The .357 will force you to be a better hunter, much like bow hunting. The important thing is practice, practice and possibly also practice. If you will shoot a .357 more than you would a .44, learn a little about its limitations, and a lot about your limitations as a shooter, and get out there and fill your freezer! And come deer season leave your in the truck! It took me several years to make my first handgun kill because in the heat of the moment I would take what was a chip shot with the rifle rather than the shot with the handgun that required a little more focus. Good hunting, and glad to have you aboard!