Mike B. - There are a couple of reasons why I didn't shoot that bear. I have a Glock 27, 40 cal, 4 inch barrel and I can't hit the broad side of a barn twice at 10 feet. Second, I don't know if the ballistics of a 40 cal can nock a bear down. I didn't want to find out.

A second part to that story. After that bear finished his head swaying, sniffing, dancing I'm trying to intimidate you routine and headed back into the woods. He turned around and sat down at approximately 30 yds. He may have been re-thinking his decision on feast or famine. I didn't want to find out so I high tailed it out of there (bout 1/2 mile to the road). To shorten things up, that basstard followed me all the way out.

And yes, cats do inhabit more populated areas (reiter?). But the chances of being attacked are less than being mugged or mudered. I still opt to leave the pea shooter at home.

LT