Paul, not putting yourself in that possible position of unexpectedly facing a big bear, may be an option alright, but that putsoff limits a big part of the western states, Alaska and western Canada for hunting. A greater number of people fall out of tree stands each year and are seriously injured and/or die, too. Do you say stay completely out of tree stands or any other situation that "something bad might happen"?
I think it's very prudent, if anyone is to hunt big game in western mountains to know what predators range in those areas,relative numbers, experiences of other hunters meeting big bears or cats and then prepare with whatevertools they think they will most likely be able todefend themselves, if in spite of attempting to avoid a bear or big cat encounter are faced with that.
I have carriedpepper spray designed to repell bears in the past. But as I said, wind, rain/snow and other conditions can make that ineffective, too. I started carrying a Ruger Redhawk .44mag.4" with Corbon 300 gr hard cast bullets last fall Elk hunting in Wyoming as backup to my .300 WM or in closequarterswoods where a rifle is of limited use toacquire thevitals(brain) of such a predator quickly. Neither is ideal, but I think it's worth having and I try to practice at least every other week at the range with this in mind.