I've had a couple or three bear encounters while prospecting and was glad to be licensed and carrying,
The first time doesn't count because the bear just snorted and walked away....
The second time the bear charged and about 30ft away, a split second before I was about to pull the trigger....he stopped, fake charge, and he walked away....
The third time, it was a bear cub that wanted to play with me, while the sow was making noises in the bush and I couldn't see her, exactly where she was...
Now if you can imagine a guy holding a .44 magnum in his right hand and throwing rocks with his left at playful bear cub to chase him away.....
That time again the bear cub left to join his mother and I walked backwards for the longest time with .44 in my hand.
You might say I never did need that handgun, and it never saved my life even the time I shot and buried a sickly looking fox that might have had rabies.
But damn .....I felt a little more secure because I had it with me!