Any advice for a bewildered novice? I understand using the mapping tool at CPW website. But it seems that without years of experience or private-land contacts, a dartboard would be my best bet.
I would make sure you at least put in for preference points for anything you think you may want to hunt in the future. Other than that, use the spring/summer to go camping and scout the areas you want to try out, it takes a lot of time to find a good spot.