Having food in a container that will lock in the smell is very important. Also, don't keep any garbage on your property. Most places that have bears have special garbage contains to help keep out the bears. Here is a serious note. Bears are also attracted to the smell of blood. During those times when your wife or daughter(s) are experiencing that time of the month, I would burn the discard item in a burn barrel and burn it. Be sure to follow all the laws and regulations regarding burning.

I strongly suggest tocheck if there is a gun club in the area for some firearm training. If not, is there a neighbor that you trust who is well experienced in firearms? For a 30-06 on black bear I would suggest at least a180 grain bonded hunting bullet (a 460 lb bear is a good sized black bear). A bonded bullet holds together better and usually provides more penetration.

Your friend was most likely referring to a Brenneke shotgunslug. Brenneke shotgunslugs are harder than most shotgun slugs so you will get more penetration. If I was to use a shotgun it would be a 12 gauge in either aRemington 870 with a slug barrel or a Mossberg 500 with a slug barrel.Be aware that a 12 gaugeshotgun firing a slug has a pretty healthy recoil/kick. I am well experienced in hunting and firearms (rifles, shotguns and handguns). I have also taken NRA certified courses and some non certified courses. Personally, I would always have a loaded44 Magnum revolver on my side loaded with full power loads while on my property (follow all rules and regulations concerning firearms) in addition to the bear spray asyou may not always have the 30-06 on you. Be aware of the wind if you use a bear spray.

BE SURE TO GET PROPER TRAINING IF YOUHAVE A FIREARM AND PRACTICE! ALSO PRACTICE WITH THE BEAR SPRAY!