i have a Marlin 3030 that I have used since I started carrying a rifle in the woods 10 or so years ago. It was my grandpa's. My dad killed his first deer with this rifle 25 years ago and I have killed multiple bucks with it. In my opinion, it is honestly perfect for hunting the midwest..
a) compact enough to maneuver easily through the thick brush (when hunting southern missouri)
b) trajectory, knockdown power and recoil are great
c) doesn't shoot as far as a 30-06 but with enough practice you can make shots up to 180-200 yards (covers the wide fields and pastures)