It might surprise people to know the same thing happens in Tallahassee, Florida. About once every year or two a habituated bear makes the local paper for its antics in town. South of town a small bear knocked a bicyclist over on a paved bike path about 2 years ago. It is believed the bear didn't intend to charge; it just wasn't paying attention. I don't know how they know that.

I've only met bears twice in the woods. Once while hiking along the AT along the TN/NC border. Another time in AK while walking a trail in the McCarthy-Kennicot area. Both times the bear looked right at me (within 50 yards I might add) and sauntered back into the woods. When I was a kid I once saw a polar bear in Churchhill, MB but that was near the town dump and we were trying to spot a bear.

To answer the OP's question, I only go into the National Forest (south of Tallahassee) during the winter when it is nice to hike. I invariably see hunters carrying rifles. I have never noticed a handgun. I'm not commenting on their legality, just saying I haven't seen one.