I'd just like to ditto the remark about taking a hunter/firearm safety course. I would think that anyone who might be willing to take you out would feel much more comfortable if you'd had that course. After hunting a few times with friends and friends of friends who started hunting as adult and didn't take that course, I wouldn't do it again. There are just too much sloppy gun handling. That's one thing not to compromise on.

So that's one thing you can do to get started and you can do it on your own. Next thing is to practice shooting a lot. Regardless of how you learn to hunt, you have to be a competent shot for when you get that chance.

Then, go ahead and join a hunt club or a gun club and try to make friends. Do the gun shop thing too. As you practice shooting, buy your shells at various shops and just pick brains while you're there. Do the same when you buy your other gear. But a little bit of stuff at a time so you can spread yourself around. Use purchases as an opportunity to pick brains. A good reason to buy locally rather than mail order. From my experience, after you've gotten to know a gun shop or sporting goods guy from buying a few things (doesn't even have to be a lot in terms of $$ - just that you're a customer), you don't have to buy to engage in conversation. Most of those guys just love to talk about guns and hunting. The reason to purchase is not to get them talking, it's just common courtesy to help them earn a living.

Networking is all this is of course. It might take a while, but I hope you'll find some mentors. In the mean time, learn to handle the weapon and shoot well and read about basic hunting strategies and principles. Don't over do it, but you can certainly learn a lot on your own. Good luck!