I shoot NRA silhouette and Thompson's are common big pistols there. Very heavy, single shot, lots of options, mods, etc., but not something I'd want to haul in the boonies. Might as well bring a S&W 500. What you are hunting and how far you are going dictates what you haul. I can't see backpacking far for elk unless you have a plan for "what if you shoot one". <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Most small game can be taken with a .22 and a pistol would be fine. Heck, I've seen folks blowgun fish before! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />