The only thing I can add to all the of the excellent advice given here by the other members, is that if your finances allow, to buy it much earlier than the fall. This will give you plenty of opportunity to wring it out and get used to it, and sight it in well, without the pressure of the season looming over your head. Don't forget at least three boxes of ammo, two or more for the range and puttering around with and one for the hunt.
I had a buddy once who waited till mid September to buy it, and by the time he had it scoped and rigged out it was the end of the month, with two weeks till the moose season opened. Add to that his flinch and panic of the upcoming season, he couldn't hit the ocean from a dinghy!!
Just a thought.
Ricky