Let me throw another option in the mix. I have a Weatherby Vanguard in 7mmRemMag. A bit big for your needs but the Vanguard is affordable, accurate and durable. The nice thing about the .30-06 is you can buy rounds for it any where. Heck, the shake shop around the corner from my house has .30-06 rounds. If you decide you want to save up for an elk hunt you still have a suitable rifle.
I have a Burris Fullfield II in 3-9X40 with Ball Plex reticle. It handles all my needs just fine and doesn't cost a bunch of money.