following year. I am going to aim to push myself to try new exercises in new spaces.” — Joe Flanagan, Fitness App Developer at GetSongbpm Plan frequent micro-adventures I am doing a micro-adventure a month for the year of 2020. I think this is a good one because it is achievable for everyone, it doesn't require any time off and can be completed in your garden as well as on the top of the mountain.A micro-adventure is a concept where you make the most of your 5 p.m.–9 a.m. and requires you to go on a little adventure and sleep outside under the stars. My favorite destination for a micro-adventure is at the top of a hill with a nice view of the sunset or sunrise. I also love combining them with some physical activity such as cycling or hiking.” — Amy Elisabeth, Personal Trainer and Blog Owner Find ways to get out of your comfort zone “The best New Year's resolution is to scare yourself every single day. Fear and anxiety characterized the first decade of the millennium. We can make the world a much better place if we change that mindset. The reason fear is so prevalent is people are running away from fear and they are avoiding getting out of their comfort zone. As a society we are no longer learning how to deal with fear, so that scares us even more and starts a devastating cycle of fear and anxiety. Getting out of your comfort zone every day is easy if you are an outdoor enthusiast. You can do so many things — learn to rock climb, run in nothing but shorts in the snow, do a 24-hour run or bike. Even at the office you can make a toast at lunch, or suggest an idea outside of your domain. Knowing that you are facing your fears every day will help you learn to use the part of your brain called the sgACC — that’s the courage center. You'll soon find that all of your dreams lie on the other side of your fears.” — Patrick Sweeney, Fear Guru, Adventurer, Speaker, and Author of Fear is Fuel  If the New Year’s resolution ideas mentioned above aren’t your cup of tea, here are our suggestions for four additional goals you’ll want to consider: Try outdoor photography Outdoor photography is just one other way to experience the outdoors. You may not think you’re into photography or that you have an artistic eye, but you might find that with outdoor photography, you’re more aware of the beautiful nature that surrounds you and have more lasting memories. Just like everything else, outdoor photography may not be for you, but it likely doesn’t hurt to try it out. At the very least, you will have captured some memorable photos of your outdoor adventures. You may be surprised by what you can capture when you have a camera on hand. Create or join a network of fellow outdoor enthusiasts Going on outdoor adventures alone can be fun, but it can also be fun to go with a group of people who are just as enthusiastic about the great outdoors as you are. In 2020, you might want to try joining a group of adventurists or, if you can’t find a group, create your own group of people who are open to going on outdoor adventures throughout the year with you. These groups can easily be found/made via social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and even Twitter. You can also make an effort to find people who live in your community. Who knows, maybe your neighbor or church leader is an avid adventurist waiting for someone like you to come explore with them. Organize and revamp your gear If you are truly an outdoor enthusiast, chances are you have a decent amount of outdoor gear. Having a lot of gear can be great; however, it can also be a hassle. Maybe you have an entire room full of gear that is either unusable or rarely used. If that’s the case, you should definitely go through your collection and throw out anything that’s unusable, donate what you don’t use, and reorganize the way you store your gear. After all is organized, determine what you want/need to buy for the new year and make a plan or budget for how you will buy that gear.The more organized you are, the more you will be able to get out of your gear. Going through your gear at least once each year can help you avoid gear failure during trips and can give you a good idea of what you need for the upcoming year. Try at least two new outdoor sports You may have a long list of outdoor activities you already enjoy, but it might not hurt to try to add to that list each year by setting a goal to try at least two new outdoor sports in the new year. You can try anything like running a specific race (like a half-marathon), swimming, outdoor competition shooting, rock climbing, hunting, etc. Trying new outdoor activities can help you get out of your comfort zone, help you meet new people, and even help you find a new passion. New may not always be better, but there are chances that you’ll love a new sport you try this year. The bottom line Regardless of what outdoor-related goals you set for 2020, make sure they’re fairly realistic and achievable. You certainly don’t want to look at your list at the end of the year and find that you haven’t been able to accomplish anything on it. Of course, there are things that unexpectedly take place that may draw you away from achieving your outdoor goals, but try your best to make goals you really feel you can do this year. After all, good goals can make this next year the best one yet.

