1) .243
2) Either 100gr Remington CoreLokts, 100gr Hornady Custom Interlocks
or 100gr Federal Premium Sierra Gamekings...depending on which your gun shoots best...any of the 3 will do the job.
3)I would not use scents until you have several years of experience, because you can actually scare off more deer than you attract if you don't know which scent to use at certain times of the season...Millions of deer were killed before scents were marketed to the general hunting public.
4)A lot of patience, something good to eat and drink, maybe a good book, a cell phone, a compass, proper clothing to keep you warm, mosquito repellant if its hot, a flashlight, binoculars....and your dad.
5)The best day to go hunting or fishing is whenever you can get permission from the lady of the household (mom)....Its still the same for me ...and I have been married 27 years....
If you have your pick....watch the Weather Channel and go the day before a front is moving in (a dropping barometer).
Good Luck....Let us know how you do.