Re: Region 8 (8-10 8-8 8-12) newbie - Partner up/learn
Theres lots of groups and clubs out there, BHA and your local gun clubs might be a good place to start!
someone on here who lives out your way may let you tag along.
When joining a stranger on a hunt a lengthy phonecall or coffee discussing expectations and things you can contribute with (gas money, lunch, bevies, gear)
Also practicing good safe gun handling is a must. I have taken newbies out and I put this into there head before we even get out on the hunt and keep pointing out good practices.
Touch up on your compass and navigation skills is a must make sure you are able to work your way back to the truck.
Same with shooting from bush rests. Ensure you can make clean shots in hunting scenarios. Shoot offhand, shoot leaning on a tree, shoot sitting with your ass on the ground.
Cliff Grey had lots of good youtube tips.
For field dressing, just getting your hands in there and feeling things around are very foreign feelings but it isnt rocket science. I did my first without a mentor and made a few mistakes ( threw out a tenderloin :/ and his nuts were only hanging on by a thread) I took it to an oldschool butcher who helped show me how to skin it and where I messed up the feild dressing. My last few deer I was able to actually teach a buddy how to do them as he was keen on the learning. Just take your time and get the meat in the shade first with its head uphill. When solo I like tieing the limbs back (fronts anyway) to keep the animal chest up. Also keep your head on a swivel for preds and always have your gun in close reach.
Get out there and have fun. Lots of gameless hours all for a moment that all counts to get something in the freezer!
Good luck!
Nothin better then the great outdoors!