All depends where you go, areas that get pounded have pretty skiddish bears, went to a fairly remote area this year though and shot one at 20 yards. I've heard about people using black umbrellas out in front of them and being able to walk straight at them as long as the wind is right, apparently fairly easy to trick them into thinking you're another bear but I haven't tried that. Aron Snyder "huffed" one out of the bushes this year, don't miss when they think you're another bear and they're coming in to scrap though!