I am not a fan of bear meat to strong for my liking. I would not buy a bear tag because I would not consume it. I do enjoy seeing them at a distance. I see one or two Griz every year in the back country or on the roadways. Always a big thrill!
I have had several encounters with bears(Griz) here in Montana and Alaska the scariest was in Yellowstone Park back country in 1993 still gives me the shakes when I think about it. That was pre pepper spray (not that I have any confidence in PS). All I had was a swiss army knife. Firearms were not allowed in the park at that time Federal law. The bear charged us a few times got about 10 feet away.
I left my underware there.
I would not have any hesitation on defending my self or my party if the need arises. These are big tough critters, the local fish wildlife park officers carry .44 Mag & 454 for that reason. Up close you are still at a disadvantage with whose weapons.
One fish wildlife & parks guy told me "If you carry a .357 make sure you file the front site down so it won't hurt so much when the bear shoves it up your arse".
Native Americans here kill everything with a .22 LR it may take a few rounds to put something down, you could kill a bear with a spear in fact it was the weapon of choice for a thousand years. That was when men were men.
Elk in rut, their (mating season) will run you over and gut you like a fish. But you need to be close if you are bow hunting. A bull elk can be very dangerous.
Female moose with calves are deadly if you run across one.