Beginner needs some advice/help

Seeing as how I'm just getting started, I'm not hunting at all this season. Just wouldn't make any sense to me. I know a couple people near where I live, but I don't think they would want to actually take the time to help me out. Was wondering what kind of approach some other beginners have taken. I really don't want to go alone first day of next season. Feel it would be very discouraging if I didn't even see a deer. Helpful advice would be great. ****, I'd even appreciate someone to go target practice with. I'm most likely going to be strictly bow season. Just don't want to dump a bunch of money I don't have into this right away.

Also, when does IDNR usually make the new season licenses available for purchase.

Thanks in advance all.

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