Big critter, big iron! I prefer to let the bears know I am around and not tempt them with any food items or smells. If I needed a gun, a 12ga with slug loads would be the choice. Probably a 18" riot type without a stock. Just my 2cents. Cheers!
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No, I am not Bear Grylls, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night and Bear was there too!