Follicay,
I aggree with what Shato has said,for one he's been there done that twice.
I aggree with choices on mounts Lupey or Burris,I like 2 pice mounts,and I'm a firm beliver in locktight.
Now scope how many are out there MILLIONS.
The one scope I realy like for hunting here in Montan from timber to sagebrush is the Zeiss Conquest 3-9 x40 mm.This is a great scope and it can take a beating.The one thing to watch out for is the bellsize,cause that will play heck to with a scabared.
There are alot of quality scopes for you out there,like the Nikon Monarch,Sightron SIII,Burris Short mag or Black Diamond,Kahles,Meptora(sp),Bushnell Elite 4200,Lupey VX III.
Most of these in 2.5+ to about 9 or 12 power varible.Don't go less than 35 mm,this is were you will get you light gathering ability.I like 35mm or 40 mm for about everything.
Take a good look at the Zeiss Conquest,I don't think there is abetter scope for the money out there.Some will argue but many will agree.
Good Luck
BBJ