Its a western tradition according to my dad who was from Wyoming. The thought of taking care of my own don't bother me none. That's also a western value I was taught. And my dogs
ARE members of my famm! 'Nuff said.
I used to think a .357 Mag would be adequate enough for wandering, hiking, hunting in griZZ country, till I read about the fellow who lost two of hounds east of McCall near the Hell's Canyon region. When i move to Idaho I'll pack a .44 Mag or .45C +P for bears and things that travel in packs.
I recently picked up some
special order 3" Remington BuckHammer slug-loads in case I ever see a griZZ that wants to bite me. Surely they'll work well on lupis-preditors too. Those 3" BuckHammers generate more than 3200 fpe at the muzzle with those 602 grain slugs.