Hi and thanks for the welcome!

I live in Albuquerque, NM. From what I've gathered so far, there is quite a selection of game to hunt here in my state. Of course the novice in me automatically wants to go for big game like elk, but I know that in reality I'm probably going to have better luck with the smaller animals like turkeys. I'm still trying to take in all sorts of info on the different types of smaller game. I still know next to nothing about tracking animals but know that it is a huge part of being successful.

I've been target shooting for a long time, since I was a little kid and my grandfather would let me shoot his .22. I've always enjoyed shooting and I take my wife to the range so we can have fun with our Glock and also rent an AR on occasion. Recently, however, I've just been feeling this strong desire to HUNT. Not just shooting/killing an animal. I desire the whole experience of creeping/stalking animals in the field and harvesting meat. Being able to survive off the land appeals to me in a strange way as I've grown up in an urban setting and getting food and supplies was always just a short trip to the local store. I would love to be able to have a nice freezer full of meat for my family, knowing that I PERSONALLY hunted down and obtained it for them.