Yes, start with intended critters, location some & then type of hunting. Take deer for example, some hunters may never hunt outside a comfortable blind, others never go near a blind.
Deer in MS average in the small side, some places further North, #210 dressed isn’t uncommon.
In general I prefer lighter, shorter guns in modest chamberings, hardly ever feel a need to go larger than a 308. The 243, 6.5 Swede, 284 Win & similar are what I use.
Then if you’re talking coyotes or prairie dogs, there are other considerations.