RE: alrighty so I'm a total n00b about this
Rifles are better for longer distances.
Still hunting as in stalking? Kind of a hard way to start out but go for it. You don't have to buy a stand, you can make a ground blind out of brush.
.243 is the minimum caliber in some states .223 in others.
You don't need dogs to hunt during dog season.
Have fun and good luck