Well I think it is a good reason to buy a new piece!

I am really partial to Ruger single actions in a hunting or back pack scenario. They don't weigh a ton and the curved grip serves as a recoil reducer. If all I was concerned about was black bear or cougar (which is enough worry!) I would feel fine with a .357 with a heavy bullet. I would also probably go with something like a 180 grain hardcast. Also with a .357 you could shoot .38 wadcutters during the offseason just to hone skills for not much money. The bigger the bullet, the bigger the $$$ The other thing is to check your state regs. Some don't allow carrying other arms while in a blackpowder, shotgun or bow season.