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April 06, 2011
Loaded for Bear - 8
by Tim MacWelch
 As you begin moving around outside in the nice springtime weather, remember that you are not the only creature stirring from winter’s slumber. The warmer temperatures inspire a lot of bear movement through both the backcountry and the not-so-back country. With bears wandering for food after a long winter, and overprotective mamas traveling with their new little cubs, it is never a bad idea to carry bear spray. There are several important factors to keep in mind when shopping for bear spray. • The can should state specifically that it is bear spray. Regular pepper sprays might not do the trick. This last point is believed to be the biggest deterrent, according to Chuck Bartlebaugh, nationally renowned bear researcher with the Center for Wildlife Information. Bartlebaugh suggests that bears are not accustomed to an orange cloud accompanied by a loud hiss occurring in nature. They will instinctively run off, and then look back, trying to figure out what just happened. It is during this time that you must also move away, quickly but without running. Bear spray works—this is a documented fact. But you need to have it on you, and in a place where you can reach it quickly, if it is going to work for you. For more information on bear spray and wildlife behavior, check out bebearaware.org Photo: Brigham Young University |
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Comments (8)
» Write a CommentI think I would trust the bear spray first then get out the gun. With the gun you had better have a big cal handgun and a round that will do some good or you will be dealing with a very mad bear.
Unfortunately most experts who advocate bear spray over a rifle have never been attack by an aggressive grizzly bear. I've had many encounters with grizzlies while hunting in Alaska and Wyoming, fortunately they all ran the other way.
But, I do have a couple of friends that weren't so lucky, one killed an elk while archery hunting. While he and another hunter was skinning it out they heard something. Turning around they saw two grizzly walking toward them, the other archery hunter had bear spray.
As the larger bear moved forward he sprayed it right in the face, it had no effect on the bear. He continued to spray until the can was empty, still no effect. At five yards my friend was able to pulled out his 44 magnum and killed the bear, it was a sow. The other bear was a large two year old cub, it stay back until they were able to get out of there.
My other friend was hiking back to his truck, he was scouting a new area for mule deer season. The ridge line had a meadow on one side and heavy timber on the other side. He stepped into the timber and checked the wind, almost instantly he heard something running fast in his direction, about hundred fifty yards away. He thought it was an elk or mule deer that had caught his scent, because that was the direction the wind was blowing.
Finally at thirty yards it broke out of the brush on a dead run, he could see that it was a grizzly. He thought it was going to run past him at first, but it was actually hunting him by using his scent. When it got a good whiff of him, while still running it turned back without breaking strive and charged.
He said he didn't even have time to get his gun up before the bear was on him. It had him by the arm but let him go, then it turn back for another charge. Lucky for him he was able to hang onto his gun, falling backward while shooting he was able to hit the bear in the head killing it instantly, he said the whole attack was over in three seconds.
Now he carries two guns while in grizzly country at all times, a hand gun and his rifle. He said the reason he now carries a hand gun is because if that bear would have gotten him face down, a rifle would have been useless.
All valid comments and opinions. I too would prefer an adequate firearm to bear spray in an emergency.
Not all hikers and campers (for examples) own firearms, are able to buy firearms, or are willing to use them. I know of one bear hunter here in New York's Catskill Mountains who has taken bear with rifle, bow, and black powder firearms.
Yet, his wife is extremely afraid of firearms and very loud noises, but isn't afraid to shoo a nosey bear off their deck!
BOB HANSEN/PATHFINDER1
No offense T-Mac and I am sure your cousin does know what he is talking about BUT, I do not and will never take some spray and use it on a bear. If I was going somewhere where I thought it would be a good idea to pack a can of bear spray I would PACK A GUN. I do not feel like seasoning myself for the bear. They seem to like flesh with a little peppery flavor added.
You cracked me up. Smitty. I live in a state with lots of bear.
People get used to seeing dozens of deer; but no one passes by bear without concern. From studying their habits, much of what wildlife biologists say is true. However, many of them tone down the reality of these wild powerful animals. No one can bet their lives on consistent behavior from wild animals. Experts often said play dead when faced with Grizzlies; they failed to say that does not work with Black bears. One man, I read about, watched his wife being eaten alive by a Grizzly while playing dead. Give me a gun.
Thanks for your comments guys,
Let me add two things to clarify my post.