Hunting often takes a significant amount of preparation, skill, patience, and time. All of the effort that goes into hunting may not seem worth it to some, but to others, it’s everything, especially during the fall months. If you know someone who is an avid hunter, you’ll likely see them getting amped up for the upcoming fall hunting season. After all, fall hunting season is a time where hunters gather together, have the chance to go after a wide variety of game, and enjoy the beautiful fall weather and surrounding nature. Do you know someone who is gearing up for an upcoming hunt? If so, consider surprising them with one of these hunting-related gifts that they can use throughout this fall hunting season: Cooking and food Product: Custom Cookbook Description: “This book hosts a collection of recipes from other hunters. The hunt is only the first part of the process. After the hunters kill, they need to know how to make the best meals with their meat. This lets farmers share their recipes, pass down family recipes, and share stories and photos from their hunts.” — Honey and Hive Price: Starts at $120 Available at honeyandhivecreations.com ---- Product: The Meat Eater Fish and Game Cookbook by Steven Rinella Description: “This cookbook by Steven Rinella from the Meat Eater TV show and podcast is designed for every hunter and angler and contains more than 100 new recipes. I’ve given this book to seasoned and brand new hunters. It’s a really well put together compendium of recipes that will educate and encourage any hunter or angler to use the whole animal. There are plenty of pictures along with the recipes, making them harder to botch, which I certainly appreciate, as do my dinner guests.” — Chase Kroll Price: $35 Available on the Meat Eater website ---- Product: The Hunter’s Cookbook Description: “The Hunter's Cookbook is the ultimate gift for the special hunter in your life. There is a good chance they are particular about their equipment so a cookbook is not only a unique gift, it is one that is more likely to be used and appreciated. The best part is that this gift ensures that the pleasure of the hunt extends far past the wilderness and enters the home for an experience the whole family can enjoy. The top-selling cookbook features a wide array of recipes for a large variety of wild game and even includes complementary side dishes and desserts. As an added bonus, the Hunter's Cookbook also has a great selection of wildlife line drawings, cooking tips, and hunting quotes.” — Sam Maizlech, Gunivore Available on Amazon ---- Product: Alpine Start Premium Instant Coffee Description: “This is great for hunting because it's lightweight, easy to pack, and loaded with 120g of caffeine. Just add water (hot or cold) and you've got a great tasting premium cup of coffee without the mess and cleanup.” — Alpine Start Price: $8.99 per box Available on the Alpine Start website Accessories and apparel Product: Szanto Icon Signature Series: Shane Dorian watch Description: “The Szanto ICON Signature Series features a collection of watches tied to famous individuals who have made their mark in a variety of fields. Shane Dorian is a well-known surfer from Hawaii but is also commonly known for his passion for hunting, as he is an avid bowhunter. Conceptualized by watch industry veteran Barry Cohen along with big wave surfer Shane Dorian, the new brand features Swiss superluminova lume on the hands and dial numbers that result in a long-lasting glow for reading time in the dark. The series is strategically designed to have colors blend well with camouflaged gear commonly worn by all hunters. The watches are tough, rugged, dependable, water-resistant timepieces equipped with excellent illumination technology which aids night visibility.” — Time Concepts Price: Between $250–$275 Available on the timeconcepts.net website ---- Product: Spartan Armor System Flex fused core Description: “This soft armor can be used stand-alone, giving level IIIA protection or ICW (in conjunction with) as a backer on any of hard armor systems. This would be the perfect gift for hunters this fall because of its durability and its ability to give the hunter extra protection as they go out this season.” — Spartan Armor Systems Price: $261.45 Available on the Spartan Armor Systems website ---- Product: Ashes to Ashes hat Description: “A hat is a must-have accessory for hunting and being out in the wilderness. Abby's hats are comfortable, breathable trucker hats that are adjustable. They keep the sun out of your eyes and shield your face from trees and branches.” — Art 4 All Price: $29.95 Available on the Art 4 All website ---- Product: Hook + Gaff Field Watch Description: “From hunting to fly fishing, and everywhere in between, the new Field watch was designed for the avid outdoorsman. Built with functional comfort for guys and girls who like to get out and enjoy the outdoors, the new Field watch touts all of the necessary features to endure any excursion. To minimize wrist and hand irritation, the Field watch keeps with the signature left-side crown orientation found on all Hook + Gaff watches. Whether you’re casting, climbing, or shooting in the field, this unique crown placement on the left side of the case prevents the watch crown from digging into the wearer’s wrist, offering comfort during all outdoor pursuits.” — Hook + Gaff Price: $300 Available on the Hook + Gaff website ---- Product: Woodsman Beard Oil Description: “Perfect for hunters with facial hair. Beards can help keep hunters warm during hunting season and our Woodsman beard oil, with all-natural ingredients, will keep beards healthy and looking good.” — The Bearded Bastard Price: $20 Available on The Bearded Bastard website ---- Product: Handmade Leather EDC Wallet Description: “This high-quality EDC wallet, made from vegetable-tanned