I would say the Ruger stainless boat paddle with open sights would be a great choice, top it with a quality fixed 4x scope, maybe a Leupold or a Japanese Weaver.
A more traditional choice would be a Mauser, the old FN's were great, again open sights and a quick detach scope mount.
A properly modified M98 with a fiberglass stock would be a excellent choice.
30-06, 35 Whelen, 338-06, 9.3x62 would be top choices for chamberings, an advantage they have over magnums is magazine capacity. An extra round on board is an advantage.
No one with friends he likes would EVER do that!
