NH Demon, where about in the state are you. I' ve done tons of bushwacking out in the pemmi and around the north wood and never have stumbled into a bear. I know that they are around but you say you' ve never seen one before this year, are you in the southern portion of the state or in the north country? I did some hiking in AK in 2000 and was a little worried about brown bears. I asked around with the outfitters what they suggest (as far as wepons or deterants) they advised to make lots of noise espically near rivers where they may be feeding. The said it is most important not to scare a bear because that is when they are most likely to attack. As for a pistol they suggested that if I were to carry one to file off the front sight so when the bear shoved it up my a$$ after I shot it it would hurt less. Those guys in AK sure have a funny sense of humor.