Realize I'd love to learn and go hunting, but unfortunately I don't have anybody I know that does. It's something I definitely plan to do come hell or high water, but I'd prefer to have someone wiser and more experienced to follow and learn from. Anyone willing to take me under their wing or perhaps be a bit of a mentor?

I don't know what would be best for a first time novice or where would be the best. Also don't think it wouldn't be a bad idea to ask for any info that could be useful in any way. I don't have much knowledge on the topic and could use all the help I can get.

Got some knowledge from your time hunting? Come on in and help an aspiring hunter learn something useful!

http://www.dixiebowmen.org/

Give a shout out to the above org. I'm sure someone could help.

Welcome. Best of luck. Look in the archives under any particular heading or interest you care to view. PLenty of longtime hunters here will help if/when you get specific. Infinite number of variables from places & animals you hunt to weapons used correctly for a good clean quick ethical kill. The plan anyway which often results in additional expertise the least of which is tracking game. Good site, good folks, no primma donnas, no BS!

Here's a little something to get you started. When you're done with these let me know, & I'll get ya some more!    

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+scout+for+deer&aq=f

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=how+to+read+a+map&aq=f

http://www.3riversarchery.com/Bowhunting+Pressured++Whitetails+3-DVD+Set_i7490-4_baseitem.html

http://www.3riversarchery.com/Books+DVD%2527s+Shooting_c42_s33_p173_thumb.html

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/hunting-hunting-treestands/_/N-1100101/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_104783580?WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat104791680

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/hunting-hunting-blinds-ground-blinds-accessories/_/N-1100113/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_104365080?WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat104791680%3Bcat104702580

Thanks for the link, I'll definitely give them a shot.

That's what I've been up, just not sure what would be a good idea for my first try. I was leaning more towards turkey than deer but I honestly don't know what would or wouldn't be a good idea. Got any input to which would be a better choice?

Holy hell, thanks for the links!
Greatly appreciated!

I don't know what you're experience/profiency is with a bow.
1- (even though I just posted a miss on video   )
2- I honestly would start off with squirrels, something that's fun & low pressure. Check these out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmwIcOz7ZKo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqagzoZuD1c&feature=related
3- While you're developing your shooting skill, scout your areas for places to hunt deer. Turkeys would be good too, cause you can be hidden in a blind. The shots will probably be pretty close. You have alot of opportunity, all the above is just food for thought.

I am good enough with my bows to keep 8/10 shots within the lungs and heart areas on a paper deer at around 20 yards. One of the reasons why I figured I might be ready was from that, but shooting at a range with a paper deer perfectly showing exposing these shots vs a real one is a different ballgame alltogether.

I'm all for starting out small, but I'm assuming I can't just go out to the big parks and start going after squirrels. Any places in particular that I should look for in terms of hunting areas or should I just go with my original plan and check with the game and wildlife people when I go for my license?

They will be a big resource for you. Here's a great idea, film this journey of you preparing to take your first animal with traditional equipment. I guarantee it will be a hit!    Get ya a Youtube page & start filming!

this thread helped me, maybe it'll help you some as well. read up on all you can

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=096995#000000

QuoteOriginally posted by DeadeyeDiaz:
I am good enough with my bows to keep 8/10 shots within the lungs and heart areas on a paper deer at around 20 yards. One of the reasons why I figured I might be ready was from that, but shooting at a range with a paper deer perfectly showing exposing these shots vs a real one is a different ballgame alltogether.

I'm all for starting out small, but I'm assuming I can't just go out to the big parks and start going after squirrels. Any places in particular that I should look for in terms of hunting areas or should I just go with my original plan and check with the game and wildlife people when I go for my license?

I'm sure there are some swamps up in Va to hunt. My Dad lived in Norfolk/Acredale in the late 50s and talks of his Dismal adventures occasionally.

 http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/Hunting.cfm?ID=51580  

And if your 20 yard groups are as described limit your range to 15 for higher probability of a clean hit.

Welcome to the site.

Here is a link to your state's Fish and Game and to your state's Wildlife Management Areas.

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wmas/

Off the top of my head, I would suggest that you buy a compass (learn how to use it), get maps to some of your WMA and get out in the field and do some stump shooting and small game hunting.

You first better check your states requirements in terms of hunter safety training. In Maryland it is mandatory as well as many other states. First things first.

Maps, compass', navigating and the like I have no issue with. Not new to the outdoors in the slightest bit    just new to the hunt.

I'm looking into a local club.

Thanks for the link to your old thread, that's definitely helpful.

If I can get a decent camera for cheap on craigslist I'm all for documenting the journey. Would be helpful to anyone else in my position.

I'm gonna keep working on my form and consistency. Also get some practice in with broadheads and blunts  :p

Try to find other hunters at archery clubs or on here who will take you out. Turkeys are experts at humiliating you every time and you may want to wait on those. Rabbits, hogs, and deer are easier than turkeys IMO.
Killing animals is actually a small part of hunting, skinning, game care,  tracking, woodsmanship, map and compass, hunter safety etc are key skills you need to master along with first arrow proficiency.
Some of the best advice I ever got is shoot one arrow only every hour at varying distances.

First contact VA dept of game.  As a first time hunter you will most likely have to take a hunter education course before you can get a Hunting Lic.
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/