Depends on what you're planning on hunting and how much of a challenge you want out of it.

I prefer my 22 for squirrel and rabbit hunting because I enjoy it more. I'll either use my Marlin 795 with a little plinker scope or a ruger 10/22 with iron sights (irons on the Marlin are jacked up, otherwise I'd use that).

I know the areas I hunt well, so I'll pick a spot, sit and snipe rabbits and squirrels for a bit. I usually pop a few whenever I go out... but I'm not that concerned about bagging game, I just like to get outside. Now, if I used my 12 gauge, I would bring home A LOT more cottontails for sure... don't know how many have busted me and took off when I'm walking in or changing spots.

Our small game season started on the first of this month, rabbit, tree squirrel, dove, crow, Canada goose and common snipe are all open, but I haven't been out yet. It was still in the 90's last week and WAY too humid. I'd be hunting in shorts and no shirt.

When I do get out, however, I am planning on using my recurve for a good part of the season... I've got plenty of bunnies and tree rats in the freezer, so I'm going to up the difficulty some. If I get frustrated, the 22 will be in the truck.