Hunting courses have their place in getting beginners into the activity of hunting. Safe practices, knowing your game, handling and operating a gun and ammo safely. But as one ole hunter once told me... "Life will be your teacher". So get out there walk around, learn the terrain, try and find game trails and areas where they are, rather then treking endlessly though areas where they are not. Have fun and be safe. Because your meat and trophy is alive and well for the time being.