i am a bowhunter, i enjoy it more than any form of hunting, but for a first chance at a deer i'd suggest you try with whatever fire-arm is legal for your area, shooting a deer after you have killed a few with a rifle will loose its luster, i mean its just shooting a deer with a rifle, now if a high scoring buck shows up it still gets the ole thumper going, but nothing compared to having him at 17 yards broadside and blowing steam
for your first one i'd go witht the smokepole
be sure and "water-proof" it
at this point i'd put the odds in your favor