New hunter/shooter recommendations
Welcome to the sport, it is more fun then golf and you can still lie about how good you are at it. Head over to your local gunstore with a big selection and ask to look at a Marlin xl7 bolt action rifle. This rifle offers a lot for the money and it has all the main features you will need. A good barrel, tight action, and clean trigger is all you need. This rifle will have them. Ask to compare this Marlin to others in the same price point and you will find what feels best for you. Don't be in a hurry to buy that first day, this is part of the fun. I always recommend a new shooter to plan on spending around $300 for the rifle, and another $200 for the scope. Whatever rifle you will end up with will last more than your lifetime. They don't wear out, shooters just decide they need an upgrade or change of pace.
Karl