Kicker
Its not that much on a budget, BUT what value do you place on your life?
Lots of good suggestions. If you were a gun nut and an 1911 freak, 460 roland hands down.
Revolver, nothing touches the compromise made in the 329 PD from smith. 44 mag and very light. That means it kicks but odds are it won't get shot much. I never realize mine is on my belt. My wife carries it a LOT when she goes along hunting as she doesn't hunt much anymore but has the peace of mind for 2 or 4 legged critters.
Sure there are bigger calibers BUT will you carry a 460 or 500 all the time. I took a redhawk one year to CO. Left it in the tent most of the time due to its weight.
Have a buddy that has the taurus version of the 329PD in 44mag. Titanium also. A bit cheaper. Not as accurate, plenty accurate for close range self defense, small enough, good trigger and sights etc...
Remember if shooting hard cast heavy bear bullets any gun may have to have the front sight replaced with a taller version. Just the nature of the beast. Easy to do though.
Best of luck! Awareness is the best bet, but sometimes ya just stumble into the wrong situation. I'm more scared of lightning myself
BTW there are articles on a cheap bear fence for camp if you are worried there. C or D cell fence charger, elec. fence rope and attached to surrounding bushes by plastic cable ties for insulators. Works great from what I read and I'll have 2 in Alaska next fall. One for the tents, another for the game pole.
Jeff