1hoda, I'm in the exact same boat and will be doing research also. I will let you know any good sources I come up with. I'm using tag allotment numbers and hopefully Eastman's MRS for starting points. Figure more animals means more opportunity.
My wife decided last spring she wanted to kill a turkey. First ever hunt for her. We tried and failed, found lots of sign and other hunters haha. Have a better game plan for this year and a touch more knowledge. I'm not much of a bird hunter. Lol
Timberland, my personal recommendation would be to avoid semi's at your price point. If you keep an eye out you can pick up a Taurus revolver almost new for that, with a slightly better resale.
Forgetting price fellas. At $300 every option mentioned is out, even used. A used Taurus revolver might be the ticket. Surprisingly Bersa makes a nice Lil .380acp. Both would be around that price range, rather dependable and fit virtually every woman's hand.