AWESOME! It's great that you are getting into hunting and have already harvested a doe. Congrats on that! Don't let anyone tell you different THEY are the best eatin. As far a the weapon you want to get ... I think you said it best find something that you are comfortable handling and shooting. I wouldn't trade my NEA (New England Arms) 243 for anything. It does it all.
Light enough to pack around all day and big enough caliber for deer. It will reach out there too. I live in almost the exact type of country as you. Here in Kansas we have rolling grasslands.
Good luck with whatever you get to harvest your meat with and Welcome to our sacred hunting lifestyle and hunting.net. We are glad your here!
Live it up! Deerwoods Doug