2007 hunting preview: Start here ... 20 things for the field

Perhaps a neighbor told a good tale. Maybe a magazine cover on a grocery aisle stirred a need. The idea of hunting suddenly is appealing. Questions arise. Where? How? Let's say here. Now. Newbies might not even know what to ask, so we've skipped the questions and gone right to the answers, 20 of them that will get a novice into the field safely and out of the field satisfied.

1. Shotgun shells

Yes, choosing the proper shotgun shells can make a difference. The key is matching the choke of your shotgun with shot size to optimize your chances for a clean kill.

And the best way to figure out what works best is to pattern your shotgun. Go to a gun range and shoot at large sheets of paper using different combinations of shotgun shells, chokes and distances. You want pellets evenly distributed in a 30-inch circle.

Shotgun shell manufacturers often offer helpful guides to shot selection on each box. Federal, for example, recommends No. 3, 4 or 6 steel shot with an improved cylinder or modified choke when shooting small ducks at 20 to 30 yards.

2. Shotguns

Selecting a shotgun is like selecting a pair of pants: One size doesn't fit all. Whether you get the standard 12- or 20-gauge shotgun, or the more rare 16- or 28-gauge, the key is making sure it fits you. Most shotguns are mass-produced to fit an "average-sized" male. But most people aren't of average size. Thus experts say few guns right off the rack fit without some adjustments. The best advice: Have an expert help you, either a gunsmith or someone knowledgeable about how to fit a gun.

3. Decoys

From full-bodied deer decoys used by archers to tiny dove decoys and, of course, duck and goose decoys, fake critters help get the real thing within shooting range. They are essential for duck and goose hunting. A good waterfowl decoy spread can result in closer, cleaner kills — and more of them. And, of course, there are the electronic spinning-winged duck decoys, which some hunters swear by — and others have sworn off.

4. Boots/footwear

Boots are like restaurants: They will all get the basic job done, but some will do it much better than others. And you usually get what you pay for.

Our advice: Don't skimp. Often overlooked, there is no more important piece of hunting gear. An ill-fitting, heavy pair of boots can make a day afield pure drudgery. Some recommendations:

• Break in new boots well before the hunting opener, unless you want blisters the size of hamburger buns.

• For most feet, there isn't one perfect all-purpose hunting boot. You may need a couple of different pairs, depending on what you're hunting and when you do it.

• If you're sitting motionless in a deer stand on a cold November day, you'll obviously want an insulated boot. But if you're hiking miles after pheasants or ruffed grouse on a mild October afternoon, you might well want an ultralight, uninsulated boot.

5. Maps/where to hunt?

You're all set to go hunting. So where do you go? Unless you're hunting Uncle Joe's place again, a good map is essential. Especially if you're hunting some of the hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands in Minnesota.

Some options:

• The DNR offers 51 Public Recreation Information Maps (PRIM) that cover the entire state. They identify federal, state and county lands available for public recreation. Cost: $5.95 each. For more information, see www.startribune.com/a3292.

• There are several publishers of Minnesota atlases, which show in detail the public lands in Minnesota. Most are available at the usual outdoors outlets and map stores. Also, county plat books, which show ownership of land (helpful in seeking permission to hunt private land) are available at most county courthouses.

• There's a wealth of information available on the Internet, including aerial photos, topographic maps and interactive maps. The DNR's map site is one place to get started. See www.startribune.com/a3293.

6. Blinds

Remaining hidden is critical to many types of hunting. Waterfowl hunting blinds can be elaborate or simple and costly or inexpensive. Collapsible blinds for duck boats can run hundreds of dollars, but they offer tremendous hideability. Layout blinds allow you to comfortably lie down to hunt geese and ducks in fields. But an inexpensive piece of camo cloth can hide you, too.

7. First-aid kit

A blister, a cut from barbed wire or a hunting knife, a sprained ankle — there are many ways to get injured in the field. Having a decent first-aid kit along makes a lot of sense, especially if you're a long way from help. Some hunters also bring along a separate canine first-aid kit for their hunting dog.

8. Hearing/eye protection

Many longtime hunters suffer from hearing loss. Consider some kind of hearing protection, especially in the tight confines of a duck blind or goose pit. There are a variety of ear-protection systems out there, from expensive electronic devices to cheap foam ear plugs. Almost anything is better than nothing. And shooting glasses can prevent eye injuries.

9. Cell phone/walkie-talkies

Cell phones are great to have along, especially for emergencies — or just to call ahead to say there will be no wild game tonight. Walkie-talkies also can be handy. Just remember, in Minnesota you can't use electronic communications to take big game or small game. It's OK to tell your buddy you're heading back to the vehicle or cabin for lunch. It's not OK to tell him that a big buck is coming his way. Different states have different regulations, so be sure you know what is legal and what isn't.

