re: Small caliber deer rifle recommendations?

Good small (short/light) rifle for gf is Rem. model 7 in .243 or 7mm08. Either will accomplish purpose. If choose .243 and tracking required Downshift recently posted pic of truck load of good looking tracking dogs and if gf turns into Mrs. .243 can be passed down to kids . Haven't seen empirical data but have to believe % of non- women/ kids deer hunting with .243's is very low.