OneFederalist,

I got you beat... I didn't start hunting until I was 40 years old. I have always loved the outdoors and wanted to get into hunting, but back in the day, I was busy with a career in the US Coast Guard and couldn't always settle down somewhere and go hunting.

Anyway, since I retired and moved to Virginia, I got into hunting and have learned a lot since then. Most importantly I learned what to do, and what NOT to do.

I'd stay in the Blue Ridge Mts of Virginia and hunt out there. East of the Blue Ridge they run hound dogs after deer. Some localities (county ordnances) won't let you shoot your 30-30 rifle. You'd have to buy a shotgun and use that instead.

Try to find a deer club, private land, get into a lease, etc... it will be a lot better. You'd be far better off staying away from the public land WMA's (Wildlife Management Areas). They are loaded with so many hunters that it almost becomes scary. I mean, there is so much blaze orange, that when the sun comes up it looks like a dang pumpkin patch!

I'd stick with the George Washington Nat'l Forest and hunt out there. That's what I do and it is so spread out, you'll hardly ever bump into another hunter, if you play your cards right.

Also, your .30-30 is perfect for the heavy woods of the GWNF. I wouldn't put a scope on it though... Lever guns just don't look good with a scope on them. But that's just my opinion...

Good luck and welcome aboard!