Last 2 scopes (in chronological order) I bought in that price range that I thought were as good as most eastern states hunter will ever need:
1. Nikon ProStaff 2-7x for $149 (Old design with slow focus eyepiece)
2. Redfield Revolution 2-7x for $139
Other scopes I have liked (you might find used?):
1. Leupold Vari-X III (1992) 1.5-4.5x (best M/L scope I have ever used?)
2. Nikon Monarch UCC 1.5-4.5x (a bit of edge distortion at 1.5x)