Son's first rifle

My son was given his first rifle yesterday, it is a Howa M-1500 7mm 08. I need to get a scope for it that will be suitable for him to hunt Mule deer and Elk. Where we hunt there is not a lot of open area, every once in a while a 150 yard shot. Any suggestions for a good starter scope?

Rancid gave you a good solid choice. A lot depends on your price range.  I think a fixed power like a 4x or 6x would be a fine choice also and I have one of these with the heavy duplex and it is not as bold as it looks in the graphic but is still heavy enough to use in low light and have no problem picking it up.  For the distances you are talking an aimpoint  2 moa dot would be a good choice also.

Welcome, rhedges!

Basically, any reputable brand 2-7X, 2.5 - 8X, 3-9X, 2.5-10X, etc. variable will work perfectly.

Or, for that matter, a good fixed 6X as suggested above would be bulletproof as well.

I am assuming from the fact that it is first rifle, and given to him, that he is a young an inexperienced big game hunter. If that's the case, I'd recommened a straight 4x, because it will be plenty to 150 yards (or even further) and gives him fewer things to think about when shooting. Even a lot of experienced hunters fiddle with their variable scopes way too much when an opportunity arises in the field!

There aren't a vast number of good 4x scopes out there, but there are some very good ones for reasonable prices, including the Leupold FX and the Zeiss Conquest.

I too agree that it would be wise to start with a fixed power.........if you decide to go with a variable I would not go over a 3x9x40

Many possible choices here depending on your budget.