You are lucky to live in Arkansas if you are just starting out. We have a lot of deer here and some pretty liberal game regulations. My advice is like that of others here, get in the woods. i would also advocate getting an accurate 22 and try hunting squirrels. This will help your skills and be a great way to spend time in the woods. You might also try hanging out at your local sporting goods stores and listen to other hunters and employees to get specific local help. Having said that not all of the advie you will get may be the best so just keep an open mind and use your own intuition to help you sort the earnest and honest advice from the uhhhh.... baloney. Good luck and welcome from another Arkansas hunter.