There are quite a few fine rifles out there at if you're in the 1000 dollar range, maybe consider 1200, I know quite a few other rifles probably enter at that point.

I hear ya on the smaller cartridge now and bigger later, also right now there are quitea few new rounds proving themselves, waiting a few years should only help clarify which succeed. If you are planning to own more than 1 rifle, then yea I would avoid a .30-06, and specialize more, ie a 7mm-08 and a .300 wsm or so.

I think the 7mm-08 is a great choice, you could certainly pick worse, but not much better for what you're talking of doing.

Definitely look at all the gun sites......and see whats on the market, winchester, browning, remington, kimber, sako, etc..etc... cooperarms, ruger?