Completely new to hunting, I've tried reaching out to a few nearby mentors on the First Hunt Foundation website (
https://firsthuntfoundation.org/find-a-mentor) with zero success. After completing the Washington Hunter Ed course and getting my hunting certification, I'm having trouble figuring out where to start. I have a 12-gauge shotgun and I was hoping to join someone with experience to get out in the field with and show me the ropes. It seems like a much better idea to get out there with a seasoned expert who can call me out when I'm doing something wrong and impart some wisdom rather than trying on my own.
I've been an outdoor enthusiast forever; camping, hiking, exploring, etc. I grew up doing boy scouts and even remember shooting a gun or two. My dad used to hunt when I was little but stopped before I had the opportunity to learn. Now that I'm older and have 2 boys of my own, I want to branch out into the world and procure food the way humans were meant to and I want my kids to know where their food comes from. I'm hoping when I gain more experience, I'll be able to take them out and teach them about hunting and conservation as well.
I live in the Everett area but I'm willing to travel wherever the game for beginners are at. I was thinking turkey but, again, it's hard to know where to start. Any thoughts, recommendations, or mentorship is greatly appreciated.