I've always espoused the .22 Mag as a survival rifle. It shoots just as "flat" to 100 yards as a .22 LR Hi-Vel does to 50 yards. It also, as you pointed out, has a lot more punch.
Most game wardens that I have met whom perform beaver control duties favor the .22 Mag.
Most game wardens that I have met whom perform beaver control duties favor the .22 Mag.