Understanding that you want to start out small you might also consider taking on the RESPONSIBILITY of obtaining a rimfire rifle.You should be able to get one with the amount of $ that you mentioned and ammo is fairly cheap.The choice is yours(and your fathers) but when you think about the ethical killing power a .22 caliber would be small,easy to shoot, and a little more powerful.This could also lead to hunting slightly larger animals ie. woodchucks,fox,crows.These animals could be taken with a high power air rifle as well, but making clean kills is important too! I wish you the best of luck!!!SAFETY! SAFETY! SAFETY! Welcome to our great sport and cherish it.