Russian SKS carbines have toppled many deer. But beyond 150 yards or so, the standard sights cover much of the animal. This is not a handicap for the skilled woodsman and (or) the planned ambush hunter.
Some states such as Penssylvania prohibit semi-auto rifles for hunting. For this situation, any of the military bolt action rifles of yesteryear are adequate. My nephew has taken three whitetails with his 303 Enfield rifle. None got away from his 180 grain soft tip bullets.
TR