Hunting alone - Bears
So yesterday afternoon I was calling for elk on the ground. Shortly after a huge bear came into sight at 70 yards and was walking at a 45 degree angle back from my right. I am convinced it was coming into my elk calls. It was huge. I could not tell if it was a black or a grizz and really didn't want to wait around to find out. It didn't see me, so I immeidiately, but quietly walked the other way and then down the mountain out to my truck.
Being alone with my bow and bear spray, I just didn't want to take a chance on it coming closer to find out if nothing would have happened. I have been within 30 yards of some big grizzlies and within 50 yards of a few black bears. Never have been charged or even had a "bad encounter" most times they look at me and continue on their way or I just leave. Since this one was coming to my elk calls, ( or at least that's what I think ) did I do the right thing and just leave? What would you have done? Any advice is appreciated. |
this is why you should always buy all the tags you can
also the money goes into conservation |
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You did the right thing. Live to hunt another day. Be careful going out again.
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Yes better safe than sorry out in the bush, especially with bears.
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...bears...
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You did the right thing. Here are a few methods that I have implemented into my bowhunting adventures.
To begin with, that is why I always buy a bear tag. I likely would never shoot a bear otherwise, but, in the event that I would feel I’d have to shoot one, I want to be able to do it without having to explain why I didn't have a tag and/or, why I felt threatened enough to justify killing it in the first place. (Although in the case of a Grizzly, I suppose the tag scenario wouldn't be an option anyway). In addition to that, on my back, I carry a 12-Gauge short defender-style shotgun loaded with slugs. The scabbard that it sits in, straps on like a back-pack, and in no way hinders maneuverability with the bow or in the bush. The pistol-grip of the shotgun sits tight right behind my shoulder, and I can reach back and be armed in an instant. In addition to that (if that fails), I always carry bear spray on my belt. In addition to that (if that fails), I have a 16" Bowie knife sheathed on the front strap of the scabbard at my chest (for close combat). In addition to that, (if that too fails), I have a good life-insurance policy so that my family is taken care of. In addition to that, I am prepared to meet my maker. If I should die at the jaws of bear, I believe that God would agree that at least I had done all I could to stay alive, and that I didn’t go down without a fight! :fighting0030: |
You did exactly what I would have done.
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wolf
Bears arent the only thing to come to cow calls a couple years ago i put a arrow in a big lone wolf. I tracked him a long ways before the blood trail dried up. I hunt allow alot always care bear spray.
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Glad to see people agree with what I did. I actually do have a black bear tag. That's the only reason now I think I should have waiting just a few more seconds to see if it was a blackie or a grizz. But due to being alone and that bear coming out as I was elk calling made me think it was in predator mode and I just didn't want to wait for it to locate me and then maybe charge in. Oh well, it was still an outstanding experience.
I try to be as safe as possible. Wife and a few buddies who know the areas I hunt always know where I am. Let my wife know with a quick text when I am on my way home. She was in tears last year when I was 3 hours later than normal in minus 40. Cell phone died and could not text her that I was staying later. I do always carry bear spray ( never needed to use it ) and a bowie knife for "close encounters". I don't carry a rifle or shotgun. It's quite funny when people in my office hear about that knife, they give me looks like I'm physcho. But it's the people who know nothing about being in the bush/mountains. Then I show them some of the "critters" out there from my trail cameras and explain at least I have something on my body to grab and fight back with if the bear spray is not affective and I am taken down. Then they realize that it is not just a "red-neck Rambo" piece of decorartion. Hahahaha. Went back to the same area yesterday afternoon with a hunting buddy, hoping that bear would come back, but no dice. We did however have 2 wt bucks and doe come within 30 yards of us, but busted us before either one of us could draw. Thanks for the replies and be safe out there. :-) |
well.....
The hills are full of lions and tigers and bears... oh my
perhaps I'll see a Liger some day.... You should feel very badly. You deprived that poor innocent super rare grizz its opportunity to have a very fattening meal that they really need to prep for winter. Next time stay there. .... cmon! really? Wait till you get a cougar that comes to your call. That'll make ya shart! I used to carry a shotty.... but I seriously seriously doubt I'd be able to get it ready b4 ole PooH is on me munchin away. I've had 4 pretty serious (sphincter pinch) encounters with bears in the last 5 years.... 3 while bow hunting. Its pretty much part of the sport. enjoy the risk.... Its probably more of a rush than base jumping. |
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You did the right thing. A number of years ago there was a fellow mauled up on Thunder mountain West of Rocky Mtn House, early season Elk hunting if I recall. Was going to head into the same spot and seen his vehicle parked there and decided to go else where, then read about the mauling later on in the paper.
