.357 magnum rifle with most any jsp or lrn bullet 125-180 grain. You could go subsonic and still get the job done.
IMO/E this is pretty good advice. Both my boys started with a 357 Mag single shot rifle. Shots ranged from 25-60yds. Only one deer made any tracks and that was 30yds. The report of the 357 in a rifle is much "gentler" than any other centerfire I've used, including slug guns. As far as them making tracks after the shot, that's as much where you hit them as what you hit them with. With high shoulder shots the 158gr Hollowpoints put them down very fast.
