I'd search on this forum and you'll find a lot of help.
SCOUT. Get out and look around. Maybe the best spot is not overlooking a field. I don't know about the rest of the guys here, but it doesn't work in PA like you see on the hunting shows.
The other thing I didn't see you mention was practicing with your gun. Know your effective range and DON'T take a questionable shot. Nothing worse than wasting an animal.
Here is a link to what to do after the shot. This is from the bowhunting forum. Just because you have a gun, doesn't mean you won't have to track.
http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1164980
Hope that helps.