Tips and resources to help you become a hunter and angler in 2025
If you’ve ever wanted to hunt or fish but didn’t grow up with those traditions, 2025 is a perfect time to get started. Learning the rules, gathering the right gear, and figuring out how to safely enjoy the outdoors can seem like a lot at first, but starting your journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Getting started has never been easier. With the right steps and resources, and a little bit of patience, you’ll be ready to embrace these time-honored activities in due time.
Enroll in a Hunter Education Course
The best way to start your hunting journey is by taking a hunter education course. These free, two-day classes are taught by experienced volunteer instructors and Natural Resources Police Officers who provide essential knowledge about safety, ethics, and the hunting regulations every new hunter must know. While this class is a requirement for anyone born on or after January 1, 1975, it’s an incredible resource that helps you build your confidence, ask questions, receive guidance and develop the skills you need to hunt safely and responsibly. It’s the perfect first step for anyone starting their hunting journey.
Learn in Community
While hunting and fishing are great ways to practice silence and solitude, they’re traditions best shared with others. That’s why we encourage new hunters and anglers to ask a friend or family member to take them along on their hunting or fishing outings. Hands-on experience is invaluable; having someone to guide you through your first trips can make all the difference.
For those who didn’t grow up with these traditions or know many people who did, connecting with a local hunting or fishing group or joining an online community is a great way to find mentors and friends, get advice, share gear or plan trips.
Avoid Gear Acquisition Syndrome
It’s tempting to buy every piece of gear you see when starting a new hobby, but it’s better to keep things simple. Focus on the essentials while you’re learning, and let your needs evolve with experience. Many hunters and anglers have gear they rarely use, so take your time figuring out what’s truly necessary.
For hunting, your basic gear will depend on the type of game you’re pursuing, but you’ll generally need a firearm or bow, ammunition and clothing suitable for the environment, including a blaze orange vest of at least 400 square inches if you plan to hunt during a deer firearms season. Learn more with our Guide to Hunting for the First Time in Almost Heaven.
For fishing, a basic rod, reel, and tackle kit are all you need to get started. Buying used, sharing gear with friends or borrowing equipment can also help you affordably discover what works best for you. Learn more with our Guide to Fishing for the First Time in Almost Heaven.
Start Small and Be Patient
Like any new skill, hunting and fishing take time to master. Start with manageable goals, like pursuing small game when they’re in season or fishing in stocked lakes and streams. These are great ways to build confidence and increase your chances of early success.
As you look forward to your first catch or harvest, remember that hunting and fishing are as much about the journey as they are about the outcome. Each trip is an opportunity to learn, experience the beauty of nature and enjoy the outdoors. Over time, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed, but the experience is enjoyable regardless of the results.
Buy your 2025 license today!
Ready to take the first step in your hunting or fishing journey? Explore our 2025 licenses to find a West Virginia hunting and fishing license. If you’re not ready to fully commit, consider starting small with an apprentice hunting license and planning to join a hunter friend in the woods, or buy a five-day fishing license to test the waters.