If you're looking for a dedicated deer gun, I would probably go with .270, 7mm-08, or .25-06. Less recoil than either a .308 or 30-06 and I don't think that you really need that extra power (and recoil) until you step up a class in game. .270 ammo would be easiest to find, but the others wouldn't be particularly difficult if you have a dedicated sporting goods store around. If you're looking for a combo deer/elk/moose gun, then by all means get one of the .30 cal.