Rob,
In my anecdotal experience, bear conflicts are driven much more by human encroachment and garbage management practices than hunting (or lack thereof). Worth what you paid for it.
My anecdotal experience is directly tied to picnic baskets, and bears who cannot leave them alone.
But yeah, everyone wants their 10 acre horse ghetto in prime wildlife areas, while acting like they still live in town. It's also important to note environmental issues such as drought and fire as well. Both of those can displace bears, who come in closer to the WUI as they look for food & picnic baskets.