Good gun for bear protection

[Pathfinder1]

I usually don't trek very far,
when all around me black bears are.




Hi...

Some very interesting comments. The big bore rifles mentioned would have no problem in killing any bear alive. Providing you had time to PROPERLY aim and fire...AND hit it in the right spot.

I'm surprised that nobody mentioned Ma Deuce...!!

Black bears cause more maulings...in my opinion...as they become more acclimated to humans.

I personally would prefer a 12 guage...along with bear spray. Using the bear spray first, conditions permitting. If not, then the 12 guage...and I wouldn't be in the least concerned that said bear was shot without the permission of any DEC people...!!

[oldsarge]

Originally Posted by Lamebeaver

So now you've got a dead bear and you're in trouple with the law.

Why would you be in trouble with the law?

[Lamebeaver]

Originally Posted by oldsarge

Why would you be in trouble with the law?

Unless you have a bear license and are hunting in season, you can't just kill a bear. You also cannot conclude you are about to be attacked, as many bears will do a bluff charge. Thus, the only time you can legally kill a bear is after you've been attacked, and by then it's too late.

Pepper spray will not kill the bear, only stop it from attacking you. Good for you, good for the bear, everyone wins.

Here's an example. Even if you're not found guilty by reason of self defense, you have legal fees, etc.

And that's assuming that you actually kill be bear. Wound a bear that was making a bluff charge, and now you've got an anrgy wounded animal coming after you. That's not a situation I'd ever want to be in.

Ohio Man Who Killed Charging Bear Has Been Charged For Illegal Killing - Black Bear Blog

[CozInCowtown]

Originally Posted by oldsarge

Why would you be in trouble with the law?

Better trial by 12 than carried by 6.
Just saying....
DC

[Pathfinder1]

I usually don't trek very far,
when all around me black bears are.




Hi...

It's hard to believe that Ohio's law doesn't allow persons who are being charged by a black bear to forcefully protect themselves from same.

It that IS true, those Ohio "lawmakers" should all be tossed into a bear's den...!!

[ppine]

Pathfinder1,

I like your comments. Many bears (and wolves) get buried. That is how some people deal with an akward situation. We now have several wolf sightings in OR, NV, and one in no CA.

[Lamebeaver]

Charged by a black bear.....that statement in itself is suspicious. Now if you have a dog, and the bear has cubs, she WILL attack the dog. Another good reason to leave Bowser at home in bear country.

Aggressive black bears are very rare, and law enforcement is very skeptical (for good reason) when they hear such stories.

People need to educate themselves before venturing into bear country, not just for their own safety, but for the safety of the bears. Bear spray is better protection against a bear than a firearm...and doesn't do permanant damage to the bear. Therefore, in almost all circumstances, a dead bear means someone was ill-prepared or over-reacted.

[dinosaur]

Hmmmm...tough question. Multitudes of guns come to mind; a S.A.W., the infamous full auto .50BMG, an RPG....but my personal choice includes an early warning system, aka my wolf, and the previously mentioned (by bream and the beaver) 12ga. Up close and personal it is the most devestating weapon known.

[oldsarge]

I guess the whole "shooting a bear as self defense" varies from State to state. My only experience with bears is when I go to Alaska. They have specific guide lines to shooting a bear and it's a major investigation when this occurs. But for the most part, even if it's a false charge, who's going to take the gamble? You may not be able to get a second chance. That is shear stupidity. It's like teaching your child, when in a confrontation, never hit another person unless they hit you first. What's important is the steps taken to prepare for and reduce the chance of an encounter with a bear. Violence is not the answer...but when it is, it's the only answer!

[ppine]

Lamebeaver,

I must respectfully disagree. The Canadians and Alaskans have several black bear fatalities each year. Research shows that most predatory behavior by black bears is by males, especially young and older bears that are underweight. More people are mauled in Alaska each year by black bears than any other kind.

I have had more than 80 bear encounters in my life that I can remember, plus many more that I can't. Several of those bears showed aggressiveness and many of them were at close range (less than 25 yards). I was armed most of the time, and really felt exposed when I wasn't. Bear spray had not been invented for most of them. Do not take black bears lightly.