I carry bear spray all the time when hunting and scouting. I think the pros out way the cons by a lot.
I carry bear spray all the time when hunting and scouting. I think the pros out way the cons by a lot.
My personal strategy is to carry bear spray attached to my bino harness so that if I drop my backpack, or damage/become separated from my rifle I still have a line of defense. I also practice quick reaction shots with my hunting rifle a few times a year.
In open country:
I would reach for a gun and shoot to kill whether it's a black bear or grizzly. I will ask for forgiveness/hire a lawyer if distance/kill shot is debated by CO.
In thick brush:
I make note that I wouldn't have time/space to shoulder a rifle and acquire a target so I make a mental note to reach for spray first, and a rifle second.
In my experience from spraying 3 bears (2 in wild, 1 in yard) the bears retreated 20-40 yards/coughed and would've afforded me time to shoulder a rifle and shoot if I was required.
I think one thing people need to consider is that bear charges are often in less than ideal terrain. Standing still, shouldering a rifle, aiming, and shooting is difficult under stress. I think it's nearly impossible if you're straddling a log, holding willows back, climbing up a creek/river bank, ducking under deadfall, or packing out a heavy load. Bear spray however can be reached for by muscle memory and sprayed in the general direction with little aim and minimal support/balance due to almost no "recoil".
It seems to me that people think they'll only ever be charged by a bear in an ideal scenario that would lead to accurate and quick shooting.
If that's the case, I agree shooting is likely your best chance.
But if things aren't perfect, I will use spray first, hope it gives me extra time and then re-assess/shoot.
Last edited by 604ksmith; 04-30-2021 at 05:32 PM.
What goes around, comes around. Think first, and always act with respect.
You mean strap one of these to your belt ? RJ
https://ruger.com/products/superRedh...an/models.html OR
https://us.glock.com/en/pistols/g20-gen4
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Read Teddy Roosevelt “ The Man In The Arena “ !
WLM
I have a very strict gun control policy: if there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it. - Clint Eastwood
"Lots of critters to still shoot. And there'll be no quitters until we bag some critters" - 180grainer
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WLM
I have a very strict gun control policy: if there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it. - Clint Eastwood
"Lots of critters to still shoot. And there'll be no quitters until we bag some critters" - 180grainer
"Politicians should wear sponsor jackets like Nascar drivers, then we know who owns them" - Robin Williams
Flush the Turd!
Located and residing on the unceded territory of European Settler's traditional land.
Click here to learn more 🖕
Member of CCFR Would encourage you all to join today !
Read Teddy Roosevelt “ The Man In The Arena “ !
I feel that if you are carrying a firearm for protection, being proficient with it is the most important thing.
I hike, travel, camp, and sleep best with my 30 year old defender.
I'm ok with my short barrel Winchester .30-30 too. Best caliber in grizzly country? Probably not, but I'm just so familiar with that gun in all ways..
Haha i agree with pappa jim and old stealhead stubburn man...458 shooting a 400grainn bonded bullet is what i carry if i think chances of a conflic are high....eg carrying a bou 12
Km solo..i also have two gg in 4570...**** spray i have only sprayed one bear at 5 yards in th face and that spray wAs OOO dead. Thanks.i do not biw hunt without one of my gg loaded h
With had cast.....