Wow, lucky (and one heck of a tough) guy. I wonder if getting shot with a .30-06 caused the bear just enough discomfort to make him break off the attack “early”? I’d want something more powerful, but better a .30-06 than nothing!
Most guides will carry at the least the .338 if they are around brownies in Alaska, the black bear though can be dropped with something much smaller. My mini 14 was sold to me by a guide that used it only for the black bears.
And for those Kodiak grizzlies give me air support! Either that or an autoload 20 or 25mm.
This is more evidence that arguing caliber isn’t helpful. How well can you aim at a charging Griz? Hit high center until weapon is empty or griz stops.