I carry a .38 or a .40 caliber depending on my mood. Not really for animals as I have never had an issue with anything, except a curious bear every now and again. I carry it for the two legged animals due to all the marijuana farming and the occasional tweeker from the marijuana camps. I fear humans much more than any wild animal, IMO.
I have a little .22 mag I like, but would not want to be in a fire fight with it. Great for a short hike but I prefer the larger calibers.
For the animals you describe a .38 or .357 would be plenty. Revolvers are nice for the woods, although I admit my semi-autos have never failed me even when dirty. It is nice to be able to load snake shot in the revolver if you want. I have killed rabid skunks with snake shot.
