Nice write up. The 375 is a good companion to have along for these kinds of encounters. Every time I was close enough to smell bears the hair on the back of my neck would stand up like a dog getting ready for a fight. A pleasant reminder that we are still animals with primitive instincts and reactions. Makes you feel good to be alive.

"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred." Niccolo Machiavelli