If you have little or no hunting experience, I suggest taking a local hunting safety course first to cover the basics of safety, limits, seasons...etc. Talk to some guys that hunt, and maybe get in on a hunting trip. GET A LICENSE. Since it's your first time, (nobody ever wants to hear this) maybe just "hunt" with a camera. It gives you a feel for the area, and what works for blending in enough for that big buck to come in close.
If you feel to macho to not bring your rifle, only bring 2 rounds, and don't carry your gun hot. I know a bunch of guys that got excited, and hurried their first, and missed completely, or hit the deer dirty and lost it. Take your time. Wear your orange, and only shoot if you can clearly see your target (noise in the bushes doesn't mean shoot!) Be mindful of other hunters in the area, and know where the other guys in your party are located.
I think that covers most of it.
As far as rifle, what do you have now? Are you planning on picking something up? What kind of area will you be hunting? I've know guys to go with anything from .222 to 12GA, so there are lots of choices.To give an example, my deer rifle is a Winchester 94 in 30-30. When my dad would go, he used a Win 94 in .32 Win Special, or a 30-40 Krag.
Whatever you decide, practice, be safe, dress warm.