This week from the Primal Treestands Blog, we're discussing the importance of hunting for conservation. Our goal as hunters isn’t just to keep animal populations sustainable from year to year, but from generation to generation. American wildlife deserves the right to be perpetually free from human interference and illegal activity, and whether you hunt, hike, or just like to sit at home and look at pretty wilderness pictures, we can agree that that’s a goal worth pursuing. Hunters are happy to do their part to support the system—and to help stop those who would abuse it.

So you’ve decided to try hunting. Great! Now what do you need to go out and actually do it? We’ll assume you’ve read our guides on how to select a weapon, how to get a license and any necessary tags, and how to stay safe in the wilderness, but there’s more to hunting than having a firearm, a sense of adventure, and the government’s approval. You need gear, both for your own well-being and because hunting isn’t nearly as fun if you’re discovering that the clothes you mow the lawn in aren’t enough to keep you warm, dry, or safe from every cactus you pass on the trail.

Food plots are a hugely satisfying way to work your own land, provide ethical nutrition to deer, and observe the behavior of these fascinating animals. If you have the time and space, it’s an incredibly valuable skill to have in your hunting repertoire.

You can’t picture hunting without picturing a gun. They’re in the ads, they’re what hunters use in pop culture, and they just make sense as a practical hunting weapon. But heading into the wilderness with a bow on your back is a perfectly valid alternative, especially if you’re uncomfortable with owning a firearm. Many veteran hunters use both methods, while some have a strong preference for one weapon and will be happy to explain why over the course of a four hour PowerPoint presentation. But what’s best for a new hunter to start with?

Public land is vast, and it’s where most hunters do their hunting, so let’s talk about how to navigate it.

Safety is an important part of any hobby, but it’s especially important in hunting because of all the guns and bows.