It's very common for people to hunt squirrels, rabbits, and other small game here with .22 pistols and such. Also very common for folks here to carry large caliber pistols into the woods when camping or hiking for self-defense of Bears, Mountain Lions, and Coyotes.
Certainly wouldn't want to be hunting deer or large game with a 9mm, but many pistols can shoot rifle calibers, just with shorter barrel and slight loss of velocity. Doesn't make much technical sense to restrict pistol just because pistol. I certainly agree with minimum caliber and power ratings to ensure a clean, humane kill. I don't really hunt anymore, but still love to target shoot. Guess I won't be moving there anytime soon!