Kinda funny. whos hunting who? Mulie, I'm kinda ashamed to admit it but on opening day of archery I did the same thing, I took a break and took my back pack off and left my pack on the ground. All my gear was in it and after 2-1/2 hours I finally found it. I was so freakin mad at how careless I was.
I bowhunt and live here in the Kootenai National forest and cats and grizzlies are real common, I am usually more concerned with the griz more than the cats. I pack a S.S.Ruger 357 with a 3" barrel as well as a can a bear spray, as it gives me a little more confidence when I am in the bush. The 357 may be a little under gunned but its so light weight that I don't even relize that I am carring it. You have to respect the animals as we are only visitors and if they are hungry or feel threatened, your S.O.L. Good luck and be aware of your surrounding.
Bobby