cowhide leather, allows you to keep your small hunting gadgets like your swiss army knife, compass, pocket knife, keys, flashlights, and other handy items, safely together.” — Calen Leather Price: $35 Available on the Galen Leather website ---- Product: Mobile Warming Heated Apparel Description: “Mobile Warming is a line of smart clothing and associated gear for all outdoor activities, but especially hunting. The clothing (jackets, shirts, base layers, gloves) are heated through a specialized app and the Bluetooth capability of your smartphone. The 9v battery is extremely small and unobtrusive. And there’s even a pet vest if you take your dog with you.” — Mobile Warming Price: Varies per item Available on the Mobile Warming website ---- Product: Jack Pyke Lightweight Mesh Suit Description: “Super lightweight two-piece mesh suit from Jack Pyke is ideal for every hunter who is looking for products enabling him to blend into his surroundings with ease naturally. It comes with a pull-over, smock-style top with an adjustable hood and elasticated waistband and cuffs, and comfortable trousers with two through pockets and adjustable, elasticated waist and ankles. It's available in English Oak camo and English Woodland camo prints offering flawless camouflage in a range of outdoor situations.” — Military 1st Price: $56.95 Available on the Military 1st website ---- Product: Stormy Kromer Waxed Cotton Tough Mitts Description: “These durable water-resistant mitts are made with waxed cotton, goatskin leather, and a sherpa lining, perfect for keeping warm and for use during colder climates, and a great, functional accessory for those who love to hunt.” — Hats.com Price: $59.99 Available on the Hats.com website ---- Product: Badlands Diablo Dos Camouflage Hunting Backpack Description: As stated on the Amazon website, this pack “has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any hunting pack on the market” and comes with hypervent back suspension, water-repellent fabric, and weighs four pounds. Recommended by Benjamin Smith from BestCompany.com Available on Amazon Tech accessories Product: OnX Maps Description: “OnX is a suite of layered interactive GPS maps that include public and private land boundaries and ownership information, downloadable to your smartphone. OnX maps are a great gift for a wide variety of hunters because whether you’re chasing mule deer or mallards, you need to know where you stand. OnX helps you stay legal and ethical in all your wild game pursuits. The app is super intuitive. I use it all over the country.” — Chase Kroll Price: Annual rates are $29.99 for one state or $99.99 for all 50 states Available on the OnX maps website ---- Product: Somewear Satellite Communicator Description: “Whether it’s a quick text to a partner letting them know your hunt is running long, to request assistance for packing out an animal, or an SOS in case of an injury, Somewear is the most user-friendly, satellite communicator on the market. About the size of a hockey puck (weighs 4 oz.), Somewear pairs with your favorite mobile device to provide fast, reliable two-way text messaging, pinpoint weather forecasting, mapping/tracking, and SOS emergency services, anywhere on the planet. Somewear can send and receive 1,000 text messages on a single charge and it features the most affordable Iridium satellite data plans on the market.” — Somewear Labs Price: $349 for the unit, see prices for data plans here Available on the Somewear Labs website ---- Product: Motorola Solutions T265 Sportsman Edition Talkabout Two-Way Radios Description: “The Motorola Talkabout T265 two-way radios are ideal for use when out of cell phone range at the lodge, on the trail, and in the deer stand waiting for the big buck. These are specifically designed for hunters and serious outdoor sports enthusiasts. They feature two push-to-talk earbuds with microphone, reliable two-way communications, up to a 25-mile range, hands-free capability, NOAA weather channels, 20 call tones, and dual power. The T265 also comes equipped with two Micro-USB wall charging cables and a handy camo carry case, making them easy to pack for the next hunting expedition. Two-way radios provide peace-of-mind in the great outdoors by allowing hunters to stay connected and hear important weather alerts when out of cell phone range.” — Motorola Solutions Price: $84.99 Available on the Motorola Solutions website ---- Product: Wosports Hunting Rangefinder Description: According to the Amazon product description, this rangefinder has a lightweight design, “6x magnification optical objective lens,” and comes with a 12-month customer guarantee. Recommended by Benjamin Smith from BestCompany.com Available on Amazon Outdoor relaxation Product: Rhino-Rack Batwing Compact Awning Description: “Rapidly deployed by one person, the Batwing Compact offers fast and generous weather protection and shade. The Batwing Compact Awning is perfect to provide shade and protection from the elements while on your hunting adventure.” — Rhino-Rack Price: $649.00 Available on the Rhino-Rack website ---- Product: Patriot Venture Day Cooler Description: “The Rugged Personal Cooler is perfect for hunting or any outdoor activity. This heavy-duty cooler features an easy-access, quick-flip top, anti-microbial interior, and sealed interior liner designed for ice packs. It keeps food and drinks cold for over 24 hours.” — Patriot Coolers Price: $37.99 Available on the Patriot Coolers website ---- Product: Helinox Chair One Realtree™ Description: “Hunting equipment can get heavy. But with it's innovative and award-winning design, the Chair One won't weigh you down when you're on the move. Smaller than a water bottle, this chair is assured to be your new favorite hunting luxury. Despite its tiny size, this chair is structured with advanced DAC aluminum