If no bear problems, then no side arm for me. If bear problems, then would probably opt for bear spray instead and try to keep the rifle close. The weight of a side arm, especially one that will do any real good is just too obnoxious. In our main camp we keep a 12 gauge police slug gun hung in the kitchen and I sleep with a 44mag stainless IN my sleeping bag--- don't pack iton the trail or to spike camp though.

Generally, IMHO, elk hunting is acontest between your preparedness, will, and spirit on one sideand cold, weariness, impatience, distraction, energy loss, sleep deprivation, soreness, and pain on the other side.Packing a pistol just seems to hurt more than it's worth---- every ounce counts.