As for now the two questions I have for you guys is synthetic vs wood? And is camo finish actually helpful at all when hunting?
cntrydawwwg, I can't take the semi autos hunting?
Synthetic, wood, camo....... in my opinion it's all personal choice. Wood and synthetic have their differences ie, weight, texture, looks etc, it's all in what looks and feels good to you. I don't think ones any better than the other. I understand you wanting to use a shotgun for deer hunting since you have so many restrictions. As another member posted, just remember you will also need a sabot barrel. Now is camo any better for hunting? Not really sure depends on who you talk to. It helps break up your silhouette but many an animal has been taken with a non camo gun. The camo just looks really cool
On the semi autos for hunting.... sure you can. I'm fairly new to auto loaders, so for distance I'm partial to my revolvers, just personal choice.
There is a hunting thread in here and they talk a little about handgun hunting, so you can get more info.. Once again it's all in what works for you. Here in MT. we don't have a minimum cal. for hunting, but I believe in matching the cal. to the animal. My .44 Super redhawk has a scope and a 9.5" barrel so I'm confident with shooting deer or elk up to 100 yards. As ammo supply and practice allows I hope to increase the distance. I chose the.44 because I feel that's the smallest I would use for elk at the right distance. Now more experienced people have and do use smaller cal. I'm not saying their wrong I'm just saying this is what I chose. I'm sure a .45 or 10mm would work fine for deer at the right distance, and in fact may work in those shotgun only areas where rifle use is banned. Check your hunting regulations, some states allow the use of handguns in shotgun only areas as well as crossbows. Each state is different.
I hunt in a variety of terrain so there are still times that I pack my 30.06 so I am able to take a 300 yard shot. In the areas I pack my .44 I'm only taking up to around a 80 to 100 yard shot. Not saying it cant be longer, just that until I get more practice that's all I'm comfortable with, once again personal preference. If I'm not comfortable with the distance and placement of a shot, I don't take it.
Sorry for writing a book here
I was just trying to answer your question the best I could,
Good luck on your choice.