Unfortunately, I don't hit the field much anymore. Texas is pretty much all private land, and the family ranch that we're my stomping grounds for 45 years was sold last year.

When I did, it was either a 4" M24 or 5.5"
Ruger SBH. When actively hunting big game with a handgun it was a 7.5" Bisley BH.

I never had to worry about bears in TX but feral hogs were always a possibility, plus deer or turkeys in season. Coyotes, bobcats, and even mountain lions (though I never saw one in North Texas.)

Almost forgot the wabbit/squirrel killer, 17-3.