In my early years of hunting I followed the "expert" advice quite a bit and bought the latest gadgets etc. that almost guaranteed success. On several wilderness hunting trips I noticed similiar things the questioner did. Some of the older guys seldom bathed,chain-smoked, were loud etc. but also filled their tags. I now realize they used the wind properly, knew the area well, knew their prey and could shoot well, in other words, experience. Personally I think you could sanitize yourself to smell like a spruce tree but if the wind is wrong your breath will give you away to the dumbest prey.

I really like my 223 for coyotes because of minimal pelt damage but if you are hunting deer at same time chek regs. I use my 25=06, or 3006 if hunting both as 223 is not legal here for big game.

I have used my 25-06(to hunterkid94,its a necked down 06 cartridge) for all kinds of game, from varmints to large deer. Is fast and works great but just dont think 100 or 117 gr are enough at times and I hate losing animals. shot placement is crucial and like Beekeeper noted, bullet often on far side against hide so no exit hole. tough decision but would hate to lose big Elk by not having enough firepower. just my opinion after a few decades.