David, I think that may have been the natural assumption here (and it may have already been taken care of) but when I see a title "new to hunting" my first thought is of the hunter safety class, not what gun can I put in a beginners hands.

Back on topic of guns however, my first was a Marlin Model 60 semi-auto 22 (19 years later and I still have it) but I also grew up in Colorado where hunting meant big game and my second rifle was a 7mm and I used the 7mm before I used the 22. I guess geography comes in to play and what critter is the intended target.