If you are interested in learning, you should probably start by asking a family member or a close friend that you know shoots to show you the ropes. Before you go shooting, though, you will need to learn the basics such as firearms safety and responsibility rules. If you will be hunting, you will need to know and understand the responsibilities of a hunter and the rules of good sportsmanship. In many of the states in the U.S., you will have to take a Hunter Safety course.

Keep in mind that you cannot expect to be awesome on the first shot. Accuracy will come with practice. Young shooters often start with dove hunting, plinking, or rabbit and squirrel hunting to learn. Understanding ammunition basics and gun care will help too.

There are many organizations that will help you learn to hunt and shoot safely and responsibly, such as:

Boy Scouts of America
1325 Walnut Hill Lane
Irving, TX 75015-2079
(214) 580-2000
(For information on scouting or earning a shotgun or rifle shooting merit badge, contact your local scout master listed in your telephone directory or available from the national office.)

Hunter Education Association
PO Box 490
Wellington, CO 80549
(970) 568-7954

National 4-H Council
809 University Dr., Bldg. D & E
College Station, TX 77843-2473
H. T. Davidson
(409) 845-1211

Future Farmers of America
PO Box 45205
Madison, WI 53744-5205
(608) 829-3105

NRA Youth Programs
11250 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
(800) 267-1000

And don't forget to have fun!