If limited to a one firearm choice, the reason I personally pick a semi-auto .22 is an experience I had archery deer hunting many years ago.

You don't see much written about one of the most dangerous animals that run in packs as you do about the really large animals that can turn on humans. The ferral dog individually and especially in packs should be considered more dangerous because they exist in a wider section of this country.

I was in the Nicolet State forest hunting alone with my Shakespere #50 recurve bow when it started getting dark. I unstrung my bow and headed to my car without having sighted anything. While walking to my car through the woods, I heard movements about me and barking and yelps which were consistant with dogs. I never saw anything, but I also had a small game license and was carrying a Beretta Jaguar (This was one of the most inaccurate .22 pistols I have ever owned.) .22 semi-auto pistol with a 4" barrel and two (7) shot magazines loaded with hollow point bullets. I had heard of ferral dogs and what they were capable of, but mostly in the warm climate states, not Wisconsin. I drew the pistol, locked & loaded and continued to my car with the flashlight and bow in the left hand, and the pistol in the right hand. I was now in full violation of hunting laws of the State of Wisconsin with a flashlight and a loaded weapon in my hands after hunting hours. I made it to my car still not having seen anything and slightly dizzy from having constantly turned to check my sides and back. Once in the car with the gun and flashlight, I finally felt safe enough to shake and feel queasy.

So you see, because of that, if I am going into the woods, and if I feel a firearm is necessary, and if it is going to be only one firearm, it is going to be a semi-auto .22 rifle with (5) loaded magazines of (10) rounds or less.

Bountyhunter