I find that if I shoot a 50 round set at the range, the .30-06 and similar sized calibers cause considerable next day pain and suffering (a shot or two hunting is nothing.) I have used a PAST recoil pad, which straps on the shoulder, for several years now and this makes all the difference. If you shoot regularly enough with this size caliber and without recoil protection you may well cause damage to your rotator cuff which requires surgery.[:@]

The PAST pads are $20 to $30 and come in a variety of thicknesses. I use the thinnest one, the Field Grade, and I find it sufficient. It works great when shooting clays also, doesn't seem to change the fit much of the stock to shoulder.

Recoil management is not about being "tough," it's about being smart enough to avoid cumulative trauma type injuries to your body.

Like I said, I never bother with this when I am hunting, but at the range I won't be without it.