How about a 30-30 for "deer only". For larger game (elk, moose, etc.) he could get a 45-70 which, even though it works superbly on deer, would enable him to take any game animal on the planet with the appropriate ammunition.
Both of these options HAVE stood the test of time, HAVE proven themselves as being very well suited for each group that was specified, and HAVE ample ammunition available for the forseeable future.