Dear Jbouler & Wife
Welcome to MM'eys. Bring others your age so you'll have, someday, a group.
The one thing I, a New Guy learned after joining MM'eys just months ago is that there is a treasure trove of very nice people who post. Maybe even a larger number who seldom or ever post and just read.
I am NOT educated in today's world of going to a Western State's Big Game section in say January to May and selecting a zone/unit to Hunt. I normally hang out and post in Campfire, a more relaxed casual place in my views. This General Hunting site is a great starting point and your attitude will take you far in others accepting you.
Since I know zero about your financial abilities and TIME to leave Home, one goofy idea is to contact Guides in New Mexico to Idaho and ask if you may volunteer as a helper for free. If accepted you will be around clients whom usually do have money and have Hunted almost everywhere. Time spent afield and in the evenings around such men and women is the most valuable self gift to yourself insofar as getting up to speed from a young age.
If you found a Guide/Outfitter with Horses/Mules, there may be a need for a "Camp Cook". That's a position either you or your wife could fill. It is not as easy as it sounds but it's a venue to become well accepted "If your Food is Good and always available". A Camp Cook will be up working hours before the Hunters and going to bed, long after others. I consider it an Honored Position. So; That path is beginning #1.
#2 May be to look online at all Western States Big Game regulations, develop solid questions and Post such questions in that State's forum here on MM'eys + in either Campfire or here under General Hunting. I have learned Ladies are very good at this so your Wife may be your best asset and, it's a Team effort.
Like I mentioned, I am not the best to ask but wrote the above because that is what I would do. May sound "Out-of-the-Box-Thinking" but it is a way to get smart and very fast.
While learning in the off season, maybe get a 2nd, 3rd Job to gather $$$ to set aside and not touch. Place it in an envelope, hide it and never allow it to be a temptation for Bills, Gear or Christmas. If you and your Wife at a young age can adopt such serious dedications, the rest will take care of itself.
Jagerdad
