I cannot echo enough the find a friend statements. While successful hunting is always the end goal, the experience of deer camp is where the magic happens.

I have a group of guys I have been hunting and fishing with since high school (and that was a lot longer ago than I care to admit), and the even if one or all of us get skunked, just having that time are the best memories I have.

No doubt you always want, need, dammit just let me see one to shoot, a successful hunt, however don't put too much emphasis on it. Disappointment can taint early hunting experiences too much.

Find a good group of hunters and just have fun, and if you ever need a hunting buddy give me a ring. We're always open to brining rookies up.