Reply #1: Well, there are multiple issues there..

[X_Digger]

.. as to the firearms portion, I'd take a basic gun safety course, then a hunter safety course (which is probably required for your hunting license* anyway, depending on state and your age.) That doesn't teach you to hunt, but it would get the safety aspect done with up front.

Then once you feel you have the knowledge to safely handle a firearm, find a local rifle range, and see if you have any friends for whom you could buy ammo and lunch in exchange for a trip to familiarize yourself with their rifle. Depending on caliber and design, some rifles barely kick at all, some are quite strong. Choice of gun to use when hunting often has a lot to do with the terrain you're likely to hunt in. ie, if you have lots of open terrain with little cover, you might have to make a longer shot than if you're in a mountainous area with lots of brush.

Once you're proficient, I'd ask around, see if there are any hunters who you trust- see if they'd let the two of you observe while they hunt on your land. Around here, private hunting land is very prized, not sure about in MN.

If you can't find a friend to help out, maybe check for a local hunting club, see if they have a women's group or a new hunter group.

As far as bow hunting goes, I can't help you there. I was never any good at climbing trees, I'd probably break my fool neck.




* Depending on your state, you may or may not have to have a hunting license to hunt on your own land. Even if you're not required to have one, consider purchasing one, as much of the money from licenses goes directly to wildlife conservation.