Just remember you can't call 911 in the woods so be prepared for whatever threat you think you may encounter. I ALWAYS have a sidearm when hunting, 99% of the time it is a Glock 19. Bears are low on my priority list. I have had several run ins deep into public land with dirtbags, including one encounter in Utah with a very famous guide and his henchmen that almost resulted in a gun battle when they decided that only their client could hunt a public area. I'll gladly take the weight penalty of a pistol.
