I carry both bear spray and a firearm. I have also been charged by bears. I let them know I am there, and take extra precautions. I feel more comfortable and logical in using bear spray first. The reason is simple. The bear will associate that nasty formula and think twice next time with a human encounter, if I shoot the bear then I am required by law to report it and also salvage the meat. Lot of work. But I do understand that I may have no choice but to use my firearm. On the side note, I know and respect both Rick and Ted. But I disagree with Ted about his comment about killing more bears. We have screwed up the delicate balance of nature way too much already and have for a long time. Bears and wolves have a right to live. Nature takes care of overhunting by animal predators and we as humans are the worst violators by far. We can eat using other sources of food supply, they are much more limited in what is out there.