10. Hunting regulations

Unless you've been lost in the Amazon, you know hunting regulations have grown in number and complexity. Every fall, scores of hunters are cited for illegalities — some intentional, but many because of ignorance or inattention. Recommendation: Pick up a copy of the DNR's regulations and read through it. As an ethical hunter, you need to know the rules. And if you have questions, call the DNR.

11. Licenses

You'd be surprised how many folks show up in the woods, fields and sloughs each fall without a hunting license or the required stamps. Get your license early. And remember to sign any stamps.

12. Rifle/cartridges

Most popular caliber is the .30-06, but for hunting deer in Minnesota, many others will do, including the .30-30, a standby for generations. Find a rifle that fits and is affordable. Buying used can be a good route; guns that are well taken care of usually only improve with age. For the youngster? A .243 in a youth model is ideal. The ammunition is relatively inexpensive, the caliber (in the 100-grain range for whitetails) is sufficient, and when your son or daughter grows out of it, a well-kept .243 can be traded or sold with little or no lost value. Regardless of model or caliber, sighting in is critical. Best to accomplish this over two or three sessions at a gun range, especially if you're new to shooting.

13. Bow

Beginning archers should dedicate a fair amount of time to the purchase of a bow. Choices are many, fit is critical. But high-quality advice can be a challenge to find. Begin, if possible, by seeking opinions on bow makers from friends who hunt. PSE. Hoyt. Bow-Tech. Browning. Diamond. These are just a few of the high-quality brands. Most important: Don't overestimate the heft of the bow you want to pull back. Pull what you are comfortable with and no more. Expect to pay a minimum of about $425 for a new outfit; about $1,000 will buy a higher-end model. Then practice, and practice some more. Fun and challenging as archery can be, it's unethical to go into the field unprepared to make clean kills.

14. Calls

Name the prey species, from coyotes to whitetails, and there's a call that will aid the hunter's effort in most instances. And it's never been easier to learn to call, thanks to DVDs, tapes and other teaching tools. Most important: Keep in mind that in calling, less is usually more — especially if the caller is new to the game.

15. Dogs

Dog work is one of the true joys of bird hunting. This assumes the dog is actually working, not driving you nuts. Research before buying is important. Flushing dogs such as springers, retriever/flushers such as Labradors, and pointing dogs (English pointers and English setters are two breeds) are most commonly seen in Midwest hunting fields. To get the most from a hunter/canine relationship, buy quality and train often — preferably year-round.

16. Clothing

Whitetail hunters are more successful in the field these days than in years past in part because they can stay in their stands longer than they could before so many clothing advancements were made. Similarly, bird hunters can walk farther with today's waterproof, comfortable boots than they could in years past. That said, "it ain't a style show out there," and novice (and other) hunters on a budget looking to cut corners can make do in many instances with duds already owned. But, if you are looking to buy ... stay away from cotton, layering only synthetics against your skin. And light, waterproof outerwear that can be combined with fleece or other synthetic undergarments is best.

17. Knife/knives

Two factors to consider: Folding knives are more compact than straight knives. But the folders can be more difficult to clean. Buy what feels good and what you can afford. Keep it sharp by bringing a stone or other edging device into camp and/or the field.

18. Field-dressing gloves

Always wear latex or other gloves when cleaning game. And not just deer but birds, too.

19. Hunting the Web

Incomplete and inaccurate as some information is on the Internet, much can be gained by hunters who surf the Web, not only to gain information about hunting but to plan hunts. Finding motels in distant cities, researching hunting guides, learning locations of veterinarians and more can be made much simpler, and quicker, today than ever before. Looking for season dates and license costs in Manitoba? No problem, Google it. Ditto "hunting land for sale or lease" in South Dakota, North Dakota or any other state. Also, try Google Earth to get a bird's-eye view of land you intend to hunt, whether it's in your backyard or another state. Weather is also available in greater detail, and with more accuracy, than before, using the Internet. Your computer and a high-speed hookup might never replace your black Lab as a hunting companion, but, used properly, a laptop can help make hunts more fun and productive.

20. GPS/compass

If you're hunting pheasants in southern Minnesota, chances are good that you're not going to get lost. But if you're hunting ruffed grouse, deer or other critters in the North Woods, bring a compass or GPS device. Oh, and don't forget the matches, just in case.

Dennis Anderson • danderson@startribune.com

Doug Smith • dsmith@startribune.com