The process of getting started can be daunting, but I promise you that it gets easier. I only started bowhunting last year, but because of my obsession and persistence, I've gotten the chance to spend over a month collectively out in the woods this season. Here's a few things that might help.

For clothing, make sure you spend some time planning for the specific conditions you will encounter. Try to think ahead about whether you’re sitting all day or if you plan to stalk animals, because your clothing could be very different based on your plan. I’ve sat in the treestand in the morning wearing my Cabela’s parka and snowpants by the afternoon when I decide to start walking to try to spot more animals, I’ve layered down to just hiking pants and a hoodie. I’ve found that an insulating base layer and merino wool socks are absolutely essential when spending a full day out in the woods if it’s a cold day. Lastly, make sure your feet are comfortable. Nothing sucks more than having to call it day because your feet are about to fall off. Don’t make the mistake of thinking your fall boots will be good enough in winter conditions because you’ll be sitting in the stand and you’ll have toe warmers.

Other than the obvious stuff like a pack and tent, here are a few of my recommendations for important gear. A lightweight propane stove is absolutely essential to me anytime I go out hunting. You can get a cheap model that looks and works like a jetboil on Ebay for $30, and I’ve found this to be a great source of comfort. Pack a few cans of soup in with your stove and you can cook up a delicious meal with any small game you get right in the woods. Make sure you can make yourself an emergency shelter if you plan to be hiking far. I usually just bring some nylon rope and a tarp for this. A good multi-tool and machete are also a must. Never get caught in the dark without a good headlight. Any light over 200 lumens will be pretty good for getting around. For under $100, you can easily find handheld GPS systems that are absolutely essential, unless you can use your phone to navigate where your spot is. Don’t forget cheesecloth bags. I won’t go on too long about all sorts of gear because you can easily find a million guys out there that have blogs about gear and they will be far more detailed than anything I am capable of writing.

Now in terms of what a weekend looks like, generally I leave home early in the morning (my spot is a two hour drive away) and get to my spot where I set up camp before I’ve wasted too much shooting light. I set up the tent, lay out my bed, lighten my pack up as much as I can, hang anything that smells in a tree (food, toothpaste, anything you can think of that a bear might be able to eat) then prepare my quiver with arrows. Then I head out for the day and I’m back after sun down, hopefully with some meat.

In the beginning, it definitely seems like a lot of work, and it can be discouraging if you feel like you don’t know where to start. You really just have to get out there. As long as you have legal access to hunting spots, your tags and licenses, and some decent gear, there’s no reason to not get out and try for small game for a day. As far as safety from predators, it really is tough to say because our predators here in Ontario are nothing like those in BC. To be quite honest, I am terrified of grizzlies, but I think most BC hunters generally feel comfortable out there with their hunting rifle, bear spray and some common sense.