Rookie Hunter!!

[Rookie]

I am a rookie hunter, I just got into hunting and I have no clue where to hunt. I live in the tri-cities, I won't mind driving a few hours. I am not asking you guys for your honeyholes but just some descent spots for mule & white tail deer. I would really appreciate the help. I am really looking forward for this upcoming season. I have no hunting experience at all. Also,what kind of equipment would I need? I am going to buy a Remington 30.06, but not sure what model to buy. I also have no clue on what to pack. THANKS!!

[Bullkllr]

DON'T buy a Rem 770!

[BowBender87]

number one thing that should be in your pack...mountain money! (toilet paper)

[RockChuck]

More than one way to make fire.

[dscubame]

You have very good areas within an hour or so, many areas, some 20 minutes.  Get some state land maps and start asking people that have lived there awhile. 

[humanure]

Nature Valley granola bars. No matter what flavor you get, when I've been out hunting, these things and water kept my stomach full and kept me energized.

[elksnout]

I can't help you with any hunting information for your area but I'll throw this out. With zero hunting time under your belt, beg, trade or become a stow away for someone to take you under their wing (s). Are their any local hunting clubs or shooting clubs in your area to meet fellow hunters? Have you been through Hunters Education? Put an add on Craigs List asking for a partner. Put a post on here for a hunting partner. I just saw one in Oregon. Don't go by yourself being your'e so new to this.
30-06 with a decent 3x9 scope is a great choice. Will take anything this state has to offer. You will need a quality set of binoculars too. 8 or 10x beings you will be hunting more open country. A good daypack to carry knife, rope, sharpener, first aid kit, extra shells, map and compass, gps, lunch and water. Get online and learn how to field dress your deer so you do not waste the meat, etc. The list goes on....

[Bullkllr]

That's about the best advice anyone could give.

[Yeti]

Take a couple day hikes/backpacking trips.  Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.  Learn what it is like to be quiet in the woods.  You are embarking on an adventure where the animal you are chasing has one thing on is mind everyday of its life.....survival.   Patience will be your biggest friend, watch hunting videos read some books.  Cameron Hanes has a couple good books that provide great info. Dwight Schuh has a good book on bowhunting. I know you are wanting to buy a rifle but the books about bow hunting provide info on how to locate, and track game, what their habits are etc.

Be humble and teachable.  There are people who love to share their passions with others.

lastly........ HAVE FUN!!

[kentrek]

another thing your going to have an issue is taking care of an animal once/if you get one,there are some great videos on the net for guting/skining/boning out animals on the net. these will put you light years ahead compared to the school of hard noks. finding an animal can take weeks,taking care of an animal can take days,shooting one takes fractions of seconds. think about what your going to need in the majority of your time hunting..good boots,good pack board and knife,most projectiles put into the heart/lungs will kill.

btw in regards to what you pack,less is more....