First, I never suggested people travel through bear country unarmed.
Second, bear spray does work. My cousin is a top bear researcher for DNR, and he has worked with Bartlebaugh. These guys have the documentation to prove their statements.
If the Bear is Ticked Off to begin with, bear spray only makes them Madder.Real good idea there folks. How many out there know the difference between a bear just checking things out or if he has a Grouch on?
Personally, I would not trust bear spray. Just about the only reason I would get some spray is to throw the can at the bear and then shoot the can. I would rather have a rifle I am familiar with and a pistol as a backup.
Write a Comment Your comment (200 characters or less):
Personally, I would not trust bear spray. Just about the only reason I would get some spray is to throw the can at the bear and then shoot the can. I would rather have a rifle I am familiar with and a pistol as a backup.
You cracked me up. Smitty. I live in a state with lots of bear.
People get used to seeing dozens of deer; but no one passes by bear without concern. From studying their habits, much of what wildlife biologists say is true. However, many of them tone down the reality of these wild powerful animals. No one can bet their lives on consistent behavior from wild animals. Experts often said play dead when faced with Grizzlies; they failed to say that does not work with Black bears. One man, I read about, watched his wife being eaten alive by a Grizzly while playing dead. Give me a gun.
If the Bear is Ticked Off to begin with, bear spray only makes them Madder.Real good idea there folks. How many out there know the difference between a bear just checking things out or if he has a Grouch on?
No offense T-Mac and I am sure your cousin does know what he is talking about BUT, I do not and will never take some spray and use it on a bear. If I was going somewhere where I thought it would be a good idea to pack a can of bear spray I would PACK A GUN. I do not feel like seasoning myself for the bear. They seem to like flesh with a little peppery flavor added.
Thanks for your comments guys,
Let me add two things to clarify my post.
First, I never suggested people travel through bear country unarmed.
Second, bear spray does work. My cousin is a top bear researcher for DNR, and he has worked with Bartlebaugh. These guys have the documentation to prove their statements.
All valid comments and opinions. I too would prefer an adequate firearm to bear spray in an emergency.
Not all hikers and campers (for examples) own firearms, are able to buy firearms, or are willing to use them. I know of one bear hunter here in New York's Catskill Mountains who has taken bear with rifle, bow, and black powder firearms.
Yet, his wife is extremely afraid of firearms and very loud noises, but isn't afraid to shoo a nosey bear off their deck!
BOB HANSEN/PATHFINDER1
Unfortunately most experts who advocate bear spray over a rifle have never been attack by an aggressive grizzly bear. I've had many encounters with grizzlies while hunting in Alaska and Wyoming, fortunately they all ran the other way.
But, I do have a couple of friends that weren't so lucky, one killed an elk while archery hunting. While he and another hunter was skinning it out they heard something. Turning around they saw two grizzly walking toward them, the other archery hunter had bear spray.
As the larger bear moved forward he sprayed it right in the face, it had no effect on the bear. He continued to spray until the can was empty, still no effect. At five yards my friend was able to pulled out his 44 magnum and killed the bear, it was a sow. The other bear was a large two year old cub, it stay back until they were able to get out of there.
My other friend was hiking back to his truck, he was scouting a new area for mule deer season. The ridge line had a meadow on one side and heavy timber on the other side. He stepped into the timber and checked the wind, almost instantly he heard something running fast in his direction, about hundred fifty yards away. He thought it was an elk or mule deer that had caught his scent, because that was the direction the wind was blowing.
Finally at thirty yards it broke out of the brush on a dead run, he could see that it was a grizzly. He thought it was going to run past him at first, but it was actually hunting him by using his scent. When it got a good whiff of him, while still running it turned back without breaking strive and charged.
He said he didn't even have time to get his gun up before the bear was on him. It had him by the arm but let him go, then it turn back for another charge. Lucky for him he was able to hang onto his gun, falling backward while shooting he was able to hit the bear in the head killing it instantly, he said the whole attack was over in three seconds.
Now he carries two guns while in grizzly country at all times, a hand gun and his rifle. He said the reason he now carries a hand gun is because if that bear would have gotten him face down, a rifle would have been useless.
I think I would trust the bear spray first then get out the gun. With the gun you had better have a big cal handgun and a round that will do some good or you will be dealing with a very mad bear.
Write a Comment Your comment (200 characters or less):