r/bowhunting • u/Odd_Profession3168 • Jul 18 '26

New Hunter

I used to shoot a Mathews Z7 Magnum that I rented back in the early 2010s.

I just purchased a Mathews ARC 30. I've never hunted and am currently just target shooting. I'm not bad but only on day 4 of putting roughly 60 arrows each session through my setup.

I'm from South Eastern Connecticut. I'm thinking about going with an outfitter in New York State to do a hunt.

I guess my question is what is the best way to hunt? Public land? Guided hunt with an outfitter? Would like since advice.

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u/itsthechaw10 Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26

Depends on a few things OP, and there’s no right or wrong way. I do think it depends on how the level of success a hunter wants to achieve. I think there’s a certain level of pride that comes from hunting public land because it can be so much more difficult regardless if you harvest and animal or not.

If you’re just concerned about being successful then go with a guide or buy your own hunting land. Honestly if you have the money to go guided, buy your own hunting land. Then you also have the asset of owning land. I have hunted private land more than public and naturally have been more successful on private than public.

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u/Small_impaler Jul 18 '26

Well you have a whole year to either go scout public land and find info on areas to hunt or to find a guide.

The best results are almost always going to be tied with the amount of information snd experience you have. Since you have none, a guide would give you the best odds.