poles, holding up to 320 lbs.” — Helinox Price: $120 Available on the Helinox website ---- Product: GelPro Elite comfort mat Description: “GelPro mats are some of the plushest and most comfortable mats on the market, providing relief to legs and backs while standing or kneeling in a blind or at home in the hunting lodge at the end of a long hunting day.” — GelPro Elite Price: Start at $119.95 for a 20”x36” mat Available on the GelPro Elite website Tools and Cleanup Product: Geekey Mini Multi-Tool Description: “Whether it's needing a screwdriver or wrench to adjust a scope or bipod, a serrated or file edge for cutting or whittling, or a bottle opener or pipe for the end of the day, the Geekey has it all — and more. Plus, it weighs less than an ounce and can hang from your key ring or around your neck, which means no more scaring off game by rummaging around.” — Geekey Price: $26.99 Available on the Geekey website ---- Product: PF940c Full Build Kit Description: “The PF940c Full Build Kit from JSD Supply is a perfect gift for firearm enthusiasts who have everything. The Glock G19 Compatible build kit will keep them busy for hours in the garage, and out of your hair! The kit includes everything they will need to completely build their very own Glock G19 compatible pistol. All they need to complete this build is a couple of tools they've probably already purchased for other projects around the house.” — JSD Supply Price: $449.99 Available on the JSD Supply website ---- Product: Hunting Semi-Folding Knife with Rosewood Handle Description: “The Semi foldable handle knife is the best companion for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, etc. It comes with a sharp stainless steel blade which opens safely with a little pressure. Wooden plates are installed on each side to make the grip comfortable. The semi-utility is a cool outdoor companion, especially for survival situation that can occur while hunting. It's a great solution for cutting fruits, meat, vegetables, bread, and opening cans. It is also good for self-defense to encounter predators or small insects.” — Syed Ali Hasan, Film Jackets Available on Amazon  ----- Product: Buck Knife Field Master Kit Description: According to the Amazon website, this kit includes the “141 PakLite Large Skinner, the 135 PakLite Caper, and the 499 PakLite Guthook.” Additionally, the kit comes with an easy-to-clean sheath. Recommended by Benjamin Smith, BestCompany.com Available on Amazon ---- Product: Game Hauler | Cart Dolly for Game, Gear, Hunting Accessories Description: “Hauls up to 500 pounds while the cart itself is lightweight and easy to move. My dad and I use these all the time if we can get one into where the animal is to make the haul out easier. My dad picked up an entire female deer he had shot one time and carried it down the mountain. His meniscus was unforgiving and had ripped by the time he made it to the bottom.” — Benjamin Smith, BestCompany.com Available on Amazon ---- Product: Grease Monkey Wipes Description: “These individually packaged, pre-moistened wipes are perfect when there's no soap and water around, cleaning off blood, grease, oil, grime, lead residue, and more from hands, metal and more. And, they give off a natural aloe and citrus scent compared to an unnatural chemical odor.” — Grease Monkey Price: $6.74 for a 12-count package Available on the Grease Monkey website The bottom line These hunting gifts may just help your favorite hunter get a good head start on the upcoming hunting season. The more useful items they can get beforehand, the better off they will be when hunting season comes around. After all, being well-prepared for a hunt can make all the difference. If you are interested in gifting ammunition, firearms, or additional hunting accessories, consider checking out this list of top-rated online gun and ammo stores.

Guest Post by Christine Morford If you’re a boat owner, fishing is just one of many activities you can partake in on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or woman who embarks on trips with the intention of bringing home a sizable haul or if you’re a casual hobbyist more interested in spending a fun day on the water, it’s important to be diligent with your boat’s upkeep and keep the right gear on hand to ensure you’re safe and prepared for future fishing expeditions. Routine maintenance Just as you do with your car, you need to keep track of oil and filter change intervals with your boat so that a breakdown doesn’t derail your fishing trip. Track the hours you spend on your boat and cross-check it with your manufacturer’s recommendations. Oil changes are typically performed every 50–100 hours. Oil changes are a great time to check for oil or fuel leaks in the bilge or water. You should also get in the habit of checking before you go out for a longer fishing trip. Lubricate your electrical components regularly to keep things running as they should. Keep marine-grade grease on hand to ensure they stay protected before, during, and after a fishing trip. Pay special attention to your propellers; fishing line from previous trips can easily get caught and wrapped around the shaft, effectively destroying the seal and leading to leaks. It’s also important to be mindful of fuel levels and quality whenever you’re getting ready to take your boat out. Consider purchasing fuel stabilizer to add to your tank to keep the fuel fresh and clean. It’s a relatively inexpensive investment and you’ll notice the difference when your engine runs at its peak performance for longer. Before a trip, make sure you have enough fuel in the tank to get out and back. Go by the two-thirds rule: plan to use two-thirds of your fuel supply to complete the journey, leaving one-third as a reserve in the event that wind, waves, or other weather conditions change on your