a female interested in hunting should have no problem in getting advice from some local male hunters that frequent your shop you work at.. i could care less what gun you get just as long as you are comfortable with it. you might be able to handle a 30-06 better than most guys anda .243 may be to light. find some locals to let you shoot there guns and see what you like.. by first piece of advice would be to cover your scent. without doing so with all the best equipment in the world you still want tag deer