I agree, I would rather deer hunt with a .243 or 6mm rather than a 30-06 anyday. This probably stems from the fact that my 30-06 is a springfield 1903 that wieghs an approximate 73.6 some-odd lbs!!
In the West where I've hunted deer anyways, out east with closer shots, and maybe the need for a brush-busting bullet I may reconsider.
SK, don't talk yourself down. A little 3x3? That's a trophy! When I shot my blacktaildoe I was excstatic for a few days,I kept rubbing it in how my guns was off my shoulder and they deer was toast before my brother could even find it in his scope.