If i were you id try rifle hunting first as you don't have to get nearly as close to them and its easier. You can usually put a decent scope/rifle package together for under $550. Ruger american, thompson center compass, tikka, weatherby vanguard are all affordable rifles that shoot extremely well. Go for a caliber that you can take elsewhere 7mm08, .270, 30-06, 7mm rem mag range. That way you won't be under gunned if you want to hunt somewhere that you have the opportunity to take longer shots. Scopes id go with a basic 3x9x40 with a reticle you like. Redfield revolution, leupold rifleman, vortek diamondback, or even a nikon prostaff if you can find one are more than adequate. I'd roughly guess over 80% of whitetails are shot inside 200 yards. At least here in pa they are. Binos you can get by with a cheap pair of 8x32's. I use leupold yosemites when i'm whitetail hunting. They cost me around $100. If you don't have antler restrictions in your area you can probably skip the binos. Im sure you own a pocketknife and some rope. If you get one gut it, drag it out, and take it to the local processor. Get yourself a cheap ground blind and a decent swivel chair, dress warm and call it a year. See if you like it before you worry about the rest of the stuff.
