I would like to try my hand at hunting. I'm active duty military, so not a local Virginian, but this coming fall season (Sept 6 - Oct 3) I'd like to try my hand at bagging a deer. I've never been hunting other than a bow-hunting trip as a child that I barely remember.

I live in Arlington, so my idea was to try one of the nearby Wildlife Management Areas that allow deer hunting during the hunting season since I don't know anyone with private land who'd allow me to hunt there, plus I don't have a blind or stand or any of the advanced hunting equipment some hunters utilize.

If anyone here has recommendations for a hunting "mentor" I can shadow, I'm willing to learn. Over 12 years in the military so I am not against long quiet walks in the woods and carrying heavy crap.