The rest of the story, may have included the whisky, cigars, taken along
as a staple, on hunting trips. A lifestyle, for some, includes wild game
and it can be healthy. So can a shot of whisky. 

{Cancer? From processed meats with preservative, more likely.}

You'd more likely acquire trichinosis, from bear if
not handled, taken care of, properly. Helps to have
more skill than aim, & pull a trigger on semi-auto.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trichinosis