Bear spray or defender?

[bushman300]

I am going archery hunting in the mountains and was wondering if pepper spray is a better option for grizzly or if most go w a defender or other type of compact gun? A defender would be more effective if it can be accessed quick enough but is heavier and when backpacking in, weight is an issue.

[top predator]

Bear spray, too heavy and awkward to carry a gun and a bow.

Been there, got the shirt.

[Jamie Black R/T]

I carried a defender shotgun for a total of 3 hours while bowhunting and that was enough.

spray on the hip or front strap of your pack is the way to go.

in a heated situation its easy to spray a cloud in between the bear and yourself. Or you can take your chances with the ONE shot you get off from the shotgun...IF you manage to get it off your shoulder in time.

Spray

[LA_bowhunter]

Bear spray for me. Gun is too bulky to hunt effectively with my bow.

[stemorholake]

Agreed...spray for sure

[north american hunter]

Spray is the way to go.

[Lr1000]

Since side arms are illegal. Spray. Shot gun is a waste of energy.

[medicmoose]

just got out of the hills myself. had a run in with a bear went to use my spray
annnnnnd frozen solid. not sure if its brand specific but things went from bad to worse in a real hurry

Matt

[wylecoyote]

Never had a run in, but I carry defender. The bow is packed till I am calling and ready. gun is out when on the move. And when you are elbows deep in an elk I feel better with a gun covering me or beside me. But that is just my opinion, like I said never had a run in.

[Big Grey Wolf]

Guys just a heads up on bear spray. We had bear raid our outfitter tent couple weeks back. He ate the bear spray,our can of Raid and even drank our bottle of whisky.

[medicmoose]

Originally Posted by Big Grey Wolf

Guys just a heads up on bear spray. We had bear raid our outfitter tent couple weeks back. He ate the bear spray,our can of Raid and even drank our bottle of whisky.

dang old savage is out there draggin his bum through the snow with a hell of a headache.... musta drank the whisky first then went on to make poor decisions with the rest. I know that's how it woulda happened for me.

[shooter]

I have carried both. Hadn't though much before about the spray freezing.

[wylecoyote]

Originally Posted by medicmoose

dang old savage is out there draggin his bum through the snow with a hell of a headache.... musta drank the whisky first then went on to make poor decisions with the rest. I know that's how it woulda happened for me.

hilarious! Haha

[norwestalta]

I haven't seen a dead one bite.

[Dacotensis]

Originally Posted by medicmoose

just got out of the hills myself. had a run in with a bear went to use my spray
annnnnnd frozen solid. not sure if its brand specific but things went from bad to worse in a real hurry

Matt

Reminds me of the line in Gladiator.

"It's the frost, it makes your sword stick".

[Splitbrow]

Bear spray for me when bow hunting elk.

While you are out and about use the Scat App to report sightings...and if you are in the area where the pilot is be ran collect some scat.

This is the first time outdoorsmen and women have an opportunity to contribute directly to grizzly bear research that will be used to develop population estimates and contribute to long term trend monitoring. It would be nice to see the pilot be as successful as possible and continue in future years. This could be the answer for annual population monitoring across the entire province. Remember sightings just tell us where bears are at a point in time (occupancy)... DNA is needed for developing population estimates.

http://www.grizzlyscatapp.ca/

Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...yscatapp&hl=en

iOS App coming soon.

[fishead]

Originally Posted by medicmoose

just got out of the hills myself. had a run in with a bear went to use my spray
annnnnnd frozen solid. not sure if its brand specific but things went from bad to worse in a real hurry

Matt

I think it is well worth it to give your spray a test shot once in awhile.
At least you know if there is still propellant.

[A Sittn Duck]

Originally Posted by fishead

I think it is well worth it to give your spray a test shot once in awhile.
At least you know if there is still propellant.

When I had to use my spray, I just gave the bear a quick shot to conserve the spray should I need it on the hike out. afterwards I could hear the can slowly releasing its pressure. Point is, I think they are a one shot deal. Wouldnt want to do a test shot and when it's actually needed, not have the propellant to get the job done. JMHO

[albertadeer]

Originally Posted by norwestalta

I haven't seen a dead one bite.

