For hunting, I don't know about this situation. Could vary state by state, particularly since they were out in season, I presume, and may have had an unused tag. Many states would consider carrying a rifle in season without a tag, hunting. All kinds of crazy laws.
Her ein MO, one can carry their CC weapon on their person, I suppose one could load it with FMJs as one is not “hunting” per say with the concealed carry piece, but f actually hunting with a pistol, can’t have FMJs... So okay for pers protection, but taboo for bona fide hunting.
Kinda cool, here you can carry your handgun of any caliber openly or concealed while hunting, and hunt with your spear or atlatl at the same time, old meets new!
And, yes, we have bears, mostly in the lower half of the sate, but black bears nevertheless. I have more concern about legged varmints though, espc when hunting on the Federal lands ( MarkTwain NF).