Reily,
Glad you're taking up hunting. As usual the people on this
forum are being generous with their good advice. I'd just
like to mention you may want to go and shoulder a few
different models before you decide. Pick the one that feels
good to you.
A 22 is always a good place to start but as long as you
get some good pointers/instruction on your larger calibers
getting what you need/want is important. Practice is the
key. Good luck and keep us posted.

God bless and an earlyHappy Birthday,
PK