[denton]

One thought not discussed so far: Muzzle brake.

This is a device that causes much of the compressed gas in the barrel to exit sideways, decreasing its contribution to recoil.

The bad news is that they increase muzzle blast. They're fine on smaller calibers, but will figuratively make your ears bleed on a 30-06.

Anyway, it's something to consider.

Here's another factor: Longer barrels recoil less. If you can stand to carry a 24" barrel, it will work in your favor. (What am I saying? You're young and cute. Young men will be standing in line to carry it for you....)

Strap-on shoulder pads also offer considerable relief, as do shooting jackets with a built-in pad. They will let you be much more comfortable.

You didn't mention your age. If you have a little more growth ahead of you, you might concentrate on a gun strictly for deer, and add a second rifle, for elk a bit later.

There are good reasons for all of the suggestions given. Personally, I'm a little leery of the 25-06, because barrel life isn't so good, but it's a superb performer. The 6.5x55 will match its performance, and give you better barrel life, but you're handloading for sure with that one. In a new gun, CZ550 offers that caliber, or you might even consider a Swedish M38 milsurp. My Swedish Mauser is the longer barreled version, and it is a sweet deer rifle.

If you're handloading, then my opinion is that a 308 is a good choice. You can load it light with 150 grain bullets at 2700 fps for deer, and run it to the max with 165 or 180 grainers for elk. As mentioned, 243, 257 Roberts, 6.5x55, and 7mm08 are all good choices, though the smaller ones are not optimum elk guns.

Added later: Yet another thing to think about... Is your right eye dominant, or your left? Lefties with right-eye dominance have a strong tendency to end up shooting right handed. It is easier to retrain the hands than the eyes.

Whatever you get, I hope you have a wonderful time. Get something that will let you practice without beating you up. Spend lots of time at the range, and really master your firearm, and really enjoy yourself when hunting season comes around.