Videos and books can help teach the basics, but there’s nothing like actually doing it. The most important thing is to get them gutted so they cool down quickly. Don’t be afraid to give it a try – if you understand what’s needed and the basic procedures, its really hard to do anything “wrong” and it would be much worse to delay.
Practice “hunting” deer whenever you can. Whenever I walk in the woods I am “hunting”, even if I don’t have a rifle. Take a camera if you want, but the point is to find deer and get within shooting range, whatever that is for you and your gun. You may want to hunt with someone more experienced your first time out, preferably someone who has experienced success over the years and someone you trust with a loaded gun in their hands.
(Over the years I have hunted with a number of friends that I refuse to go with again due to unsafe gun handling, excessive drinking, etc. It’s amazing how some people change in hunting camp.) Whatever, I highly recommend hunting with a companion. Broken bones and snake bites just don’t seem to happen in convenient places or at convenient times. Plus when you get your deer they can help haul it out.
