Hi there-

I'm absolutely new to hunting and very eager to learn. I'm mostly interested in game birds. However, a lot of books I've read, even those aimed at beginners, assume a lot of prior knowledge. I gather that most people learn how to hunt at the knee of an older relative. Lacking one of my own, I'm asking my boyfriend's uncle (an avid quail hunter) if he can show me the ropes, but in the meantime, what's the best way for a beginner to start out? Can anybody recommend some background reading?

I'm also interested in hunting with a slingshot. I haven't found much information on that, but with a lot of practice, do you think it would be a practical way to bring home quail, pheasant, woodcock, dove, or grouse? Thanks!