ORIGINAL: DM
At 75 yards, "if" that bear had not "winded" you, it was probably standing around trying to figure out what you was. They don't have the best eye sight at all.
Personally, I wouldn't have been concerned in that instance at all. And, if i was, i'd want something more than a 9mm to carry!!
Yeah I wasn't real nervous but the other bear I ran into was at 30 yds and he bolted once he caught my wind. The kitty was only at 20 yds and we had a 3 minute standoff before he bolted up the hill. Doesn't sound real long but when you are unarmed it feels like an eternity as I could have easliy been lunch had he decided to make it so.
Where I live and hunt I've just never been concerned but now I'm starting to wonder as I am wandering further and further from the roads to find game in my preseason scouting. I think I'll start packing something just in case but I certainly don't want to pack my rifle or shotgun. I'm thinking maybe a .357 revolver?