I would look into a low end variable or fixed power. I have a VX-III 1.5-5x20 leupold on my 45/70 encore and its a lot faster to find your target in a low powered scope than open sights, especially if your in heavy brush. All those branches can really get confusing when using a peep sight. You could also go with a pistol scope in a scout mount.
Scopes like the leupold 2.5x20 compact or VX-II 1-4x20, or burris Fullfield II 2.5x20 or 1.75-5x20. I find it a lot faster to find an animal in a low powered scope than open sights, and a lot easier to hit moving targets too.