Just my opinion.

I used to rifle hunt. I no longer do.

I have a CCW license and carry a sidearm almost every day of my life.

I chose bowhunting for a reason. I want to be closer to my targets and I want to be closer to nature. I like the element of danger involved in hunting any large creature without a firearm. I hunted unsuccessfully from the ground for both grizzly and black bear this season and I never though twice about not bringing a sidearm. I had numerous grizzlys inside of 30 yds, but none I wanted to take. Using proper wind direction and good hunting skills they never reacted to my presence. If they had, it wouldn't have mattered...a handgun would have been useless at that distance since they can cover it in under 3 seconds.

I live in country that has numerous bears. I've had them in the back of my truck. My dog was half eaten in my front yard by a sow griz and two cubs. Yet, I still let my young children play in that same yard with no fear. You have to become relaxed and oblivious to it or you would go crazy living here worrying about bears. Might as well move to the big city and get murdered by some two legged predator.

So, I choose to leave firearms at home when bowhunting and I don't feel any less vulnerable because of it.