do you carry a handgun in the field?

[pianoman9701]

Normally, I don't.  But if I'm bowhunting or bear hunting, I do. 
Often, when you shoot a bear, they spin around a couple of times and dive off into the brush.  Walking (or crawling) through thick brush after a bear that may or may not be fully dead is something I prefer to do with a handgun, and usually "backup" (son or buddy with a rifle). 
I also met a guy that came face to face with a cougar while bowhunting at about 5 yards.  He shot it with his bow, but said he wished he'd have had his sidearm (back in those days you couldn't carry when bowhunting).   

The owner of the now-closed Archery World, had a cougar stalking him (I think he was deagging a deer), and shot it in the face with a .45. Jarheads love their Colts.

[ganghis]

No - the small risk isn't worth the extra weight to me.  I've yet to archery or muzzleloader hunt in high density grizzly country though - kind of waffling between a glock 20 or bear spray in those cases.  I'll probably at least take bear spray with me when rifle hunting in WY this fall.  One thing I usually do on pack outs is to hide my rifle 300 yards or so from the meat, and then carry it with me the final 300 yards in case something is on my game bags (has yet to happen).  Then I pack the rifle out with my last load.

[ctwiggs1]

I'd focus on rifle more than anything else.  Remember - practice makes permanent, not perfect.  If you're not able to keep 1-2" groups at 100 yards, maybe get some training/lessons.  If you're at a local range, some of the older RSOs might be able to give you some good tips. 

I carry a handgun anywhere that has browns/grizzlies.  I will carry one if I'm bowhunting as well, depending on the area.  Generally speaking though, they're a lot of extra weight to carry and not a lot of value. 

Your rifle, a good pair of boots and decent binoculars will go a lot further for you than a handgun.  Oh, and tires and plenty of gas money.

...And Swedish fish

[jason stevens]

10 mm is a great choice for the mountains. Ive never had to use my pistol but i carry all the time. Always when bow hunting. Things can go sideways fast.

[MADMAX]

Always

[Fidelk]

I try to be aware and cautious.......these days I carry a hide out piece to the Senior Center.

[BeerBugler]

It sounds like your new to hunting, there’s a lot of things you are going to need in order to be successful and more importantly not be miserable. If you are rifle hunting, a pistol is unnecessary. Good binoculars, quality boots, quality clothing and a good pack are absolutely necessary. Get the necessities to hunt and then get a pistol later. Palmetto state armory is where to get it when the time comes, check out the LE trade ins for a quality side arm at a discounted price.