What decides the issue is whether a season is in effect, and a license involved.
To scout in MO, it's likely bow season, which starts Sept. 15. Hence the issue - a handgun and no license is not going to be what you should have "scouting." No weapon and a pair of binoculars would fly if - and it's not likely - but if you stumble into a Conservation Agent. We have our share, and they get around.
We have most of the same game, bear isn't uncommon, neither is cougar now, most are very shy. If you did see one, you'd be in some unmolested terrain for sure. They are there year round.
What is also a problem is out of season hunting - simply labeled "poaching" in court. Having the appropriate firearm and license for the game allowed on the calendar will likely be the better answer. Often, that's a shotgun for birds, or a .22 for small game.
Lever? Why not an AR15 or AK? I don't think it's going to make much difference, we see them recommended as medium game rifles all the time. The cartridges perform under similar conditions.