Make Your Living Hunting and
Fishing. Is it Possible?

By Marty Prokop

This is a good question from Matt, a member of our Free Deer Hunting Tips community.

I’ve included the question and answer in this week’s newsletter. You can also find the answer at the Free Deer Hunting Tips Blog at http://www.marty-prokop.com.

Even though Matt is planning for his first career, this newsletter pertains to people of any age who want to find a fulfilling career in the great outdoors.

Enjoy….now to Matt’s question…

Mr. Marty Prokop,   In your opinion, what is the best thing someone wanting to make a career out of hunting and or fishing can do, considering the fact that school doesn’t have a whole lot to do about either one?   I used to be into hunting and fishing big time, but this past season I was really discouraged when the season ended and I hadn’t made any kills.   I'm only 16, but I'm really beginning to wonder what to learn in school that will help me with hunting and or fishing. If you have any advice or suggestions, please feel free to speak. I am really wondering.   Matt

Matt,

Thanks for your email. Congratulations upon becoming part of the Free Deer Hunting Tips Community.

You have listed some very good questions. Here are my comments.

I felt the same way about schooling, hunting and fishing when I was attending high school. And, looking back on my school years, I can now see many opportunities available to me that I didn’t realize at the time.

First of all is learning persistence and awareness.

I made the decision early on that no matter what the result (the harvest, fish caught, deer taken) of my time outdoors, I would be happy for every minute. I would be outdoors just to be outdoors. I became aware of how grateful I was to be given opportunities outdoors (even if this meant cleaning the barn or tilling the garden).

When hunting or fishing trips did not turn out as planned I started to look around at my skills (or lack at the time) and my surroundings to see if I could find clues as to what could be improved.

When hunting or fishing trips went well, guess what I did?

I did more than celebrate.

I started to look at my skills (or changes I made) and my surroundings to see if I could find clues as to what I wanted to keep doing.

I kept notes of these (yes, written notes). These became the foundation for being able to help others.

School will teach you persistence — as you complete those classes you may find boring (I had them too).

You can also look at each class or study asking yourself, “How can this help me become what I want?” This is awareness. You’d be amazed that just about every class can help teach you at least a nugget that might be helpful later on.

Persistence and awareness are great skills to acquire if you are interested in being a guide, wild life tracker, wild life biologist, wildlife author/writer, outdoor trainer or succeed in many other outdoor fields.

When You Can’t Get Outdoors Advice from Marty Prokop

Learn all you can about wildlife by reading books and watching videos concerning fish and wildlife habits.

If your school library is limited as to what can be found, go to your public library and pick up as many books as you are able to read.

And keep reading the Free Deer Hunting Tips newsletter that you get free as a subscriber.

You can also write for this blog by just writing…yes, we would love for you to contribute your questions, stories, comments and ideas. This could be a great start for you in the outdoors field.

Outdoor Careers Ideas from Marty Prokop

As far as making a career out of hunting and fishing you may have some options in higher education courses. Those that come to mind are Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries Manager, Sporting Goods Spokesperson, Sporting Goods Store Owner, Wildlife Author/Writer, Wildlife Expert, Wildlife Speaker, Taxidermist, Professional Guide, Soil Conservation, Game Warden, your local Department of Natural Resources or Fish and Game Department.

Courses to consider would include math, reading, writing, business management, business marketing, wildlife biology and perhaps fisheries biology.

There are a few private courses offered for becoming a professional guide and/or a taxidermist.

Any of the above could be good options to working in the fishing and hunting fields.

Slow Season

Matt, I hear you 100% about the season. It can be frustrating to not fill your deer tag. One of the best ways to increase your odds of filling your deer tag is to increase the amount of time you are out deer hunting.

When deer hunting season arrives, being in school during the days can be tough. Stay in class, study diligently and get as much homework done at school. When school lets out for the day, hurry home get your hunting gear and head to the woods, if your parents allow.

As a young man, I used to hunt the firearm season only. After my first two years of not filling my deer tag, I picked up a second-hand bow. And after becoming very good at shooting a bow and arrow, I began to deer hunt archery season in addition to firearm deer hunting season.

Doing this could do two things for you.

It will get you out in the woods more, which could increase your chances of a big buck walking in front of you.

Secondly, as you are out in the woods, you will be learning deer behavior taught by the best teachers in the world…deer.

Use the information you acquire while out in the woods to help you pattern deer. Watch where deer come out of the woods and locate their main trails. If you notice deer coming out 100 yards away from your deer hunting tree stand, move your tree stand.

Pay attention to wind direction and deer movement. Deer will use certain trails when the wind blows from the north, south, east and west. Keep notes of which trails deer use and the wind direction each day. Before you head out to hunt, listen to the weather to see what the wind is doing that day. Choose a tree stand site that will have the wind in your face.

Another great way to learn deer habits and patterns is to go small game hunting after deer season ends. You will be out hunting, whether it is rabbits or squirrels, and you can also be out scouting for next deer season.

Rabbits and squirrels live in the same area you will be deer hunting. Follow deer trails into the woods. See where the trails lead to and from.

Big bucks have a home range or core area they spend most of their time in. If you locate a buck’s home range while small game hunting, you have just found a great place to hang a deer hunting tree stand.

Nothing beats time spent in the woods learning from the master teachers…the deer themselves.

Do not to get discouraged when you are out hunting and you don’t fill a tag. Sometimes just the excitement of seeing deer makes the experience worthwhile. Think of yourself as a student of the whitetail, as famed deer hunter Barry Wensel teaches.

In regards to making hunting and fishing a career, discovering what you love to do and choosing it as your career makes great sense. It also makes a life great. You can do it. I believe in you.

Good Luck and Great Hunting.

Marty Prokop

http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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