Hello, I live in Las Cruces NM. I have never been big game hunting in my life. I did go Dove hunting for the first time last year and that was the first time I ever gone hunting. I want to start hunting but don't know how. With Dove hunting I saw videos went and bought a shotgun and tried it that way. Don't have friends since my life revolves around work and family. Don't know anyone that hunts either. I want to start and teach my kids as well and get them outdoors. Right now they are still babies. I was hoping to maybe get some pointers for a new hunter. I have tried to look up local groups but only been able to find groups that are 3 hours away. I also have gone to my local sportsman store and tried to get advice, but I usually just get weird looks and comments like your starting to late, it's going to be very difficult and so on. Like they are almost trying to get me not to go. They never actually really help and also because of it I have been hesitant on trying to ask people in person. I had never been fishing either till last year when I bought a fishing rod. Everything I been trying has been just by watching videos or reading. My first hunt I wanted to do a rifle elk hunt. It doesn't have to be a trophy bull, it can be a cow elk don't really care. Just want to go out and experience it. Just one problem I have no gear and have no idea what to get, where to go or even what to do. The only thing I did was buy some camo from a Cabela's in Texas. I been looking at getting the Ruger American Rifle Predator Bolt Action in 6.5 creedmoor. That's really as far as I've gotten. I just look and look and do as much research as I can but still can't decide. I am going to take my hunters education course soon too, in New Mexico you don't need to but I'm going to anyways. Just really hope to get something back and maybe not get laughed at.