Around here (in OH) woods black bear are not even that common, so I carry the same calibers I would for BGs encountered in the wilderness- .357 Mag, .45ACP or .40S&W. Usually, this would be my G21 on the trail, with 2-3 mags for reloads. If I were going to hike or hunt grizzly country I would shoulder my 3" 12GA sabot slugs (or a .30-06 that I would be hunting with..) To me, handgun is a secondary personal weapon, one that can easily be EDC'd and if a threat is expected, the handgun is back-up at best. Usually when I am in the field, hunting, etc ... I have a long gun anyway.