Mentors. You will find them at local sporting goods stores and your state game agency. You can also find them on facebook forums/groups local to your area. It all depends on the state you live in. Take a weapons/hunters safety class. Purchase a sensible rifle (6.5 Creedmoor, 270 Win, 7mm-08 all pretty good choices for most North American game), probably a Savage package rifle and practice with it. Be patient and pay attention when you are in the field. You will learn very fast if you don't rush things and accept that you probably won't get a deer/elk/whatever on your own the first season out (you might, but don't make so much of it). If you are out west, you need a decent set of binoculars (10x42, maybe 8x42) probably $200-$400 range. In the woods, binoculars not quite as important and stick with 7x or 8x units rather than 10x. Out west, a rangefinder is a must unless you limit your range to sub-200 yards religiously. In the woods or any shot under 250 yards, not so much (assuming you can tell when you are under 250!). Need a good folding/locking knife and study some youtube videos on skinning/gutting/dressing/boning etc. your animal so you don't waste any. As everyone else has said, if you can find a buddy to take you out hunting that is probably the best way to learn. Above all, ALWAYS KNOW YOUR TARGET, be certain of what you are shooting at, know that you can place the bullet where it belongs, and know what is behind and around your target. Your #1 job is to come home safe and to make sure others around you come home safe. Your #2 job is to have a good day in the field. If you get lucky, you will get to job #3 which is to make an ethical, quick kill on your targeted animal. Good luck! Oh, and when you are hunting, my NUMBER 1 TIP: BE QUIET!! quiet, quiet, quiet. Slow down and listen and watch. Go slow and be patient and be quiet!!