In my personal experience nobody messes with you if you look mean and appear poor. Including bears. Moose you can just run from. It is easy and convenient to pack mean with you everywhere you go.

Moose don't turn sharp, if you wait until they are close and then dodge around a tree they will charge right past. What's more interesting is when you're on a snowmachine on a four foot wide trail and they decide the trail is theirs.

Can't speak to flying with the pistol. But if you're going to bring one, bring one that is easy and comfortable for you to carry. A suboptimal gun that is on you is superior to a handcannon that is back in the rig or hotel room. Personally I carry most of the time, but back before I had light, comfortable, (and easily concealable if going where that is desired) options I found that carried much less frequently.