Actually, unless I am out doing a legitimate hunt for bear, I hope never to encounter one such that I would feel the need to shoot. I have bear spray; the best I could find, but have little faith it will protect me, so I carry a 44 mag when I feel the need. I know a pistol is a poor choice against a charging bear, but I also know what that load will do in an animal, so I'll get what licks I can in if I have to, and hope it works, should the need arise.

I do not believe in waste. If big game is killed, it should be harvested. Predation is a consideration, but still no excuse for wasting an animal.