either rifle will do a "bang up" job for deer. just make sure you get in some good practice. you need to be comfortable with shooting the gun or it will be tough to shoot acurately when the time comes. idealy, you would be so accustomed to it, that it is like an extension of your arms.
KNOW what, and or WHO is beyond what you are shooting at! even if you hit the deer right dead where you want, there is a very good chance (way over 50%) that the bullet will exit the animal, and keep on going. you do NOT want to shoot someone by accident! IT WILL RUIN YOUR, AND THEIR DAY! to say the least!
if there are that many deer in the area, baiting is a waste of time, plus, it may scare them off. they know the area so much better than you ever will, and nothing says danger to a whitetail more than something that wasn't there last time through!
as for a stand, either a ladder/tree stand (if legal), or a natural ground blind, built out of logs and limbs that are from the area. but whatever you decide on, get-r-done soon! like i said, something new=danger!
if you have to wear orange clothing (most states do) wear it on a part of you that does not move much. and speaking of moving, one word, DON'T! get in there 1/2 hour before light, and do not leave until 1/2 hour after light. and whatever you do, do not let a deer see you entering or leaving your stand if at all possible. also, anytime you think you have to turn your head, turn it one degree per second, or slower. fast movements will give away your position.
pay attention to your smell! i never thought much about it (i was a mechanic) until years after i quit working, i ran accross a guy i used to work with on a weekend. even after showering, changing clothes, etc., he still smelled like the shop. gas, oil, chemicals get into your skin, and does not just wash off. if you have a job, where you work with chemicals, or in a machine shop, foundry, etc. etc., get scent loc gear, if you work in an office, just shower, and you will be good to go. but you still need to watch your scent. a peice of white thread, about 4" long, tied to the end of your barrel, will tell you where your scent is going. plus, if the wind is blowing hard, dont forget to compensate for it when shooting if it is any distance.
if you do not have a pair of binoculars, get a set. they make seeing deer through the trees much easier. personaly, i like the smaller ones. but to each, his own.
if you can, either get a scope, or fibre optic sights. it will be much easier to get a good shot, if you can see exactly where the shot is going. these really aren't that critical unless it is close to dusk, or dawn. that is when you will need help.
deer hunting is like a business, the three most important things are location, location, location! get out early and scout, scout, scout. try to set yourself up where you will be within 50 yards of at least two intersecting runways, three or four is better. MAKE SURE they are runways! if there is no droppings in it, it is not a runway.
when you shoot the deer, MAKE CERTAIN it is dead before you get to close. walk up to it with a round in the chamber, SAFETY ON, but ready to shoot again. a deer can severely injure you! once you are sure it is dead, try to find someone WITH EXPERIENCE to show or at least tell you as you go how to feild dress the deer. nothing will be worse than going through all of this, and ruining the whole thing by cutting something you shouldn't have!
you may need to have someone to help drag the deer out of the woods. especially if it is hilly! don't kill, or injure yourself trying to get it out by yourself. if you need help, GET IT! there is no shame in that. they PULL HARD!
last thing, remember to have fun! the work begins once you pull the trigger. up to that point, everything else should be at least enjoyable, otherwise, whats the point. unless all you are looking to do is put food on the table. and it doesn't sound like that is what you are after to me.
GOOD LUCK, BE SAFE, AND HAVE FUN!!!
