LAST EDITED ON Aug-07-07 AT 11:35PM (MST)[p]Bigway, you're more likely to have a problem with the horses, than you are with a bear on a guided hunt. If you feel the need to carry protection beyond pepper spray and you're on a rifle hunt, you probably shouldn't be going in the first place. The most important thing to carry in bear country is common sense, a watchful eye and keeping track of your partner. You are very UNLIKELY to have a bear problem on a guided hunt, even though there may be bears around you.
I've done a lot of hunting in grizzly country and have never had a problem at all. I've shot two mountain grizzlies and a kodiak bear on hunts for them, and wouldn't dream of carrying a shotgun on an elk hunt. That's what your rifle is for if you get in a jam. A shotgun, even loaded with the best slugs, isn't nearly as effective as guys who've never shot a grizzly would believe. If you're worried about a firearm to stop a bear, shoot a .338 or bigger rifle and then you'll have something up to the task.
There was only one time where I was ever really scared about grizzlies, and that was fishing on the west side of Cook Inlet in Alaska. We were fly fishing for rainbows and silvers, and my guide didn't carry a gun at all, despite us fishing some tight streams with less than 30 yards visibility. He had a labrador retreiver with him, and figured his best defense was keen observation of his surroundings and his dog's sense of hearing and smell. He told me that carrying a pistol was just giving him an excuse to have a problem. We never did see any bears, though we saw a couple salmon carcasses that were still flopping in the grass after bears had caught them. The fishing was awesome!