Just moved to central NC and really want to get into deer hunting starting this fall. No experience whatsoever but am an intermediate shooter with my Savage 311 and S&W model 15-2 in pic related. 75 yards is about my maximum range with either of them, but 50 is about my limit for being able to reliably score good hits with slugs / 38 target ammo. Would it be worth it buying myself a hunting rifle as well or would I be better just sticking with the two guns I already know?

My plan is to start walking public lands and set up trail cams 2-5 weeks prior to deer season and then climb up a tree or whatever and wait. With my 311's full/modified choke barrels any deer that get within 50 yards of me will be fish food against either of my guns, but I just dont know if its realistic or not to expect having a shot at that close a distance. Any info much appreciated!