I think things got way out of hand when the NRA decided to be the Lobbyists for the Gun Manufacturers. Many of us left the NRA when that happened.
That being said, I disagree. When I head for the hills (right outside my back door), I need to take some kind of firearm with me. The biggest thing is that a handgun or long gun makes a noise that scares the living hell out of most wildlife. You don't have to shoot the bear, just scare his butt off. I also may have a yearning for Venison and hunting Deer with a knife is extremely difficult not to mention damned dangerous.