The easiest and most accessible bear species to hunt is the black bear, especially if you're a beginner. Brown bears and grizzly bears tend to be larger and more dangerous than black bears, so you should only hunt these species if you're a relatively experienced hunter. The best areas to hunt most bears are in wooded coastal areas, since this is where they tend to live. However, they usually can also be found in most large forests. The only exception is polar bears, which have to be hunted in the Arctic. If you don't have experience distinguishing between bear species, try to go hunting with someone who does. Black bears have a flat nose, no visible shoulder hump, relatively large ears, and small claws. Grizzly bears have a pronounced shoulder hump, small ears, and much larger claws than a black bear. Local governments that regulate hunting will outline individual hunt units on a custom map. Search this map and the public records of the wildlife agency to determine the bear populations and hunter success rates in the units that you're interested in. Bears are strong, powerful predators, so use a relatively powerful weapon to ensure that the bear won't be able to attack you after you shoot it. Common bear hunting weapons include muzzle-loaders, rifles, and bow and arrows. Rifles are the most popular weapon for hunting bears since they fire high-velocity bullets that can kill a bear faster than an arrow or black powder ball can. Go with the most powerful caliber rifle that you're able to accurately shoot with. You'll want to be able to put as much power as possible behind your bullets without sacrificing your ability to shoot well. For maximum safety, use a rifle that can be reloaded and fired again relatively quickly. This way, if your first shot doesn't kill the bear, you'll be able to fire a second shot before the bear can get to you. Be sure to practice shooting with your weapon before you go out on your hunt to make sure you're able to use it effectively. Specify the chosen hunt unit and your weapon choice on the permit application. The unit and weapon determines the legal hunting dates for the bear hunt. Note that you may also be required to have a hunting license, separate from the permit for hunting bears. Check the laws in your particular locality. Be sure to mark the boundaries of your unit on a topographical map that you can bring with you on the hunt. Also mark all of the roads and trails that are potential access points within the legal boundaries Most bears spend the winter hibernating and emerge from their hiding spots in the spring. Some localities may offer permits for both times of year, but all the states that allow bear hunting will have spring permits available. You may only be able to hunt in certain units or with certain weapons during these times. However, it's better to be limited in your weapons than limited in the number of bears. Note that if the area is experiencing a particularly cold spring, the bears in that area may extend their hibernation period for a bit longer. In that situation, it would be better to go on your hunt in the fall.
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One-sentence summary -- Determine which species of bear you want to hunt. Consult with your local wildlife agency to see which areas to hunt in. Choose a hunting weapon with a lot of stopping power. Acquire a permit through the local wildlife regulating agency. Opt to go on your hunt in the fall and spring months.

The best way to avoid getting hit is by avoiding a fight entirely. Try to calm the guy down. Swallow your pride and apologize if you unknowingly did something that offended your attacker. While apologizing or calming the guy down, try to keep a look of confidence about you. Confidence can be intimidating. Don't look away even for a second--the one moment you look away may be the moment that he decides to go in for a punch. Instead, follow his movements with your eyes. Use your peripheral vision to keep track of where you are in the space that you are fighting in--you wouldn't want to trip over something. If he has to stretch to hit you, chances are he won't take that challenge. Instead, keep a bit of space between you and your opponent so that you can determine when you want to go in for a punch. By controlling the distance between you, you can begin to control the fight. Whether or not you are the one who instigated this fight, you will have to participate if it is in self-defense. An important part of avoiding getting hit is staying as alert as possible during the fight. Do not let yourself get distracted. You may be able to win the fight without ever having to throw a punch (or taking one). Simply keep moving, forcing your opponent to really work to keep up with you. Chances are, if you are really determined, you will wear your opponent out before he has a chance to attack. If you can't get out of the fight and it doesn't seem like your opponent is going to let up, you might consider going on the attack. This could be a punch or, if you are defending yourself, an end-it move like a kick or knee to the groin. Whether this means tiring your opponent out, going in for a big hit, or simply walking away, you will need to end the fight. Assess your situation and choose the best option.
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One-sentence summary --
Try to diffuse the situation. Keep a close eye on your opponent's movements. Keep a bit of distance between yourself and your opponent. Do not let your guard down. Tire your opponent out. Go on the attack. Finish the fight.