Hunting In Grizzly Country

[Envitro]

Hey all,

fairly new at hunting overall, been doing lots of scouting this summer, but had a few questions pop up in my mind over the last two trips that I've had.

I'm scouting in country that has lots of grizzly and black bears, and I always have bear spray and my 12ga with me, loaded with steel bird shot (for warning/deterrent), a slug, and a single buckshot round.

My 12-gauge can hold more than that, but it has a plug in it. Is it legal for me to take the plug out? I thought that it was, since I wasn't hunting. I've had the plug in every time I've gone out and it limits me to three rounds (2+1), but I've wondered if there was any reason for me to keep it in there for scouting purposes?

I've been doing some searching on the forum and don't believe that this came up...

Thanks!

[Hogie135]

The 3 shell law is only if hunting birds. If you're hunting big game you can fill'er up if you like.

[st99]

Honestly, the very first step is to cure the unhealthy fear of bears.

And if, 1 in a billion chance, you're attacked by a bear, you'll never gonna have the time to shoot more than 2 rounds.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by st99

Honestly, the very first step is to cure the unhealthy fear of bears.

And if, 1 in a billion chance, you're attacked by a bear, you'll never gonna have the time to shoot more than 2 rounds.

Pretty much what I was thinking.

[Bub]

What st99 said.

But yes, you can remove the plug.

[Envitro]

Thanks for the info.

To some of the comments above, it's not an unhealthy fear, but rather a healthy respect for the animals. I have had close run-ins with them in K-Country as a kid and made it out OK...

But these days I'm responsible for my wife and our leashed dog while we're out hiking and scouting, so don't want to have the "what if" in my mind if bear spray isn't enough to deter an attack, god-forbid.

[Bigfeet]

From the info I have seen, bear spray is more effective than other methods. If you have bear spray, and need to use it, I don't think you'd have much of an opportunity to use a shotgun if you decided the spray wasn't working. Not sure how you would have both in your hands and make that decision. I think bear spray alone is your most effective method.

[rem338win]

Skip any shot in your ammo selection and go straight to slugs. If all tou have time for is one shot youbwill regret it.

Brenneke slugs, brenneke slugs, brenneke slugs.

Your spray is a deterrent. Your gun is there to smash threat down.

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by st99

Honestly, the very first step is to cure the unhealthy fear of bears.

And if, 1 in a billion chance, you're attacked by a bear, you'll never gonna have the time to shoot more than 2 rounds.

Exactly, keep,your camp clean, sleeping area free of food etc, use a cache, bear spray and shotty, be aware of signs of bears etc and enjoy the hunt...you are always prey but sharp teeth and claws are no match to a slug or two...

[Smithwess]

You noyl need it plugged to 3 for bird hunting. if you were to hunt deer or use it for bear protection you can have the plug out.