I've had good luck with Vortex over the years, but as Stumpkiller noted other's have had issues with them. Same can be said for most any brand out there that most folks can afford so there's that as well.

I would also agree a good fixed 4x or a 1-4x or 1-6x variable would be a very good option for the distances and game being hunted. Larger targets don't require higher magnification, but a scope with a higher low-end (i.e. 3 or 4x) could make close-in shots more difficult due to limiting your field of view. Only problem there is that most of the low-power variables on the market these days are setup for tactical use on AR-type rifles and thus have big turrets and very busy reticles - something I don't want/need in a hunting scope.

That said, a 2-7x is probably the best happy medium and has the benefit that it's about the only magnification range offered that hasn't been taken over by the tactical trend so you can still get basic hunting reticles and small capped turrets.