Re: How to get started ???
There's no dumb questions, lots of good info on HBC here and lots of good members to answer questions. I would try to find a couple hunting partners with similar experience to yourself. Im sure there's others in similar situation that live in LML. There will be no shortage of experienced hunters who would also go hunting with you. Remember to be gracious and split fuel and food costs on a trip with partners. Share the harvest too, if you're lucky enough to get something
As to first rifle, I would recommend a bolt action 22LR (Savage Mark II, Marlin XT-22, CZ, Ruger American). Great to learn marksmanship with and good for small game (grouse, rabbit). If you'll be hunting deer and black bear mainly, I'd suggest something chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08. Moderate recoil, lots of firearm options, and lethal out to a few hundred yards or more. Handle as many different models you can and then you can decide what is best for you. I'd suggest Reliable Gun in Vancouver for a good shop to buy from that is local to you
cheers
"If you ever go into the bush, there are grizzly bears lurking behind just about every bush, waiting to pounce, so you need a powerful gun, with huge bullets" - Gatehouse ~ 2004