First time hunter could really use some help

Ever since I was a young boy I've dreamed of big game hunting and now that I'm grown and own some decent firepower I really want to give it a try. The problem I'm facing is that it seems like I'm the only person that wants to hunt but never had their dad teach them how. I'm really lost and could really use some advice, I have a few questions:
1. What units are good? I really want to draw and I really want to harvest so I don't care at all if it's deer, elk, antelope, antlerless, cow, muzzleloader whatever. I just really want a successful first hunt. I hear a lot about 2b but maybe that means that a lot of people are applying and my odds aren't very good? I live in Santa Fe so unit 35 seems perfect but I don't know if that's a good idea or not. I'm willing to drive where ever.
2. Should I be applying for bucks, does, or either sex? Which one has the best odds? I figured deer would be easier than elk but heard otherwise from someone at the gym? God I wish I had grown up a hunter or at least had friends who know this kind of stuff
3. And this one is the most embarrassing to ask... How do I even hunt? I'm a pretty good shot so I've got that part down but how do I find the deer? Do I just walk around on a hiking trail until I see one? Should I get one of those tree stands or blinds and try to call them in? I really feel like as a man I should know this stuff but I don't. Can you guys please help me out?

Kind of a lot to respond to in one post. I live in sf as well and would be happy to meet with you about questions you might have.

I grew up similar to you and only had a little bit of direction from friend's dad's who hunted. That said, it was only info on whitetail back east. Here are my 2 pieces of advice coming from someone who used to be in a similar situation as yourself...

1. Read some books. The first 2 I would recommend that I bought recently are the 2 volume set from Steve Rinella. One is for hunting big game and the other small game and waterfowl. They cover everything from how to hunt each species to processing and cooking. GREAT books that will really start you in the right direction.

2. Don't worry about being successful on whatever you draw and if you don't draw, buy some leftover tags. Time spent on the ground hunting is more valuable than anything else IMO as you will learn the animals as you go. My first 2 elk hunts here were the late season archery tags in 34 and the odds of success are extremely low. I knew that going in but what I learned about how to glass, elk patterns, etc., played dividends once I finally drew a good elk unit in Sep.

Good luck!

+1 on the Rinella books. I got them mostly for the butchering and cooking portions but found that they are pretty thorough with all things hunting from gear and scouting to actual techniques specific to a wide variety of species.

I would take earlyriser up on his offer. Time spent with a mentor/friend who is willing to show you the sport will go so much further than a book ever will.

Lastly, just get out and start looking for animals. You can find them very close to Santa Fe. Spend time watching them, studying them, practice stalking them, etc. There is nothing that can replace time spent in the woods amongst the game. It's therapeutic too. I do it very often in the off season without a tag in my pocket.

Hunt Hard. Shoot Straight. Kill Clean. Apologize to No One.

put in cow elk

you will have fun chasing the cow in late season...

go Pecos..there are lots wildlife to watch...for starter...

vinihunt

Some great advice above.

Also, get out and do some hiking and camping. Find a mentor. My Dad did not hunt, and when I finally got a drivers license I was out hiking and figuring it out. Just being out in the woods is the best part.

What Paul said haha


Some great advice above.
>
>Also, get out and do some
>hiking and camping. Find
>a mentor. My Dad
>did not hunt, and when
>I finally got a drivers
>license I was out hiking
>and figuring it out.
> Just being out
>in the woods is the
>best part.