As already mentioned, 12 guage shotgun would be your best bet in my opinion. That was my first gun and I've hunted squirrel, dove ,rabbit,and deer. Just use the right ammo and know that your the limits. Now if you are going to hunt deer in fields and want to shoot futher distances, then you will have to get a rifle. And know where the vitals are on a deer. Myself, I only shoot at deer that are 40 to 50 yards max.