This place is lowsy with bears. For good action, spring baiting is by far the best. Middle May starts the breeding season and boars are on the move then. My friends stand hunt, but I don't like heights so I hunt from a ground blind. A sidearm is good to have but not necessary. I bought one this last year because of the fact that I am usually crawling through the bushes, and they can get nasty when they get wounded. I have never known anyone out here to get attacked, but it sure makes you feel more at ease knowing you can knock em down quick if you need to. I have hunted the area that you are asking about. There are bears there, but it would not be on the top of my list. PM me if you want. I can probably help out a little with area suggestions.