return. General cleaning tips and essential gear Cleaning is of course a big part of the post-fishing trip checklist. However, you want to make sure you set out on a trip with everything in pristine condition, so nothing keeps you from casting as soon as you’re out on the water. First and foremost, your boat needs an onboard washdown pump to things clean with minimal effort. Some of the best offerings are ones with multiple pressure settings so you can hit more sensitive areas like windows and hatches with lower pressure and avoid seepage and rust. It’s always a good idea to periodically rinse down your boat while you’re fishing to save time and effort at the end of the trip.A few other cleaning essentials to have on hand include a sponge, bucket, and mild soap for more thorough washes. You might also want to invest in some Bar Keepers Friend for tackling tough stains and splatter. Don’t forget waxes, polishes and protectants for seat cushions and other surfaces that are vulnerable to harsh UV rays. In addition to cleaning supplies, regardless of how long you plan to be out or how far you plan to stray from shore, you need to run through a quick safety gear checklist. This includes a first aid kit with items to clean and bandage injuries (especially those sustained from hooks) as well as medications for common ailments like headaches, allergies and seasickness. You should also have flares, lift jackets, a life raft, an AED, fire extinguisher and a man overboard system.Lastly, don’t forget about general supplies for you and your passengers. Stock up on water, snacks, and sunscreen. Consider keeping extra pairs of sunglasses, hats and sweaters on your boat during fishing season. You never know when something small will go overboard or a chilly wind will pick up. If you plan to gut fish onboard, boots are also a good idea. Fishing gear While cleaning gear, safety equipment, and snacks are important to have for all boating excursions, a few additional items will come in handy for a fishing expedition. The most obvious include rods, reels, and bait. If you plan to troll, or keep your lure at a fixed depth, invest in a downrigger, which help keep the line safely in place. After a trip, particularly if you’re fishing in saltwater, rinse down all your equipment, from tackle boxes to lures, to avoid rust and corrosion. If you plan on keeping the fish you catch, you’ll also want a cooler. Don’t forget supplies for cleaning your cooler; this is best done as soon as you’ve returned and removed the fish, otherwise smells can linger and mold can develop, ruining a cooler forever. Cleaning tablets are available, but sometimes nothing beats a decent scrub brush and some baking soda. Make sure your tool kit is well-stocked with gloves, pliers, spare parts, and scissors or wire cutters, which will come in handy for cutting fishing line. You might also want to bring along a Fish Finder or Chartplotter. If you plan to troll for long periods of time during your outing, it might be wise to invest in autopilot for your boat. Fishing is an awesome way to spend time outdoors, either with a group of friends or on your own. The ability to fish from a boat elevates the experience greatly. Whether you want to spend a day on the water with friends catching and releasing fish or if a solitary expedition is more your speed, you can follow these tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly and safely and your boat stays in great shape for many trips to come. Christine Morford is the Category Director for BOATiD.com. Driven by her love for the outdoors and passion for the water, she has happily spent the last ten-plus years working in the marine industry.

The sport of hunting is actually more complex than you may think. At first glance, hunting may seem like a simple hobby that you can pick up right after taking a trip to your local outdoorsman store. Only once you actually go hunting will you realize that there’s much more than what meets the eye. It can be hard to get into hunting, especially if you don’t have anyone who can explain the steps. If you are having trouble knowing how to begin your hunting journey, here are a few steps and tips to help you get started. Safety The first and most important thing a beginner hunter needs to learn is proper hunter safety.Owner of The Big Game Hunting Blog and experienced hunter, John McAdams recommends that beginners take a hunter safety course and find a hunting mentor: “First, prospective hunters should take a hunter safety course. Most states require that hunters pass hunter education before purchasing a hunting license. Even when not required, this is useful training that I highly recommend all prospective hunters complete. In addition to detailing a number of important safety practices all hunters should abide by, hunter education also provides useful information on relevant hunting laws and regulations, hunting etiquette, (and) a general overview of important hunting tips. Consult your state fish and game department for details on how to take hunter education training.”  He adds “After passing hunter education, I recommend finding a mentor to help out with a lot of the finer points of hunting. If you don’t have any family members or close friends that hunt, consider checking out Powder Hook, which is an online resource where you discover a place to hunt and find a mentor in your area that can help get you pointed in the right direction as you begin your hunting career.”Eric Andrews, owner of Hunting Buff, echoed McAdams’ remarks about the benefits of taking a hunter safety course. He also stressed the importance of hands-on learning:  “Before going on your first hunting trip, make sure to take a hunter safety course in the state where you'll hunt. This course will help you understand the safety rules and hunting regulations in your area. Also, before you go gun or bowhunting, make sure you visit a range and get some experience firing your weapon."   