All beginnings are hard, even for the newly qualified young hunters when they successfully complete their hunting license exam. According to the German Hunting Association (DJV), the number of hunting licence holders in Germany is around 460,000, a historic high after years of constant growth. Similar developments can also be seen in countries such as France, Italy and the Nordic nations. These points are also striking internationally:
- A growing proportion of young hunters
- Increasing participation by women
- Growing interest from younger target groups
- Greater need for information on getting started and equipment
The ammunition manufacturer GECO addresses this last factor in particular with its "Young Hunters Guide", a whole package of helpful tips for young hunters starting out on the hunting ground. All of the topics are firstly summarised in the GECO blog, a collection of topics that is regularly expanded and updated with new articles and is open around the clock thanks to its online presence and directly accessible website (all links can also be found at the end of this article). If you search for the title including the hashtag #younghuntersguide, you will find the articles directly in every search engine.
GECO #younghuntersguide: well-prepared individual articles for every topic relating to hunting equipment and hunting ground work
We'll start by breaking down the articles that have appeared so far and providing an overview of the equipment points that are important:
- The hunting rifle: If you don't have a "family gun" to start with, a bolt-action rifle in a standard caliber (such as .308 Winchester or .30-06 Springfield) is a safe choice. These calibers are versatile, there is a wide variety of bullets to choose from and the ammunition is attractively priced due to the wider availability. For a little more customization and comfort, it may be worth investing in a gun with an adjustable stock.
- Silencer: A silencer not only reduces recoil, but also improves precision and hearing protection. Models such as the universal HAUSKEN JD224 are ideal for beginners in particular, as they are versatile and offer advantages in many hunting situations. Modern hunting rifles are equipped with shorter barrels and ammunition designed for a silencer, but are still handy and easy to handle in terms of overall length.
- Hunting clothing: Depending on the type of hunting, the right clothing is crucial. Weatherproof, low-noise clothing is usually sufficient for sitting game. Camouflage clothing is recommended for stalking, and orange high-visibility clothing is mandatory for driven hunts – for your own safety and that of your fellow hunters.
- Hunting knife: A good knife is indispensable. A multi-tool all-round knife and a knife with a ball tip and saw edge are ideal for cleanly gutting and butchering game. This prevents damage to the entrails during gutting, while the serrated edge is very helpful for easily opening the pelvic and chest cavity. This allows for efficient processing of the game.
- Rucksack: A hunting rucksack is part of the basic equipment. It doesn't have to be a high-end model for long stalking trips in the mountains, including the option of storing firearms – an inexpensive backpack for young hunters will also do and is perfectly adequate for a start.
- Optics: Whether driven hunt binoculars or long-range riflescopes – the choice is huge. All-round scopes such as the 2.5-15x56 are an excellent choice: versatile and ideal even in poor light conditions. For binoculars, 10x42 binoculars offer the best performance for keeping an eye on game movement.
- Night vision/thermal imaging: Thermal imaging devices have become an integral part of modern hunting. A hand-held device in the lower to medium price range (around €2000) is completely sufficient for beginners and enables game to be recognized even in the dark. Attachments can be added later or possibly borrowed from the gamekeeper to save costs. Night vision devices are usually somewhat cheaper
GECO's core competence also plays an important role in the initial equipping of young hunters: the ammunition
GECO offers a compact range of hunting cartridges and reloading components that covers everything. With the FAB5, a balanced mix of five cartridge types with lead projectiles or lead-free, you are ideally equipped for every hunting situation – and at an unbeatable price-performance ratio. We have already presented the Fab5 in more detail at all4hunters.com.
GECO Young Hunters Guide – Here is an overview of the individual articles that have been published so far:
Firstly, the direct link to the GECO blog, with an overview of all previous contributions to the Young Hunters Guide and other exciting topics from hunting and sport.
#younghuntersguide Episode 1 - First hunting rifle
Introduction to choosing your first hunting rifle using specific examples: Anne and Chris, who host all the episodes, present their own gun choices and explain the differences in systems, calibers and areas of use in a practical way. The episode helps young hunters to better categorize their individual requirements and make an informed initial decision.
#younghuntersguide Episode 2 - Choosing the right riflescope
The focus here is on choosing the right riflescope: Anne and Chris present specific optics and explain the differences in magnification, light intensity and areas of use in a practical way. This is supplemented by practical tips for use in the hunting ground, for example for stand hunting or stalking.
#younghuntersguide Episode 3 - Choosing the right ammunition
Anne and Chris explain the most important bullet types – from partial jacket and composite core to lead-free alternatives – and show which ammunition is suitable for different hunting situations. The GECO Fab5, a proven quintet of lead or lead-free hunting bullets, takes center stage. The aim is to provide a practical understanding of the effect, areas of application and selection criteria.
#younghuntersguide Episode 4 - Shooting technique and training
Focus on safe and accurate shooting: the episode teaches the basics of shooting technique and shows how regular training with your own hunting ammunition builds safety and confidence. The aim is to develop controlled routines and reproducible hit patterns.
#younghuntersguide Episode 5 - Bulding a driven hunt stand
Insight into practical hunting ground work using the example of building a driven hunt stand: together with experienced hunter and craftsman Markus, Anne and Chris show how such a hunting ground stand can be built step by step – sustainably, safely and with a lot of practical expertise. Along the way, they learn how important preparation, technical understanding and knowledge of the hunting ground are for successful and responsible hunting.
#younghuntersguide Episode 6 - Roe deer hunting
Practical introduction to roe deer hunting: Anne and Chris use real hunting situations to show what is important in terms of approach, choice of game, equipment and legal framework conditions. The episode combines theory with practical insights into the appropriate hunting of roe deer. It is not only about the right choice of game and ammunition, but also about legal requirements and the right hunting equipment.
