Keep it simple starting out, and dont get sucked in by hype to spend alot of money on cool looking doo dads. Good socks and boots, gloves, synthetic long underwear, hat, a reliable gun and good knife appropriate to the game is all you need for starts. Learn how to use a compass and practice simple strait in and out of the woods with it. Join a local gun club where you can practice shooting, and I strongly recommend buying a .22 rifle to practice inexpensively with. The skills for shooting a centerfire are the same. The more time at the range, the more likely to meet other like minded individuals. Pick safe hunting partners who arent braggarts and show offs. You will probably be surprised with how many people you know who hunt: be observant for stickers in windows for outdoor organizations, camo clothing and accessories, and other giveaways that may let you start up a conversation.