so, I've been thinking of getting in to hunting (on the fence about if I want to start with deer or duck), but it seems like there are a lot of obstacles in illinois.

So, I've got Hunter Safety Education in a few weeks; but it seems like I might be better off hunting in Wisconsin. Do I have to take another safety course for that, or will my Illinois safety course be recognized by Wisconsin? Or Indiana, or any other state for that matter?

I've gotten a foid card, and after much research decided a AR-10 chambered in .308 would be a good gun. EXCEPT it's too small to be legally used in illinois, AND in illinois, I have to use a muzzle loader.
So, maybe a shotgun would be better? Are 12 gauge slugs more effective than .308?

hope you guys can provide some insight!