[Lee Heggy]

Lots of good advice here.I don't hunt nearly as much as I would like but the two rifles I use cover pretty much any game I might be going after. One is a Savage, model 24 over and under-22 LR on top and 410 on the bottom. Excellent for small game as well as birds. The other is an 1873 Springfield trapdoor 45/70. Great for deer or just about anything else. Packs a big punch. I know these guns are maybe hard to find but they are what I like.

[longrider]

I've got a NEF single shot 45/70 used for $176.00. It will roll you back a little, but doesn't kick you like a 303 I have. You fire a clip in that gun and you will want to quit for the day.

[norton]

Trigger isn't too good on teh Savage over / under and trapdoor won't take many factory loads.

Nevertheless, two of my faves anyway.

Absolutely believe you would want a good shotgun (not good as in 'expensive' my mossberg is just fine thanks) if you are in any kind of swampland.

30-06 has done just fine in any and all environments of North America and .308 is virtually same thing: good bolt guns can be had cheap.

If you are going to scope it - go for speed of acquisition via low power & larger area of view.