The gun I use when I hunt is an old Western Field model from the old Mongomery ward company. It was my Grandfathers, but it only has sentimental value. It is a bolt action with a three round capacity, one in the chamber and 2 in a detachable box magazine. It has a built in adjustible choke so I can even use it for waterfowl, not just deer.
What I'm trying to say is that my GrandFather would smack me in the backside of the head if I were to let sentiment dictate my use of the flares in an emergency.