A 44 mag would kill it if you could hit it, that is the only reason to be close. I think buckshot with a tight enough pattern, look at Patternmaster chokes, would be fine. I don't know what part of Ontario you are in but be aware of the caliber restrictions on small game hunting, check the regulations for your area before going out with the 357. If you have a small caliber centerfire rifle, ie 222, 22-250, 243 use that and you will be able to take them over 200 yards away. If you are around buildings or you feel using a high power in that area due to homes might be a problem load up with buckshot. If you get a 12 gauge, get one with interchangable chokes, then look into chokes meant to use buckshot, like the pattern master and pattern your gun. I used to shoot 3" 4 buckshot with my bolt mossy and on full choke would kill a yote to 50 yards no problem. Good luck.