Kevin, I am sure you are a good guy, but most folks involved in guns are very carefull about getting together with folks they dont know for hunting/ shooting.
Good for you to want to learn properly. Call local sporting goods shops (Gander, Dicks, privatly owned) or google for local hunter safety classes. The hunter safety class is more on gun safety than anything, and is a great start. I found the U.S. Army marksmanship training manual as a free online download. Great stuff, even for an old experienced shooter.
Google for local shooting ranges/ sportsmans clubs. Contact them about instructors.
I totally agreee with the previously mentioned idea of getting an inexpensive .22 (rimfire) rifle. All the principals are the same for you centerfire, but the cost will be a fraction to shoot.
Be carefull of anyone who is too eager and gungho to teach you...and be sure no alcohol at all is present, and that any shooting is at a formal range. And no matter what...do NOT try to impress the instructors with the extent of your knowledge...only with your earnest concern to do it right and safe.