Hacksaw,
I agree with most of the posts about the remington 870. My department, and I would venture to guess 9 out every ten dept. in the lower 48 have this gun in their inventory. Why you ask? .... because it works!.. Nothing fancy just a gun that will function everytime! Because it is such a popular gun There are endless aftermarket products for this gun and you can configure it anyway you want.
As for a .22 rifle, I am a big fan of the Ruger 10/22. It is another example of a gun that just keeps on going. I have one in particular that I have had since I was 15. It still functions perfectly. And boy did I abuse that gun as a kid.
In the end I would certainly recomend you talk to one of the folks on here that is from your neck of the woods that is into hunting. Taurus is one that comes to mind. He would be more in the know as to what is good for that region.
Best of luck and welcome to the world of firearms.
mtnlvr68