Back in the '80s, we lived in Toronto and I was an avid motorcyclist. After I'd been riding for a few months I was involved in an accident with a careless driver of an automobile well outside the city environs. I landed 30 or so feet the other side of his car, did a tuck and roll landing in a sitting-up position. I had a bruised ego, a bruised pinky and heel. The motorcycle needed a lot of work the following winter, and I continued to ride. But, I was thankful to God because first of all it was a miracle that I'm still here to tell about it. Then, I was thankful for my helmet that had the paint of the roof of his car on it!
Sometime after that, I was in suburban Houston, TX for a seminar in November and saw most motorcyclists riding the freeways at 60+ mph without helmets! I again, was thankful for our laws mandating their use.
I've been hunting black bears here in Central Ont for the past 33 years consecutively, and taken my fair share. But I will never go into any area that's bear habitat without personal protection, especially if alone. Where I've hunted bears for the past 6 years, on private property, a former wildlife biologist was chased by a female bear that nearly caused a heart attack, and he finally made it to the home of the owner, who tracked down the bear and shot it. 4 years ago, on that same property, a large bear attacked and killed one of the horses on the property. That bear has attended my baits every year. Sometime over the next couple of weeks I'll be scouting that area again to find spots for trail cams. If alone, I'll be carrying "defence". It's just too remote for anyone to hear cries for help!
Yes, you may go into such areas 1000 times without harm. But can you guarantee the 1001 time? In my view, that's about the same thinking as the Texas' motorcyclists!
I agree with those who have advocated a lever-action in .45-70 with at least 400gr FPs.
Bob
www.bigbores.ca