Paul Ronto, seasoned hunter/outdoorsman and CMO and Director of Digital Content for RunRepeat also firmly believes that taking time to learn hunter safety is crucial:“First and foremost new hunters need to understand firearm safety before they ever step foot in the field. Whether it's a rifle, shotgun, or even a bow, hunters need to know how to handle a weapon, how to carry one safely, and how to accurately and safely fire their weapon. Practice time at the range is crucial; firing a gun or releasing on a bow is like any other skill, and practice makes perfect. You wouldn't step onto the pitcher's mound expecting to throw a perfect game without years of practice, and shooting is very similar, especially with larger or more dangerous animals or at longer distances. Nothing worse can come out of a hunt than either injuring yourself, a fellow hunter, or your prey because of ignorance about your weapon." Although safety might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are planning a hunting trip, you should definitely make it a priority. Game and area planning Once you learn the right hunter safety basics, then you can focus on what you want to hunt and what area you want to hunt in. If you are interested in hunting in a different state, follow the proper state hunting laws and protocols. Determining what you want to hunt can be difficult, especially if you have no hunting experience. McAdams said that “going after small or upland game (rabbit, grouse, squirrel, pheasant, etc.) is a great way for beginners to get started hunting. Those sort of hunts usually don’t require very specialized equipment, are often more action-packed, and are usually less physically demanding than hunting big game like deer or elk. However, they still offer beginners a great opportunity to hone their skills and take home some healthy and delicious meat before attempting a more difficult hunt.”Once you know what kind of game you want to go after, start conducting personal research to see which areas in your state would be the best place to find that game.“Knowing the area you are going to hunt and/or knowing how to read a map is a crucial skill before you step into the field. Getting lost in the woods is a serious issue and hundreds if not thousands of people a year get lost while hunting or hiking. So know where you are at all times, have a plan for where and when to meet up with your group, and know how to get back to the tent or truck even if it gets dark. GPS can help, but relying on it can get you into trouble too. Nothing beats paying attention to your geographic surroundings and knowing how to read a proper map,” Ronto explained. Local laws Your planning isn’t finished once you decide where you want to hunt and what game you are going to go after. The next step is to understand the local hunting laws and regulations for the particular area you are planning on hunting in. Hunting laws and regulations often vary by state, area, and hunting season, and are also subject to change. For instance, you might find new or different restrictions regarding deer hunting in place this year than what was in place the previous year. It’s crucial to keep up on what rules, regulations, and laws are currently in place for the area you want to hunt in before you start hunting. Ronto explains, “Being aware of local hunting laws and hunting ethics is key. You need to have a wealth of knowledge about where you can hunt, when you can hunt, how to get permits, where public/private land starts and ends, and how to ethically hunt before you head out into the woods. Go talk to the local DOW or DNR, stop in at forest service stations and ask rangers; it's better to ask for help so you are sure you are hunting legally than doing something that can get you into trouble.” Sam Maizlech, firearms and survival expert for Gunivore.com, also stressed the importance of knowing hunting laws. He advises “As a hunter, it's your responsibility to know all the laws, rules, and regulations to ensure you have a safe and lawful experience. While some regulations are pretty standard, there are countless laws which are downright hard to believe. For example, it's illegal to shoot wild game birds on the ground in Kansas. Another great example is Montana's ban on electronic hunting aids, such as trail cameras. At the end of the day, every state has all of the relevant laws and general information on their gaming commission or division of wildlife websites. The important this is to stay up-to-date and follow all the necessary precautions so that you can hunt in peace without worrying about any legal consequences.” Gear Becoming a hunter isn’t cheap. You need to buy the right shoes, weapons, clothes, accessories, etc. Although there are a few ways you can save money on hunting gear, you’ll find that investing in good gear overtime will prove to be worthwhile. Ronto strongly recommends getting appropriate hunting footwear.He explains that “out of all the gear you need to go hunting, nothing is really more important than your hiking footwear. You can deal with cold, wet, or even hot weather without the right gear, but expecting to take down an animal without having to walk, especially in the vast expanses of the West, is not realistic. Not only are you on your feet all day chasing prey, once you take one down, you have to hike it out. So be sure to have solid boots that you've broken in well before your big hunt.” Footwear and clothing can make or break your hunting experience. Ronto adds that having gear that can withstand bad weather can definitely make a difference: “There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear. After you get your footwear situated, having the right gear makes