$300 +- budget and an unexperienced shooter

You could get a Stevens bolt action rifle in 30-06 for around that price, but you would need to buy a scope, mount and rings for it.
 
savageedge02.jpg

$329.99 at Cabela's Canada

Perhaps the best-in-class entry level rifle ever produced, the new Savage Edge is destined to be a favorite among Canadian shooters. The totally new modern design features a silky smooth bolt operation, dual pillar bedding for reliable accuracy in all weather, a rugged composite stock with recoil pad, swivel studs, a 22” matte finish free-floating barrel with a sporter taper, 4 round detachable magazine and two position safety. Also included is a black matte 3-9x40mm scope complete with rings and bases, that’s factory mounted and boresighted. Available in both black and Next Vista camo pattern. Weight: 6.5 lb. (without scope).

https://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?pageID=79&section=&ID=22507
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Welcome to CGN.
Are you a somewhat experienced shooter or fresh into firearms? Give us some specifics on the type of terrain you will hunt in, your hunting area should dictate what you need to start. First off gain access to the Equipment Exchange here on this site. If your hunting in dense woods or in a treestand where 100 yards is a long shot grab a Winchester or Marlin lever in 30-30. If you are in the mountains or open country and want to make shots over 100 yards you should think about optics and look for a bolt-action rifle chambered in one of the standard cartridges like .270, 30-06 or .308.
To be honest I would save up a little more coin {around 500$} and you wouldn't be so restricted in your choices. Join a club or range and hang out there, lots of goodhearted folks will help you along.
 
I would suggest a Lee Enfield 303, possibly a commercial sporter job. These are well made rifles that handle excellent and have taken down all the animals you listed. If you were not after moose and elk I would say the SKS for plinking and deer. You might even be able to find a SKS and a Bubba'd Enfield for around $300.
 
Sporterized, or not, 303 enfield
Used Stevens 200 will be around 300 but you'll need cash for a scope
Tradex sells other sporterized military firearms with many in the 200's
 
$300 is a bit tight.

I was years back in a similar position though, just out of school, debt, mortgage...

Back then I bought a Savage 111 in 30-06, that remained my one and only hunting rifle for some time. Still have it but with a much better scope.

Here is what I recommend you look into:

TradeEx (Sponsor above) has Swedish Mausers M96 Sporters in 6.5x55 for under $200. Talk to them I would guess some of these are still decent rifles to get you started. Then find a decent but inexpensive scope: Vortex Diamondback - Grouse River Outfitter has 3X9 40 listed as $140. You still need bases and rings, don't skimp too much on those.

That is IMO the closest you can get to $300 to have a nice and useful hunting rig in a great calibre for all your hunting pleasure.

Let us know how you make out.
 
I've been tempted by that Marlin '06 on the EE, and another rifle is likely the last thing I need to buy. No scope on it, but the rifle has received lots of good reviews. A serviceable but inexpensive scope (an older Bushnell Banner for instance), and you're good to go. You can always upgrade the glass when finances permit. At $300, I don't think that Marlin will be around for long.
 
Wendell said:
savageedge02.jpg

$329.99 at Cabela's Canada
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What's restrictive about this?? Good beginner package, serviceable and economical. Just the thing for a low budget, new hunter

The SKS thing? Not a good idea for a new shooter and a non-reloader. 125gr SP @ 2400fps for moose?? Even I'm iffy on that and I USE my SKS for hunting. 125gr for deer out to 150yds, 150gr for deer out to 250yds, 150gr for moose or elk out to 200yds are my limits. I pull the FMJ and weigh the powder from 10 rds, gives me a good average. Then I weigh all the charges so that they will be closer. Refill the cases. Seat a 125 or 150gr soft point, sight in, and go hunting.
 
I'd go with the site sponsor tradex and grab a classic Mauser in either 6.5x55 or 30-06 for well under the budget. Use the iron sights provided and you'll bag any of the game listed; unless your eyes are really bad, a scope isn't totally necessary. Also while I really prefer the 8x57 the factory ammo is very anemic, as well if you go the 9.3x57 route it can be impossible to find factory ammo for the beginner. The 9.3x62 is another decent option, but it may be too hard of a recoil for a beginner shooter.

Here's the link: http://www.tradeexcanada.com/index.php?option=com_paxgallery&task=table&gid=5
 
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