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What’s the best game for an amateur hunter?

There are a number of factors to consider for anyone who wants to take up hunting, from hunting companions to weapons to ease of sport

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Mike Papadopoulos, right, and his Joey, 18, shoot at doves in El Centro, Calif., Thursday, Sept. 1, the opening day of dove season.

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Editor’s Note: The following column is part of our TacticaList series, a collection of expert columns and features on all things tactical — from fishing and hunting to camping and shooting, and pertain to a broad audience of law enforcement, military, sport shooters, hunters, and beyond. These columns are featured in our monthly TacticaList newsletter. Check out our most recent issue and let us know what you think! Click here to subscribe to the TacticaList.

What’s the first animal you ever hunted? A question on Quora asked, “Which type of hunting would be best to start with for a beginner hunter?” Take a look at Rick Rhay’s response and add your own thoughts below.

Rick Rhay responded:

I would recommend you begin with doves. There are a number of practical reason, as well as some psychological reasons for this.

First, no one goes hunting for the first time by themselves. You pretty much have to go with someone who already has an idea what to do, and importantly, where to do it. Hunting with experienced companions is the best way to learn the ropes, and solve a lot of problems for first-timers, not the least of which is what to do with the game after you bag it. They’ll also most likely be well-versed in applicable regulations and other factors that will keep your hunt safe and legal. Dove is the most hunted game animal in North America, and as such, you’re more likely to find experienced dove hunters in your local area than any other kind of game.

Second, dove hunting is relatively easy, and has a high likelihood of coming home with some game. Failed hunts are frustrating, and by going after tougher game, you increase your chances of failure. The western mourning dove is the most abundant bird in North America, and their large numbers not only increase your chances of a successful hunt this year, they also ensure substantial numbers of birds remain.

Third, every hunter has to deal with the psychological aspects of the hunt, of killing animals for food and sport. There are those who would argue that killing an animal-- any animal-- is an act of cruelty, and that all animals’ lives are of value. This may or may not be true, but I can assure you that if your first hunting kill were of a large 10 year-old mule deer, or a thousand-pound elk or moose, you would feel very different about it than if it were a year-old dove that weighs 8 ounces. Whatever anyone says about it, it’s different. Start small to see if you have a taste for it. Hunting is not for everyone.

Finally, dove hunting is fantastic sport. The birds are fast, they’re a challenge to shoot, they’re excellent eating, easy to clean and cook, and it’s generally a very safe hunt. Pretty much anyone who hunts any game in North America also hunts doves, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a group of friends to take you on your first hunt.

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The views and opinions expressed in the questions and answers posted directly from Quora do not necessarily reflect those of P1.

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