I'm not sure from your post whether you are meaning a 1911 type pistol, or just a general recommendation on any type handgun, so I'll give you my 2 cents worth on both. For the 1911 type semi-auto, unless you are familiar with their function and controls, I'd stay away from one that has too many bells and whistles. Stick with a mil-spec type, in your price range, from Springfield, Kimber, Colt, Charles Daly, etc., depending on your budget. Get you some 230gr. hollow points and practice with it alot, like 500 rds, until you are comfortable with it and the controls and functions come natural to you. There are other semi-autos that you may feel are easier to master, there are a lot of quality double action pistols, any from the major names will fit the bill, the Springfield XD, SIG, Berretta, etc. pick a caliber that starts with a "4" and you'll have enough gun to dispatch your pests.
Now on the other hand, I wouldn't pick an automatic as my dangerous game, feral pest, backwoods packing gun. I'd go with a good 4" or 5" revolver, like a Ruger redhawk in .44 mag, or even a .357 like the GP100 would do nicely. Personally, I pack a Ruger Bisley .45 Colt, 5 1/2" with a stiff load of Hornady 250grXTP's as my all around gun, it does a number on armadillos and possums around here, and has plenty of power for bigger critters too. Whatever you decide, get a good supply of ammo and practice, practice, practice, until you feel confident with it.
Unfortunately, what makes a good conceal carry weapon doesn't always make a good trail packing gun, but you can always compromise in either direction and get the job done. I'm sure others will chime in with better recommendations, but thats my 2 cents worth-
Hope this helps-
