First learn as much as you can on here. A very good book is "Walk With Wick" for lots of practical information. You can find it at
http://www.wickoutdoor.com/ Check out your state's home page for a link to the hunting regulations-as far as I know all states have a home page these days. Any questions you post on this site will most likely get you a lot of good answers quickly. Keep your eyes open for any hunts or shows being held near you and try to attend. That way you can see first hand the kinds of situations that come up and how the dog owners handle them. Find out if there are any hunters that use hounds living near you and see if they'll take you out so you can learn.