I live and hunt in griz/cat country, I would use my bear spray when hunting in the bush, usually solo at that, but when I'm around tropping in the bush, sometimes you may stumble across something you ain't suppose to , and because of the human element being as unpredictable as the creature is, I pack a light weight 357, 3" ruger. 44's are probably better but I got charlie horses in my calf from the excess weight. Don't leave home without it.

Bobby