Slug guns are very powerful within their limited range of approx 100 yards. They'll clobber any animal within North America, but deer are not difficult to topple. Recoil is quite stout with these shotguns and may dissuade hunters from practicing with them. I vote for the 30-30 as a proven deer cartridge. As stated by others, the reduced decibel level may be just what you're seeking.
Majority of my deer hunting within the past few years has been with my modern crossbow fitted with a 4X scope sight. I hunt from a climbing type tree stand about 12 feet off the ground with great success.
Good hunting to you!
Sherwood
