re: Embarrassed about this, but can you start hunting later in life?

It's a lot easier when you have buddies and/or private land. I have neither, and have had a rough go of it so far. But as others have said, I'm not necessarily out there for the kill, the kill would be a bonus. I'll get one, one of these days.

Also, as others have alluded to, I haven't pigeon-holed myself to deer. I'm going squirrel hunting (hiking in the woods with a shotgun instead of a walking stick) this weekend.

Where I live there's as much or more small game season than firearms deer, so if time management is an issue, definitely get into the small game seasons as well. Hunting small game will also improve your deer game, as you'll use it as an excuse to scout for sign and scope out new spots.