Whenever i go up to the mountain and i go into areas where bears are known live, i ALWAYS have my 30-06 on me and loaded.. Pepper spray might sting the bears eyes temporarally, but a good 180 grain 30-06 bullet withh put that bear down hard and quick with the right shot placement
Keep them guns loaded boys!
No joke. Check out reply #25. I agree with everything ImpeachandRemove says with the possible exception of the .357 caliber. I own a .357 Mag and I would never trust it on a bear above a can of the pepper spray.
I like spicy food!