New hunter questions

[u/xXx_narcissus_xXx]

Hey y'all, I wanna take my .22 and walk around in the woods and see if I can shoot any squirrels (I hear they taste good, and also I'd like to make a hat). I didn't grow up in a hunting family, and the couple of times I've hunted have been with friends who took care of all the logistics and just told me what license to buy and where to go (and also were not in Indiana). I've read the regulations here and still have a few questions:

For squirrels, I just need a basic hunting license? I did hunter safety in Maryland so I think I can use that certificate to apply here.

For finding land, I found this website: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/hunting-and-trapping/where-to-hunt/ Is that the *only* public land I can hunt on? No state parks (or anything closer to Indy)?

Since it's deer season I need to wear something orange, but just one article, right? So a hat is good enough?

Speaking of deer, any tips for staying out of deer hunter's way?

Thanks in advance for answering my dumb questions. Figuring out how to fish was a lot easier!

[u/whambulance_man]

You're going to need a few squirrels to make a hat, not a lot of fur there, and getting things tanned isnt super affordable. If you wanna pin a squirrel tail to a beanie though, go nuts. Either way its no weirder than anyone else you'll meet.

Wear more orange than just a hat, its worth the $3-5 at Walmart for the vest too. Public land in deer season as a very new hunter is going to be fucking eye opening for you, just trust those of us who've been there & done that and put on a bit more than just the hat.

If you do bump a hunter, stay quiet until they breech that barrier, give em 'the wave' or apologize verbally, then on your way back out keep quiet. The goal is as minimal disruption as possible, for both of you. You will find assholes, its not worth the argument when you both have weapons in your hands. <- This should be obvious but it bears repeating, just in case.

I think hunters safety from other states will work, but if it doesn't its a very simple test that just takes some time (hour-ish, iirc) and since you've done it once you will get ours no problem. There will be links to find the course on the DNR site that you found already.

[u/xXx_narcissus_xXx → u/whambulance_man]

I've got a vest, I'll wear it. I've seen some olde-timey tanning methods I wanna try lol. If they fail I can just throw it away

[u/AardvarkLeading5559 → u/xXx_narcissus_xXx]

My go-to spot for squirrels is Charles Deam Wilderness just south of Bloomington. There are no wheeled vehicles allowed past the parking areas and it's sort of rough country, so you wont see many deer hunters once you get deeper into the woods. Stick to the hiking trails for easier walking, just be sure of your backstop with a .22.

As for tanning,Shop - HOOSIER TRAPPER SUPPLY INC. has everything you need. Charlie is a great guy and willing to share his knowledge.

[u/xXx_narcissus_xXx → u/AardvarkLeading5559]

Thanks I will check it out! I have hiked around there before, it's nice