Deer hunting question

Just reading over the states hunting laws and some of them really don't make much sense; can someone explain the reasoning here?

So first. Why is it illegal to hunt deer with a rifle larger than .22lr, but I could hunt a Coyote with a 50BMG if I wanted? Its just counter to what most people use for hunting.

Second. I've found conflicting sources on this but from what it seems to me, you cant carry a side arm while hunting? Coming from boar hunts in Texas and elk in Alaska a side arm was pretty standard for if you get attacked by said boar or a bear. MA it pretty tame in comparison so its not a big concern for me, I'm just curious as to why?

This is MA so I'm not at all surprised by these laws but what's the thought process behind them.