Mini
I'd buy the Mini if money were not an option, and the lever if trying to save a few bucks and didn't intend to shoot much.
Somebody a lot more savvy than me has declared the Mini30 the new American carbine (or words to that effect) and I agree.
Hey I like levers, and a lever 30-30 would very well accomplish what you describe. But I think the mini30 is more versatile, as long as the game you point it at is not much bigger than whitetail, bbear and hogs.
The mini will take a scope easily, and should come with rings. There is a defined support net with Ruger, though I am not a fan of the the "New Ruger". Ruger does sell a factory h-cap mag now (20 rds) which is pricey but works. There is a world of aftermarket accessories, to include folding stock, which will not happen with a traditional lever. Import FMJ ammo is affordable, and good quality hunting ammo is no more than the .30-30.
My Mini30 is suitably accurate to take the noted game out to 150 or so, and will shoot good ammo into 3 MOA or less at 100, and that is all I expect from it. R/P 125's show promise for less, but I only ever bought a box and then started loading for the rifle.
I am not a fan of the SKS, especially at the going prices. For $100 bucks they made a good beater and truck rifle. Too long and heavy for what they were supposed to be...a carbine, but affordable. Not now. And not for me.