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Then put 2X the amount of money into your scope - you can thank me later !

The .30-30 is a great round for the thick stuff here in Florida. Enough power to take down a deer but the gun is a bit easier to handle when walking through the woods. A .30-06 or .308 would be other great choices. Ammo is easily available and relatively cheap. I wouldn't use a bipod if I were you. It's just going to be extra weight you'll have to lug around and you won't get much use out of it in the woods.

Interesting video about hunting elk, wolves, etc.:http://huntset.com/page228.html

You can never go wrong with a 30/30 lever action for deer hunting. I would also recommend the savage or the Tikka rifle for the price point this are one of the most accurate rifles out of the box. Caliber wise if recoil is a problem go with a 243 or 7mm-08.
In my opinion the 7mm-08 does what the 308 does with less recoil and lighter bullets, but the 308 has advangtage especially in load developement since there are more 30 cal bullets to choose from than the 7mm-08.

OP, definitely look through Sheridan's links. All those are great guns. Personally, I'd recommend a Marlin 30/30 or a Howa 1500 in .30-06. I've got the Howa and absolutely love it. It's been great for me in North Florida.

What I meant by "rugged" scope mounting system was not a "rugged" brand name, but rather I was trying to say to be sure to buy a scope mount system that is well made, strong and will stand up to years of hunting. Leupold's system is one of these. There are many other good systems as well.

Go look more on forums see whitch one you think is best for you but i would say a 308 is a very good deer gun

For small or young hunters, .243 is a great caliber. Not much recoil while shooting while still having enough punch to take down a deer hit in the vitals. Great caliber for fields and open woods, however being a small size round it deflects off brush easily.
My next suggestion would be any .30 caliber such as the 30-30 or
30-06. To my knowledge more whitetails have fallen to these calibers than any other caliber. .30 caliber is a bit more effective than .243 for brush or thicket hunting. My favorite is a Marlin 35 rem. I have hunted from the Canadian border to Texas with my 35 and I saw no issues. The 35 rem has a nickname here in Vermont of the "pumpkin chucker". It is a massive piece of lead to smash through brush. It is devastating to deer often taking them off their feet when hit. I can still shoot out to 200 yards after some practice. Though, I have never shot a deer further than 90 yards away.

Whitetail Strategies Guide Service
Fred Scott Owner/Head Guide
www.whitetailstrategies.net