I'm sure that at reasonable distances the 7.62x39 Soviet with good hunting ammo will do the job. The real trick is to find a rifle that's accurate enough to ensure good shot placement is possible. I've been through two Chinese SKS rifles, both of which had some serious accuracy issues. Shooting off sandbags the best group it ever shot was about 6" at 100 yards, which is pretty pathetic compared to even the cheapest bolt action rifle. Granted, I always shot the cheap ammo through it, so that is likely part of the problem, but even with premium ammo I would not expect better than 4MOA. The Soviet, Romanian or Yugoslavian made rifles are said to be better build that the Chinese versions, but I still wouldn't expect great accuracy.

But if if hunting forested and brushy areas where shots are 50 yards and less, then I personally wouldn't hesitate to take an SKS if that was the best I could afford. Just buy the best brand name ammo you can get so the load is up to the task. I know Winchester and Remington both make hunting ammo for the 7.62x39 Soviet.

Maybe consider looking around at for a used bolt gun in .243Win, .25-06, .308 or .30-06. Used guns in these calibers are usually easy to find and can be had pretty cheap. And all three calibers are far better deer medicine than the rather anemic 7.62x39 Soviet. But I certainly wouldn't fault you for using one if that's what you got, just pick your shots wisely.

Mike