I used to laugh at people who carried, still do at some.
then, four years ago, was coming out in the dark, after a successful elk hunt. were fortunate to be horseback, and as such just quartered the bull and hung him, to pickup the next AM. Half way back out, my horse locked up and started shaking. Fliping on the head lamp, there were two sets of eyes staring back. The horse, the guy I was with ran. Preadators have an acute chase instinct, and they sure covered the ground fast (.10 sec). All I could do was 'milk lizzie' and yell. That danged long tailed cat was UNDER my horse!
God showed us a lot of favor that night! Someone, should have got hurt!
Picked up a .44M after that.
two years ago, shot an elk opening day first archery. went back for the other three quarters with my brother and a friend. at the bottom of the ridge it was on, we stoped and I pulled that .44 out of my pack and straped it on. They kinda chuckled at me. Walking in to the carcas area making noise, the bagged quarters were still hanging off to the side where I left them, but- the carcas had been moved about 15 yards! No one was laughing then, with the hair on their neck standing up!
Bears are so strong!
So, in my opinion there is a time to carry, and a time not so much. Hands down, the best thing to carry is a smart weapon between your ears!!! Even if you carry, when it gets crazy, its faster than you can believe. How proficient are you, with a side arm?
Going to try for bear for the first time this year, with my bow. Yes, I will have heat! .44 mag heat. I think there is a significant difference between 900ft/lbs. and 400ft/lbs.