I would get a gun you can hunt with in your home state, and that's not a .308, though it would be a fine choice if you planned on limiting your hunting to Wisconsin. A muzzlelaoder would allow you to hunt one additional weekend, and they are legal to use during the firearm season, but there are a few public sites that don't allow muzzleloaders for some reason (outside of the muzzleloader season, which is the second weekend in December, usually). But a shotgun would allow you to hunt those additional sites, if you happen to live near them (are you in northern Illinois?). Ideally, get all 3, a muzzy for muzzy season, a good slug gun (look at the savage or browning bolt-actions), and the .308 for hunting in Wisconsin (which is also worthwhile). But if cost is a factor (it is with me), start with the shotgun, add the muzzy if you want to hunt that extra weekend, and figure out rest later (a good slug gun will work just fine in Wisconsin, too).
Last edited by Murdy; 02-25-2014 at 04:37 AM.