I echo the above sentiments - .22LR is a great starters round. It's abundant, cheap, fun, and you can shoot it pretty much anywhere.
As for safety, let us not forget the four ground rules laid down by the Late Jeff Cooper:

The Four Rules
1. All firearms are always loaded.
2. Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
4. Be sure of your target and what is behind it.

That's a good start - happy hunting and good luck! Another one to the gun owners!