.17 HMR for varmints and .22 Mag for small predators. Although, I have killed some song dogs with a .17, I still prefer the heavier bullet of the .22 Mag for them.
Unfortunately, that only works in one direction; left, far left. We are living in strange days; we are in a universe where words and thoughts supposedly alter reality. 🤮😖
However, I like the way you are thinking!!
Buy a Tikka, bears can smell the awesomeness of WBR (the world's best rifle according to the Slide..;) ) and they will fear you too much to attack. If you are bowhunting, maybe a Tikka logoed hat will do the trick.
If the .22 mag is a Tikka, deer, moose, bear, and bigfoot himself will fall dead at the mere sight of such an amazing rifle. At least that is what I have read on here for years...😉
In my opinion...Federal land is owned just as much by non-residential individuals as residents. However, game laws and tags are issued by the state; thus, non-residents should and do pay more.