a 7mm-mag is overkill for whitetail deer. Nothing wrong with it, but unless you are going to hunt something bigger in the future, there isn't a reason for you to go that route as it may be a little much for a new hunter. I would suggest 7mm-08, 308, 270, 30-30 to name a few. all of these have less recoil, will easily take a deer or pretty much anything else in N. America. 30.06 is a fine choice too, but again maybe a little overkill for someone new. I hunt with a 30.06 and a 7mm-08. Most of time 7mm-08 due to the fact it has less recoil, lighter weight gun and devistating on deer.