I have experience with several S/A .45ACP platforms, and still own a few. My opinion is based on the fact that I have owned and carried and used revolvers on a daily basis for over 50 years. I am totally programmed to use a handgun in the double action mode. My first choice for daily carry is a revolver, but semi autos have some features that also make them a viable choice for that purpose. The M&P 45 is my choice among all those available. First, it fits my hands and it just feels right when I grip it. It points where I look. It has a more than decent action and trigger pull for it's intended purpose, which is for personal protection at all times. It is not heavy to carry, it holds ten rounds plus one, and an extra mag or two is easily carried and easily loaded if necessary. In my experience, if a handgun does not fit your hand well, allowing the correct access to the trigger with your trigger finger, it is much more difficult to use easily and instinctively, especially when you may be using it under duress. In my case, when I point my M&P 45 at something with a good correct grip on it, the sights are very close to correctly aligned, and I can shoot it very easily and satisfactorily. It has been very reliable in function for me. With the three different grip sizes that are easily changed, you have a good chance of getting a good fit. My M&P semi autos all seem to have less felt recoil when I fire them, and recovery from a shot and firing the next one is as good as any semi auto I've used, and that includes the .45ACP.
Since you are going to be using a bow for your primary hunting weapon, with the handgun as a backup, ease of carry, ease of access, and the ability to get the handgun into action are all important things. You can draw and fire the M&P 45 without doing anything but drawing, aiming, and pressing the trigger. Simple is always good, especially when faced with the need to get some rounds on the way quickly. The .45 ACP is probably not one of the premier hunting rounds, but at the distances you are likely to be using it, it will do as well as any and better than many. The most critical need is for you to be able to deliver one or more rounds quickly and accurately with your choice of backup handgun. You'll have to figure out what's best for you. But it's my considered choice that it would be very hard to choose a semi auto .45ACP that would likely be any better for what you describe.
They don't cost a lot of money, they should stand up well to being carried and used as you describe, and they work! That's my experience and advice for what it's worth! Keep in mind that your ammo choice will be important and that you need to know what ever you choose will feed and function in your handgun without concern. Good luck with your decision, and good hunting!!
