If i'm walking the thick stuff I got a first gen Ruger .44 Carbine shooting 240 gr JSP at a bit over 1800 fps. Short, fast , light , and accurate , nothing else needed.
I also prefer a short semi-auto for close range deer hunting, a Ruger 44 International or either of a pair of short Winchester 100s in 308. At least half the time that I've shot deer while still-hunting in heavy cover the deer were either alert to my presence or already hauling ass to get away from danger. Having 5 quick shots available in a self-cycling action gives me an advantage that I wouldn't have if I was shooting a manually operated action.
