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!!

A .22 rim fire rifle would work perfectly. You can pick up one from Walmart for around $100-$200. Or you could get a cheap 20 or 12 gauge shotgun. The 12 has more power than the 20 gauge, but personaly a 20 gauge us perfect for rabbit and squirrel. Try calling your wildlife department about the licenses you will need. They should be able to get you information about land that is owned by the government that you can hunt , aka wildlife management areas. I wish the best for you and happy hunting.

I like pellet guns myself. 1000 rounds for 6 bucks, I can kill any small game I can with a 22, and I can shoot in my basement If I wanna. I can also shoot in town here as it is not a firearm. I also think you should think about what you are going to do with them once you get them. http://youtu.be/WBwxGQMMSZI will show the skinning part. and next week will have squirrel cooking. I add a new video every week.

.22 rim fire rifle = Ruger 10/22 or Marlin model 60

12 gauge= Remington 870 or Mossberg 500

Don't know the laws in your state OR how old you are, so you'll have to contact your DNR representative to get you that info. Call them, they are very helpful I've found.

I owned a 20g as one of my first guns. Loved it. Hate that I sold it & have been trying to buy another one ever since (20+ years). It has enough power to do any kind of hunting, and it is also lighter in the kick & lighter in the weight SO it is a pleasure to carry for long days of hunting (this is key).

20g shells are cheaper than 28g also, other wise, I'd say the 28g.
The 28 is the best small game gun to carry all day. Soft kick, super light, super accurate, just a pleasure. Not a canon LIKE the 12 gauge. Love the 12, but it is heavy in carry weight and kick.

This is why we buy more than one gun!

20g, I'll stick with that choice. Good enough to get you going in all directions...

Remington 870 12 gauge or 22 of some will always get the job done.

if you would like to get a 22, i would recommend the savage mark 2. i wouldnt buy from from walmart if were you. top it off with a nikon prostaff and you have great squirrel buster. as for shotguns, i would say go with a remington 870 or mossberg 500 20 gauge. if you dont want to spend that much, h&r makes a nice little single shot that is mighty cheap.