I live just inside the Northern zone. That said I grew up in the Southern zone, and there is almost no difference in terrain. AlsoI think you will find you are safer with a rifle. Shotgun slugs tend to bust thru brush and bramble without much loss of shape or weight. On the other hand rifle slugs tend to come apart with the slightest impact. This is just my opinion and I dont want to start an argument over this.

JAKE