I used an Esee 3 for 1 deer season. It did fine. But, i ended up pass it along to friend because of that finger choil. It killed the feel of the knife for me. So definetly handle one before buying.
Take a look at the ESEE 3HM model. You get the same 3" blade that is on the standard model, but the handle is more rounded (bushcraft style)....a totally different feel.
ESEE 3 with the new HM handle is probably going to be perfect for you. Full disclosure: I work for ESEE . Fuller disclosure: Just about any knife will field dress a deer so you dont need to buy another knife if you already have one. But we wont be mad if you do
At ESEE/Expat Knives, we like other knife conpanies too. Check out Smith & Sons for some good quality stuff too. A bit of old school look to them and they hold up to serious abuse. (I cut a hole in the roof of a car large enough to crawl through with one of their knives. ).
If you do go with ESEE, we always like to recommend knife lady here in Indiana.
Esse 3 is hands down my favorite knife, buy one because life is short.