This is two months old, but I thought I'd answer you in case you check back.  First thing is what kind of hunting trip do you have planned?  That is the biggest question because if you are hunting Moose in Maine, you are not going to go out with a .22.  You'll shoot at the moose with your .22, and you'll get that sick feeling in your gut when you don't take him down and he swings around to look at you.  It's not fun feeling.

The other question is what state are you hunting in?  Not every gun is allowed to be used in every state.  You need to know the Fish and Game laws in the state you are hunting in.  For example, I wont recommend a rifle to you if you are hunting in New Jersey because Jersey is muzzleloader/shotgun only.

I'm not sure what you mean by a dual combo?  Do you mean a shotgun that comes with a slug barrel?  I have an H&R shotgun that comes with a slug barrel.  It's a good gun and I like Mossberg.  Again, it really depends on where you are hunting and what you are hunting.

Lastly, if you have never been hunting before, I suggest you practice, practice, practice.  You don't want to go out in the woods and injure an animal.  You want to take an animal down in one shot. That is the humane way to hunt. It won't always happen that way, but that is the ideal I always strive for. Get enrolled in a Hunter Education class and find a gun range to practice at.  Get yourself really comfortable with your firearm before you head out into the woods.

Oh, and don't forget to have fun and enjoy the time with your family!