You shouldnt be going hunting unless you can already shoot, you should be able to pretty certain your going to hit your target all the time. Otherwise your going to just end up injuring animals.
I would go clay shooting if you have no experience or some target air rifle shooting.
Finally some sensible advice.
Right, OP >>
Please do not engage in any sort of hunting unless you know what you're doing with a gun, for a couple of reasons:
- You owe it to the prey to be capable of a clean kill
- You need an understanding of using a weapon in order to be safe
In terms of options available to you, you can try pretty much anything from black powder hand weapons through to full bore rifles and shotguns, so the world's your oyster in that regard.
Two useful sites for finding clubs near you (other than the phone directory and Google of course!):
http://www.cpsa.co.uk/
http://www.nra.org.uk/
Now in terms of practicalities:
Target clubs on a range are usually geared towards firearms, so there you will be able to use (e.g.) .22 rifles as a starter to learn to shoot, which most clubs usually have as "club guns" so that people can borrow them. If other kind souls on the range are willing to let you shoot their weapons, then you're in luck too.
Air rifles tend to stick to their own clubs, although most firearm clubs will let you use them. You can either have a go at paper punching on a range, or get involved in FT (long distance technical target shooting) or HFT (loads of fun, various "knock down" targets scattered throughout a woodland course to simulate hunting).
For shotguns, practical shotgun clubs are few and far between in the UK, but clays are commonplace. Most clubs charge you a small fortune if you don't have your own gun and ammunition, partly because you also get a tutor to ensure you are safe! If however you have a friend who shoots clays, you can expect to spend under £20 on ammunition for an entire morning, and shoot under their guidance.
Hope that helps!