[IdahoDoug]

Well, stopped to look at the 460 on the way home and ran into a grizzled veteran who had a lot to say to add to this topic. After I explained my shotgun vs hand cannon thinking, I asked him what he'd rather have in his hand with a threatening Grizzly. His Remington 12g which he has a 9 shot magazine mod on, full of 3" magnum slugs.

So, I left with a couple boxes of 3" slugs and he recommended I get a Blackhawk 2-point sling to carry it in the ready down position. That leaves my hands free to enjoy the hike, take pictures, or fish. Looked up the sling and it is $45 which I find quite reasonable. I already have a tactical light and mount for this gun for overnight camping readiness so now with a sling it is something I can carry in daytime more conveniently as well.

Good point about other family members being able to use the 12g, Flint. Hadn't thought about that but it's a very salient thought. We also have a large can of bear spray though I've never been quite sure what to think of using it suddenly without proper time to consider wind direction, etc. Dunno. I know where my bullets are going, but I'm not sure about a vapor and dropping my family to their knees if/when it blows back would be counterproductive. I know people speak highly of it, but it's usually people who don't own or want a gun. Or forest employees not allowed to carry a gun. Or studies funded by groups who like fuzzy cuddly bears and have headquarters in NY or Northern California.

Wonder if Idaho has such a paperwork ethos on animals. People here shoot predators routinely and it makes the papers as kind of a local interest story. Wolves, Cougars, Bears, Coyote. We're kinda short on PETA types around here. Alaska must have that policy due to the massive influx of nonresidents into their hyper-dense bear areas and the frequency of issues arising.