Hello everybody. This is my first thread/post.

In a few days, I'm going to take my state's mandatory hunting education course, which will then enable me to have a hunting license. The course will involve firearms safety and it will also include shooting w/ a shotgun.

I have no hunting experience. I do not come from a family of outdoorsmen. And I accept the fact that getting even one deer this season may be a big accomplishment. Still, I am intrigued by hunting, want to learn what I consider a traditional manly skill, and frankly, want to eat venison.

So here are my questions.
1. Other than, say, cameo clothing, a shotgun, a knife for dressing, what other equipment will I absolutely need? I speculate I may have to buy one of those bright orange vests so that other hunters may see me.
2. I'm thinking of buying a portable heater (that uses propane; I assume that even with proper clothing, it'll be nice to have a heater as I will be outside in colder weather). Yay or nay for bringing heaters while hunting?
3. How difficult is it to dress a deer?
4. The average deer you guys have hunted - if counting only meals for one average-sized male adult, how much meat does each hunted animal yield (how many meals)?