I agree with Coyoteseeker. I would choose the .25-06 over the .243. I imagine that with careful bullet selection you can minimize pelt damage. I have a friend that used to hunt predators with this caliber and loved it. If iI can find him I'll ask him about it and let you know. The .25-06 is an excellent deer round. Shoots flat and hits pretty hard. Puts 'em down quick. I know the .243 will take deer but I consider it too small for that purpose. It just has no room for error. Besides, I just feel more comfortable with the larger caliber bullet. Choose whichever one you want. They both will work fine. The .25-06 will just give you a little more room to compensate for those actual "hunting conditions".