RE: Deer Gun that Isn't Hard on the Ears??
I'd also recommend a 44 magnum rifle. It has light recoil and much less noise than many. Mine is a Marlin 1894 carbine. I took a buck with it this year...went through the lungs and the 240 grain hollow point left a large exit wound. I am like you...I hunt in the woods at shorter ranges. I own several other rifles, but the 44 is a joy for this type of hunting. In fact, I don't even have a scope on mine...just a Williams receiver sight...it's great in rain and snow. Also, it doesn't detract from the marvelous way a lever gun balances in your hand as you carry it. Sometimes I think we have ventured too far away from the basics. I know I did for years. Hey, it works for me! Good luck.
Clint