you've gotten some great advice here, but i'll add my 2 cents anyway.

budget is always an issue with me, and if i could only afford one to do the things you want, i think this is your best call: considera 44mag with a 4" barrel. a little big for concealed carry, but as a compromise it works. with the mag rounds, it'll deal with bear.also believe you can get a "snake" round chambered for it. when you're in the woods, alternate mag/snake rounds, and you can handle whatever you come across. back in civilization, load it up with 44 specials, and you can deal with 2-legged vermin, and yourwife should be able to handle the recoil.