[The Guru]

First, find a mentor.
Make sure you attend a hunter's ed. course.
Become very familiar with you weapon while under supervision. Now some might disagree with this, but, my suggestion for a first gun will be something in a .243 caliber. My son and I have taken numerous deer with this caliber and have dropped every deer in their tracks with this caliber. It also has little recoil and they are usually lightweight. However, if $$ is not the problem my suggestion for anyone starting out purchasing firearms for hunting various species and seasons, I recomend Thompson Center Encore. Remember that to be fair to our quarry we need to make sure that we can within reason put our target on the ground with just one well placed shot. Respect the animal.
Learn your species and take advise from respected hunters.
As far as costs go, you could spend as less as $200 and be successful, or you can spend as much as several thousand and not be anymore successful.
Success depends on how much effort you put in, being in great habitat, be in the right place at the right time, and of course luck!
Most of all, to me the best part of hunting is not only getting in touch with my natural instincts at the top of the food chain, but enjoying the friendships and memories that last lifetimes.
Good luck.