I certainly understand that those sensitive to recoil shy away from high/heavy recoil rifles....and those folks are better served with a firearm of lesser recoil. As mentioned, there are many methods to substantially reduce “felt” recoil, the most populat methods being....extra firearm weight or a muzzle brake. Neither one of these options is ideal, especially the additional weight, if the hunter covers a lot of country on foot.
Another consideration, is to have a firearm that “nearly” duplicates (size, weight, stock design, scope, ect.) the hunting firearm....and practice with “that” firearm. This will minimize the amount of recoil, that the shooter/hunter is subjected to. Also, practice using the hunting firearm from “field positions”, rather than the bench.
My wife has used a sub 9 pound ,by one “whole” ounce
(scoped, loaded, slung) unsuppressed (she hates brakes) .338 WM. since 1995. She’s not “brute” by any measure, and does not enjoy “bench shooting”. However, she adapted to the recoil (it took a year or so), because she was and is convinced of it’s effectiveness on game. This is her “only” hunting rifle.....from antelope/deer, up through moose, elk, and bear. If she can handle it, most any shooter can......unless they have a physical issue which prohibits absorbing the additional felt recoil! memtb