Hello everyone, I'm pretty new to this forum and would be very appreciative of any advice that anyone can offer to me. I've always been interested in hunting small game(mostly rabbits and squirrels). The problem is that I do not know anybody who hunts that could give me some advice on where to start with this.

I'm hoping that maybe someone on this board could help me out. I do not own any firearms currently, but am planning on purchasing one sooner or later. I am wondering what sort of gun is best for shooting small game? Money is a bit of an issue, so I would definitely need to seek a basic gun that is inexpensive but not lacking in quality. I am leaning more toward a shotgun, but I do not even know what kind exactly to be looking for.

In addition, how do I even get started with hunting? I live in NC and I have looked at the NC Wildlife website, but I haven't been able to find much information. What sort of classes do I need to take? What is the difference between a permit and a license? Also, how do I even know WHERE I can hunt? (are there designated hunting areas?)

Thank you for any advice!!