If you are serious about handgun hunting, you will leave the rifle home. I know that from experience because you almost always will choose the rifle when its time for the actual shot. None of us want to wound a deer. But if you are putting in the time to hunt and you have a shot opportunity, you will likely choose the more certain tool for the job.

We make excuses... I'm using the rifle scope to assist me in watching the deer until it moves closer. But when you get to handgun range, you are not likely to all of a sudden put down the rifle and pick up the handgun. Too much motion and potential noise. Use binoculars.

It is possible to have both a rifle and handgun in a stand. If you have your handgun lying on the ground beside you or the rifle leaning against a tree, you will most likely choose the firearm that requires the least amount of movement. Keep it simple and take only one firearm.