ORIGINAL: stalkingbear
I would humbly suggest a good .357 mag or .41 mag double actionor single action revolver with a 4"-6"barrel. It's the world's MOST versaitle handgun. You can use full power loads for hunting or defense,low power loads for plinking/practice,easy to carry,and extremely easy to learn to shoot well without excessive recoil,and fairly lightweight.
I wholeheartedly support stalkingbear in his choice of the 41 Mag. Very nearly the punch of the 44 with a lot less punishment.