RE: Why do you carry a side arm while hunting?
The primary reason I carry one is to kill deer. The last few years a T/C Contender with 30-30 barrel has taken me a few nice deer.
Although, this year I will carry it as a backup to my new Switcback XT. If they won't come any closer than 35 yards my T/C will bring them within range.
By the way, we can hunt here from Aug 15 to Jan 1 with any weapon.