I'm on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I have bears on my land most of the time and Moose occasionally. No one goes out back, over the hill without a large caliber weapon. About two weeks ago, we had a big old sow with a year old cub here. When I encountered them at about 60 feet, she gave me the "What the hell are you doing on my turf" look. I was carrying a .45-70 Handi and a .357 Blackhawk. I was able to just say "excuse me Ma'am", and back out of there, and that's what I did. Was I nervous? HELL YES!! She could have made hamburger out of me, and I didn't want to shoot either one. My place is covered with apple, wild strawberry, black berry, choke cherry, raspberries and blueberries. It is bear central this time of year.