hmm I guess he misinterpreted the saying loaded for bear....
When I was in the Navy there was an old chief who went grizzly hunting every year, and the only weapon he took with him was a huge honking pistol. No idea what it was, .44 magnum or something similar.
Every year, he got his bear. Had the pics and the trophies to prove it, too. Why a pistol? Well, I guess it was more fun if the bear had a sporting chance.
Someone asked him how long he would keep it up. He said “Until a bear gets me.” That was about 30 years ago. I sometimes wonder if he’s still out there.
**It's about how you carry yourself**
I carry a .357 because I can't carry a conservation officer carrying a can of bear spray.