Awww, John, that's why I'm in the Central Valley. A little more accepting here among the farmers!

@Rudy: Yes, I carry a S&W .357sig as my usual sidearm. Kind of uncommon round, but you have 10+1 in a durable polymer frame that I have never seen jam(2000+ rounds) AND have another quick 10 in case you are facing something other than a bear. PERSONALLY, I'd rather face a bear over a mountain lion, cougar, bobcat, whichever you want to call it anyday. Those bastards are sneaky and lightning quick. At least with a bear there's a LITTLE warning. Every once in a while I swear I look into my son's cat's eyes and see the bloodlust.: