We hunt whitetails and mule deer at the same time, sometimes as "deer" and sometimes the license is specific about species. Eastern plains of CO we have both together. My latest gun of choice is my sons TC Contender carbine in 7-30 Waters, even out to 300 yds. it is very effective, weights in at 7lbs. full up and it balances and carries quite nicely. Another one would be a Remington Mtn Rifle in .260 that weighs in just over 7 lb ready to hunt with.