I almost always carry a handgun while hunting......been threatened several times by bowhunters (of all people; rule #1: never bring a bow to a gun fight!), either threatening me or my dog. Also, there is a fair amount of "socially undesirables" running around in the woods, smoking cannibis (I'm sure they have a medical need
), disposing of their meth by products, poaching, dumping industrial waste, ect.
Usually I carry something similar to what I am carrying a rifle in, i.e. if I am carrying a .22 for squirrels, then my Ruger standard auto goes along. If I am bird hunting, then I am usually carrying my .357 or something similar.
About the only time I don't carry a side arm while hunting is when I am duck hunting.....federal law prohibits the taking of waterfowl with anything other than a shotgun or bow; I don't want any hassles.....although there has been quite a bit of smuggling of illegal aliens through the marshes that I hunt ducks in; Border patrol is almost a constant presence on the island anymore.
Might have to rethink that last part....maybe find something in Stainless or nickle, but carrying in and around water is a pain, esp. where chest waders are involved.