Well gun/calibor is personal preference but to a new hunter I recomend a new England handy rifle in 7mm08 or 308 it's just a singleshot but that's all it should take if you place it right. They can be had for around 230-250 new. Put a decent scope on it and your set. If you just wanna spend extra money on a bolt action you can't beat the Remington 700 but stay away from that model 770 crap. I don't see no reason why you couldn't hunt this season just go where you've seen em find a well used trail and backoff about 30 yards and lean up against a tree make sure your camoflaged good and see what happens. Next year get a stand or groundblind and your set. Any stand will work just get one that you like.