The SKS is at its best used as a knock-about truck gun or a plinker. The qualities that make it a reliable combat rifle do not necessarily make it a good deer rifle. It is just about bullet proof but it is heavy, clumsy, and often times not very accurate. If minute of pieplate is acceptable to you then the SKS is your gun. The 7.62X39mm cartridge is slightly more anemic than the 30-30 Win. I am not a fan of either but I would rather see them used on deer than any of the 22 caliber cartridges. Out of an SKS your shots should be limited to about 100 yards or so unless you have one of the rare, fairly accurate rifles. Out of a good bolt you might stretch to 150 yards. Anything after that you are losing steam in a hurry. If you want to use an SKS and are willing to abide by its limitations then more power to you and good luck.