Shaman,
In non-bear country, while hunting, I normally carry my .44 Magnum, because it's legal for taking game. At some point I'll probably build a Glock 20 for that purpose, since I can hand load it to legal hunting spec. for this state. My .44's a Ruger Vaquero, so, It's not what I would choose for Coyotes and dog packs. For that purpose, I'd be more likely to just stick with my Glock 19.
However, when carrying my hunting rifle, I always go to it first for killing things such as coyotes, dogs, etc.
A .277 130gr NBT will make a real mess out of any dogs like critter.
Now, generally, we also keep a couple of "camp guns" around, such as a Mossberg 590, and a couple AR.
For those occasions when I wasn't carrying my hunting rifle, I'd be carrying an AR, most likely my 10.5: pistol AR with an 1-4x variable and some varmint loads such as 52gr NCC, or 60gr NBT's, or what ever new load I wanted to try out on a live critter. Quick, light, handy, rapid follow up shots, and plenty of magazine capacity. If however, mostly longer shots were presenting 250 yards+ then I might swap it out for my 18" rig with a 4-12x.
As always, pay close attention to YOUR circumstances and terrain, because ultimately, that's what dictates what is "best".
As for Mooselette, in this regard I'd treat her as much like everyone else as I could. Get her an ammo pouch and a sling for her little .22 rifle, and even though she would remain escorted, get her into the habit of carrying her gun, being alert, and thinking about her own safety.
