I would suggest finding a hunting friend. I also would get a GPS, WalMart is fine, and use it.Unless you ever spent a cold night in the woods waiting to be rescued you should trust me on this.
The smallest rifle I would buy is a .270 and bigger if in Griz Country. Get online and study because the rules change by where you are at. I find the most effective way is to find a good spot, meaning you know game is there,park and walk in. Do you know how to field gut an animal?
I suggest you take the Hunter Safety Course. Good hunting. MV out!
http://fwp.mt.gov/default.html