I carry a Sig P226 in 40S&W, but not because it's an awesome deer handgun, it's just what I normally carry (if anyone wants to donate a 44mag my way, please do!!). I hunt from the ground, and if I get into a situation where there's a deer within 15 yards or so to my right that I want to take, I'll probably use the Sig to take it. To clarify, it would be nearly impossible for me to get into proper position with a long gun to shoot a close deer to my right without alerting it. I would have to swing the thing 180 degrees. With the pistol, I can just slowly extend my right hand.