hunting much more enjoyable. Sure, you can hunt in jeans and a hoodie, but when bad weather hits, it's nice to have proper insulating layers, waterproof outerwear, and a pack that can handle over 100lbs should you need to pack out your kill on foot. I don't think new hunters need to go out and buy the most expensive gear they can find. You don't need to invest all your money in year one, but slowly start to build up your hunting equipment." He added that it’s good to “start with a solid waterproof jacket. Next look for a good pack that can carry weight well. From there you can find pants and insulating layers that fit the climate of where you hunt. Also, you don't need camo if you don't have it. Any drab color like brown or green will work; plus in most places, you have to wear blaze orange anyway which defeats the purpose of expensive camo patterns. So don't feel the need to invest in high tech hunting-specific clothing on day one.” Butchering Knowing how to butcher in the field can be helpful if you are going after bigger game. After all, most people don’t want to spend extreme amounts of energy and time awkwardly hiking back with a large animal on their shoulders. Ronto says that “it's really important to know how to butcher an animal in the field. Watch youtube videos for this, learn how to either field dress an animal, or even better, how to quarter an animal. Quartering an animal is a quick and easy way to break your kill down into manageable pieces that you can hike out. It's crucial to get your meat onto ice or into a cool setting quickly so your kill doesn't go bad. Late season hunts don't have to worry about this as much, but early season hunters need to start the cooling process as quickly as possible which many times means butchering to some extent in the field. Have a sharp knife with you at all times and a way to sharpen that knife through the butchering process. I personally like the knives with changeable blades so I don't have to mess with a sharpening stone or kit.” Additional expert tips The steps mentioned above can help you get started on your hunting journey. However, you will likely need additional guidance before you go hunting. You can seek the help of an experienced hunter, conduct your own hunting research, and consider following the additional expert tips listed below. Get outside “As a new hunter the biggest bit of advice I can give you is to just get out there and start looking for animals. Go hike, get used to being in the field, find animals, follow them, stalk them, and learn their habits. You can do this year round, no need to wait for hunting season. Hunting is a great excuse to get outside, and the more you do it the more you'll fall in love with the outdoors, which is what hunting is really trying to save. Hunters are the biggest contributors to conservation of public lands and rangeland management of any of the user group that recreates outdoors, get out there and learn why it's so crucial to preserving our right to our lands.” — Ronto Focus on accuracy“While getting the best shot may seem like a nice bonus, the truth is that you want to get the best shot to prevent as much suffering to the animal as possible. Hunting demands a certain degree of responsibility and that extends to the game as well. In practice, this means you may have to wait until you can guarantee a kill shot. Likewise, hunters should always check their target after it goes down and carry a backup gun and tactical blade to end its suffering if need be.” — MaizlechThink about your prey“Seeing your prey is step one in killing your prey. Learn to walk off trail without having to look down. You need to be able to walk through the woods while paying attention to your surroundings. A lot of new hunters bump off prey long before they ever see it because they are focused on the ground. Think like your prey. Finding animals is hard, especially so during hunting season, so change your mindset and remember simple things about your prey, like they need water multiple times a day, they need food, and they need rest. Find their patterns and you'll find them.” — RontoInvest in binoculars “Good binos are something you'll want to save for and invest in as soon as you can...binos are a key tool needed to locate your prey. My advice is to save for a season or two and invest into a good pair rather than buying a cheap pair your first season. You'll quickly grow out of the cheap pair and have wasted your money, so wait until you know you want to continue to hunt, then buy something decent in the $400-$1,000 range.” — RontoUse the right weapon“If you're going to be turkey hunting, many states have laws against the use of rifles. You'll need to use a shotgun in many areas.” — AndrewsEat your meat“I know this sounds like common sense, but a lot of new hunters are unsure of how to prepare their kill when it comes time to eat it. Hunting should not be about horns or trophies, those are icing on top of the cake if you get them, but the real point is to put food in your freezer and on your table. Share your meat with people around you and show them how good it can be. There are tons of recipes and shows dedicated to cooking wild game. Try a few and find your favorites. Ethically speaking too, take as much meat off your kill as you can, leaving anything is a waste of a precious life you took to sustain your own life, use everything to its fullest.” — Ronto The bottom line Hunting requires a significant amount of time, energy, patience, and money in the beginning. Once you get started, however, things get easier. Getting the right gear, weapons, and ammunition can help make your first hunting trip one to remember. If you are looking for the best places to purchase hunting firearms, gear, and ammunition online, click here to check out our top-rated online gun and ammo stores.

