In Montana, it's a little vague (what the regulations intend), but everyone I know who bow hunts carry a large pistol, and most carry pepper spray too.
Grizzly bears at times will come running when they hear your elk bugle call.

from MFWP regs:
"Archery Only Season: A season usually prior to the “General Season,” when deer, elk and antelope may be hunted only with lawful archery equipment. Occasionally, some hunting districts with special circumstances may allow concurrent firearm use to address game damage issues; or firearms may be used for hunting other species, such as black bear.
ArchEquip Only: A weapons restriction limiting hunting to the use of lawful archery equipment."