You never know with bears, I had one (black) charge in while calling moose, now he is a rug. Pretty good adrenaline rush to say the least. But we were loaded with tags and ready for just about anything. Always better to be safe then sorry. BW |
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Tripple WOW
Tripple WOW... I'd hate to be THAT bear. Although, I get the emotion and the confidence in the post. I've watched some bear attacks on video, and, frankly, if a bear decides he's going to go to work on a hunter, there's a slim chance that any amount of bear spray, knives, or even slugs are going to do much to change the bear's mind. That "slim" chance however, as "slim" as it is, is a good thing to be equipped for if things get that slim!
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The other thing I dont want to happen... is to have that animal killed for what it was bred to do. to me that has never made any sense. maybe in the zoo not in the wild. if I die in the forest being eaten by a bear, cougar or wolf... I made one too many mental mistakes.. and to that i say.... Enjoy your dinner biatches... enjoy. :) :fighting0074: |
Bear contol... photos
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Some photos of my "attempt to stay alive" setup.
The shotgun is a little Mossberg Maverick 88. [5 in the magazine, 1 in the chamber]. The backpack/scabbard was purchased at Seals Action Gear in Calgary. I love this setup. (Although it may look a bit awkward in the photos, once all the camo gear is on, this little setup straps on nice 'n snug). The Maverick sits muzzle down in the scabbard, and can be pulled out in an instant. :budo: |
I grew up in Kenora Ontario. Every fall we would have black bears in town. One year was the worst with all the forest fires arround. We had 585 black bear trankelized or shot by police. If you think a shot gun with slugs will take down a hungry bear at 20 yards your wrong. I hope you have good aim. On more then one incedent the officers had to put 3 or more slugs into a bear to get him to drop. Those were charging at them.
That year I was chased three times. If you think it is a rush it was. But in the end what I learnt was that being lood and big will most likely get you out of 90% of an attack. |
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@ Gbuss
From previous post: "If you think a shot gun with slugs will take down a hungry bear at 20 yards your wrong."
Yes, while that may be true in most cases, there have been hunters who have managed to avoid an attack, because they were at least somewhat prepared. Notice, I call this my "attempt to stay alive setup." As far as I see it, there's nothing lost by adding some protective measures to ones equipment. Who knows, maybe one day, I'll happen to come across another hunter being mauled (it might even be you):) ...and boy, that little Maverick 88 might just come in pretty handy! |
Shotgun Make-Action Type Preference
Ok guys, I would like to hear your opinion on the following for carry in a over the back/shoulder shotgun as spoke about in this thread;
1. Must have a pistol grip- Other than the North American makes what about European makes like benelli etc, do they make pistol grip variants? 2. Semi-Auto or Pump action, would the semi's cocking hammer get caught in the scabard sad you withdrew it?? Any info would be appreciated as am going to make a purchase shortly-thanks |
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...bears are fast...
Bears are indeed fast, yet, it is impossible to predict or presume to know what exactly might unfold in any given situation. The idea that "bears are too fast, so don't bother carrying a shotgun with you" is quite amusing. No, the shotgun is not a guarantee, BUT, in a possible scenario, where a bear is charging or coming after two hunters, and only one of the hunters has a shotgun, and the questions is proposed, "Which hunter would you rather be; the one with the shotgun, or the one without the shotgun?" ...I think the answer is quite obvious. :snapoutofit:
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@ Dan856
I suggest you check out the inventory at The Shooting Edge in Calgary. I believe they carry the higher end shotguns that you're referring to. They also carry a good selection of accessories (pistol grips ect.)
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Bears are fast...
Running faster than "the other guy" does not equate to running faster than the bear. What if the bear chooses you instead of the slower guy? If I had to choose between "a slower guy" or a shotgun to be my lifeline in the event of a bear attack, I'd take the shotgun any day. (The fact that I hunt alone removes the "slower guy" option anyway. :) LOL... this is kinda turning into a pointless conversation I guess, but, I simply come back to the main point. Saying that bears are too fast, so don't bother carrying a shotgun, is like saying, fire is too fast, hot, and unpredictable, so don't bother having a fire extinguisher in your home. :thinking-006:
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Gents,
Can we please stay in the topic of my questions, I'm not interested in other peoples opinions on carrying or not carrying-Thanks |
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