Transitioning from casual shooting to competition-level shooting can be an intimidating process. You might find yourself going from standstill target shooting to clock-ticking run and gun shooting. You may be worried about showing up to a competition looking like a novice with limited equipment and knowledge in front of experienced competitors. All this stress may even end up holding you back from entering competitions. One way to calm your nerves is to talk to experienced competition shooters. We asked a few experienced competition shooters to share how they got started, what they wish they had known before they started, what advice they have, and what gun competitions they would recommend for beginners. Brandon Black, Editor of AmmunitionToGo.com blog How he got his start: "Shortly after I initially passed hunter's education, my father and I got started in trapshooting. I had a good time with that and eventually, that grew into dipping my toes into local IDPA matches and even a splash of 3-Gun when time allows." What he wishes he had known: "It doesn't matter what gear you have, pistols you shoot, or ammo you use. I thought that when I got started, my factory model Glock would make me look like I had no idea what I was doing and I was the 'new guy'. If you look around — especially at local matches — you're going to see guys with $2,000 custom set-ups and guys shooting pistols that might've been under $400. It's not the gear that makes the shooter, especially when you're just starting out and competing locally." Advice for beginners: "I think the biggest thing is having the courage to show up. For some reason, a lot of us think there is a stigma that if we're competing that means we're also going to be 'judged'. Because of it, I know a lot of shooters who are regulars at the range who don't want to try any sort of competition shooting. The funny thing is, I find fellow competitors are typically the exact opposite. Most competitive shooters are more than willing to help a new shooter or new competitor out and you'll find the other shooters are some of the most welcoming people you could ask for." Suggested Competitions: "Once you're comfortable and confident handling a firearm, head out to a local match and jump in. If you're not sure how things work exactly, just ask. Most of us have been there and we remember the first-match jitters so we're more than gracious to help out. Most clubs will be excited at the prospect of having another match attendee." Nick Dahlberg, Co-Owner of Stock & Barrel Gun Club How he got his start: "I had been interested in the sport for a while, but didn’t get involved until a little over two years ago when we opened Stock & Barrel Gun Club in Chanhassen, MN. Many individuals had approached me about starting a winter indoor competition league, which sounded really fun. So, a few months after the club opened, I created a USPSA league and started participating. I was a little nervous at first, but those nerves went away quickly. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. You don’t need all the gear you see some shooters using. We have some people in the league at Stock & Barrel that don’t even have a holster. It’s just a great group of people, and I wish I would have started competitive shooting sooner." What he wishes he had known: "I wish I would have known how easy it was to get started. If I had, I would have started sooner. You watch videos of competition shooters, see how good they are and all the gear they have, and think ‘I can’t do that.’ But competition shooting is a lot of fun and you don’t need all the specialized equipment the professionals use. Also, don’t think you need to be a certain skill level. Just start. Your skills with your gun will progress so much faster when you shoot competitively." Advice for beginners: "Practice your safety skills. Safety is at the foundation of this sport. Some competitions require you to run. You may be pointing your gun in different directions. Know and really focus on your gun safety skills." Suggested Competitions: "I would recommend getting involved in a local competition first. Most competitions or leagues will have resources where you can learn about the sport. At Stock & Barrel, we have an orientation night a few times a year where we talk about competition shooting, the rules, and give everyone an idea of what the sport is like. I would recommend attending one of those just to give you a baseline." Sam Maizlech, Contributor for Gunivore How he got his start: "I've been shooting since I was a young kid in the Scouts, so it was only a matter of time until I decided to get into competitive shooting. Although I grew up shooting pistols mostly, I developed an aptitude for skeet shooting and decided to pursue that." What he wishes he had known: "I would have loved to start cowboy competitions when I was younger but I wasn't exposed to them until I was much older." Advice for beginners: "Invest in the right clothes - While it's easy to focus on firearms and accessories, you can't overlook the importance of a proper shooting outfit. Proper shooting attire means finding comfortable, practical, and non-restrictive clothing. For starters, you'll want to invest in durable yet lightweight shoes or boots that will give you traction, support, and flexibility. Likewise, make sure your shirt and pants won't slow you down or restrict any movements." Suggested Competitions: "I recommend long-range shooting competitions since you don't have to focus too much on speed." McKenzie Hanson, TargetBarn.com How she got her start: "I first learned to shoot with a local women’s gun club that would occasionally hold a small match for its members to practice. It was a great, low-pressure environment to test the waters of competition shooting. After gaining confidence in this small club match, I was invited by some members of the club to compete in Steel Challenge at a local range that regularly held sanctioned Steel Challenge, USPSA, 3-Gun, and IDPA matches. After that first sanctioned match, I was hooked!" What she wishes she had known: "You don’t need to have the newest and fanciest gun and equipment to compete. Your money is much better spent on a training class that teaches you how to be a better shooter and ammo for practice. After all, a more expensive gun won’t make you a better shooter." Advice for beginners: "Safety is the most important aspect of competition shooting. Before you head out to your first match, spend time working on the basics to the point that safe firearm handling comes second nature. If you are confident in your firearm handling abilities, you will feel much more comfortable when it’s your turn to step up to the firing line. Also, let the Match Director know that you are new to competing so that they can team you up with a more experienced shooter to guide you through your first match." Suggested Competitions: "Any match you choose is sure to have friendly faces that will be more than happy to help out. I think that Steel Challenge is a great match for beginners because the courses of fire are simple with minimal feet movement." Competition shooting is a learning process Competition shooting is all about being willing to learn and continue learning. Not even the pros can shoot a perfect competitive shooting match every single time. They are still learning, too. If you are a beginner, it's important to take the time to learn from others and learn from your own mistakes. Talking with more experienced competition shooters can help you determine what type of competitions you want to try, what guns and ammo you need, what gear you should buy, and much more. The more you learn, the more you can improve. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be the experienced shooter giving advice to beginners.