You obviously spent some time around nose mtn... Lol, I was bluff charged by 4 different bears in one day! All are still alive.

Bear spray and a weapon is my choice. In known grizzly country it's a gun, and spray and a large knife... If I'm not in heavy grizzly country the spray and knife will do..

[BobaFett]

My weapon of choice is Winchester 30-30, 94 carbine with as many rounds as I can fit in the magazine. Yes, its a pain to carry, but you've got at least some kind of protection. I've always wondered how useful bear spray would be when the wind is blowing from the bear to you... and you can pretty well bet that would be the case when you would need to use it.

Saw an episode of "Canada in the Rough" where the main guy (you know that annoying know-it-all older fella from Ontario) is demonstrating how to use bear spray to some kids. He tries spraying a 3D bear and the wind shifts and blows it all back in his face and he staggers around coughing and hacking! Absolutely priceless moment, best episode of that show. A real bear would have had a well-seasoned hunter for supper that day.

[JohninAB]

Bear spray only.

[Red Bullets]

To make it more exciting , wait until the bear is close enough to push an arrow up his nose by hand.


Seriously, Bearspray. But don't have it in its holster. Carry it in your hand.
If a bear surprises you or charges, there is no time to get your spray out of a holster. Bear spray is effective up to 15 -25 feet. If a bear is that close, he is about one second from getting intimate with you.

[brsniper]

So all you that carry scented meat flavouring, (Bear spray)have you ever encountered a bear? And I don't mean oh look it's 50yds away and looking at me. Encounter as in I can see what he was eating in his teeth. Trust me you will carry a 20lb weight if it means making it out a live. A 5lb defender is nothing.

[Scotty454]

Originally Posted by medicmoose

dang old savage is out there draggin his bum through the snow with a hell of a headache.... musta drank the whisky first then went on to make poor decisions with the rest. I know that's how it woulda happened for me.

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by Red Bullets

Seriously, Bearspray. But don't have it in its holster. Carry it in your hand.
If a bear surprises you or charges, there is no time to get your spray out of a holster. Bear spray is effective up to 15 -25 feet. If a bear is that close, he is about one second from getting intimate with you.

Great advice, Red Bullets.

Just how fast a bear situation can develop... That was reinforced to me when I dozed off by my campfire last night. I snapped awake to hear shuffling in the bushes behind me, and I first glimpsed the bear at eight yards. At that point he turned to leave the trail and come directly towards where Incredigirl and I were sitting. Closest he came was six yards. There was no time to grab spray, even if it would have been handy.

Be safe out there, folks.

[rugatika]

I always look at it this way. If the wind is at your back, chances are the bear will wind you before you even know he's there. If the wind is in your face, you may surprise the bear, but which way is the bear spray going to get blown? And yeah, I usually carry bear spray and a knife over a gun, just because it's easier and the chances are slim. (and my Dad told me to never go into the bush without a knife)

[super7mag]

Originally Posted by rugatika

I always look at it this way. If the wind is at your back, chances are the bear will wind you before you even know he's there. If the wind is in your face, you may surprise the bear, but which way is the bear spray going to get blown? And yeah, I usually carry bear spray and a knife over a gun, just because it's easier and the chances are slim. (and my Dad told me to never go into the bush without a knife)

That is the real Achilles Heel with pepper spray. If you incapasitate yourself you have little chance of survival in an actual attack. It's better then nothing but not my first choice, depending on circumstances .
Not being able to legally carry a side arm in this country/ province is practilly a joke. The tax paying citizens are an easier right off then the problem predators.

[happy honker]

Originally Posted by medicmoose

just got out of the hills myself. had a run in with a bear went to use my spray
annnnnnd frozen solid. not sure if its brand specific but things went from bad to worse in a real hurry

Matt

What do you mean "frozen" and what brand was it? Bad to worse???

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by happy honker

What do you mean "frozen" and what brand was it? Bad to worse???

I'm curious too! Sounds like there is an interesting story, maybe something we may be able to learn from.

[Helotech]

Originally Posted by medicmoose

just got out of the hills myself. had a run in with a bear went to use my spray
annnnnnd frozen solid. not sure if its brand specific but things went from bad to worse in a real hurry

Matt

Lets hear it Matt