You know the gun is important but another couple of items that are sometimes over looked is a good fixed blade knife and a set of binoculars do not skimp on the knife as I have found when buying a less expensive knife I have to do twice the work. Also check into the local walmart are sportinggoods store for the rules abd regulations in your area for example some states require a hunters education course I took the one here in Texas and even though I have been hunting my whole life I found it very educational. Welcome aboard and thnaks for your service to our great nation,