Living on ~600 acres in Kentucky I have found that for most critters the 12 gauge and .22 are all that is NEEDED. But, if she gets the house this is a perfect opportunity to NEED a new toy of some sort....say a 50BMG?
My favorite though is still my AR. It has fallen off the four wheeler, been dropped in the mud and I don't worry a bit
BTW, if you have a .22 rifle, CBs are perfect for small yard pests
Good luck and enjoy the piece and quiet!!
Jason