Carrying a few Bear Deterrents is a good Idea. I still like Bear Spray as it is None Lethal to "Everyone Concerned" including those who are being attacked by a Bear when you arrive on scene and it is an "Area Weapon" which means it works even if the Bear simple bites into it. Lastly if you put you rifle aside to clean your game, it not there when you get attacked by the a Bear attracted to Blood Scent.

In the end any weapon is better than no weapon, I just wont go hunting without my Bear spray!