I go back packing in about 28 miles trout fishing from here regularly along the candien/Mt. border fishing in remote griz country, I saw a sow griz with two cubs while driving in last week and thats just the way I like to see them. Where I park my rig and hike into wolverine lake, its a 2.5 mile hike in and the area is littered with black bear and griz signs all about with the snow just melting and the dandelions blossoming, a bear encounter is very high as most times I am by myself going in and picking up some rainbows and heading out near dark-thirty. I pack a 357 with a 3" barrel along with bear spray and an 870 loaded with 1oz slugs. The only reason I prefer the 870 with slugs is b/c thats what I have and it will work if I can react fast enough. Bobby