Is the Ruger American Rifle a decent long range gun/ hunting rifle?

I picked up one in .30-06 for $180 at Wal-Mart on clearance and then snagged a Leupold VX-1 3-9x40mm for $135 plus another $40 for some rings. I'm wondering if you guys think it's a good deal. I can return the set of optics and can just sell the rifle if you guys think it's not worth it. I have never been hunting, but I would really like to this deer season.

If you guys think this is a good deal, do you have any resources on hunting in GA?