All right back on topic, I somehow missed all the excitement.
I suspect your working in either Oil/Gas, Forestry, Survey,. or other Enviromental field.
Having some experience in that field, you will want something that is easy to carry, because if its a pain to carry it will end up staying in the truck or on the quad. I recomend a large pistol, but because of stupid gunlaws, a short barrel 12 gauge shotgun is the next best. Loaded with slugs, and learn how to use it. The Rem 870 is a good choice, I have one (actually a clone) and I also have a Win Model 12. The 870 is better because you can easily swap out the short barrel for a rifled slug barrel or longer barrel for hunting ducks.
that covers the packing gun. Next you want a hunting gun, deer, moose, bear, elk, can't go wrong with the 30-06. Good all around gun. I don't have one but would not hesitate to get one if the price was right. I hunt with a 7mmRemMag and have a 25-06 for smaller game. I have also just ordered a 300WinMag. All my hunting guns are bolt action, I do own lever guns and have used pumps but I think that the bolt guns are better.
Now since your just starting out shooting you don't want to make yourself recoil sensitive, and flinch and the percieved recoil when you shoot. It will throw off your aim, and you will become disapointed with your guns.
This is why some have recomended learning to shoot with a .22 rimfire. Rimfire rounds are smaller and have less recoil and power. Center fire tend to be larger and have more recoil. Also you can remove the spent primers in Center fire ammo and reload it. Your hunting gun will be a center fire of some sort. If your not adverse to having lots of guns

and who on this site isn't you can go with a smaller starter gun for hunting .243 (I dont like) 25-06 (I like) .260 .270 6.5mm 6mm or the likes of that. They will be fine for deer and smaller animals, but shot placement becomes more critical with larger game.
Ok I've gone on long enough
I'll say one more thing that will get me in trouble
I don't recomend getting any of the odd calibers like all the WSSM, RUM, or the likes of that stick with common calibers that you can buy in the local stores. Easy to get cheaper ammo makes shooting more afforadable and those new ultra short.... calibers really don't offer a lot more performance.
Ok I said it
