Shotgun load for bear calling

[WSU]

I'm planning to do some predator calling for bears.  My primary weapon will be my bow, but i thought it might be good to bring a second weapon.  We will be calling in an area with very limited visibility.  Anyone have experience with a buckshot load at close range?  Other thoughts?

[sirmissalot]

I'd go with 3 inch 000 buck if you can find them.

[Huntbear]

Buckshot then slugs  NO SCOPE..

[CAMPMEAT]

Shotgun is too big. Use a handgun. It's a helluva lot faster to acquire your bear than trying to swing around a shotgun. I called one in last year to within 12-15 feet and he was there without me even hearing him.

[Special T]

I second a large hand cannon for a 2nd weapon. 

[mfswallace]

I second a large hand cannon for a 2nd weapon. 

3rd that and the only way to go!!!   

[D-Rock425]

Knife

[Biggerhammer]

I would run a 12ga for a secondary, short a barrel as possible with a extended tube. Screw buckshot, gas that 12ga up with slugs. You have a hell of a lot more energy and range than you do using a handgun as your secondary and then of course carry whatever handgun you usually do. I've backed several friends up with a 12ga while they were trying to take a bear with a bow, back when baiting was legal.

[madmack76]

all i can think of is that john candy movie with the bald bear

[Biggerhammer]

all i can think of is that john candy movie with the bald bear

Hahaha! The bald bear of Blair County. Hahaha! He really worked him over with that door.

[D-Rock425]

If i didn't use mu knife i would use slugs.

[CAMPMEAT]

I would run a 12ga for a secondary, short a barrel as possible with a extended tube. Screw buckshot, gas that 12ga up with slugs. You have a hell of a lot more energy and range than you do using a handgun as your secondary and then of course carry whatever handgun you usually do. I've backed several friends up with a 12ga while they were trying to take a bear with a bow, back when baiting was legal.

Carrying a bow and a shotgun = bad medicine if you're alone. You have too much crap to move out of the way to get to your shotgun.

[D-Rock425]

The ideal situation would be to hace someone with you with a rifle for backup or that way when bear doesn't commit to bow range one of you could still pop him.

[mfswallace]

Limited visibility is the key statement of his question.  The bears could get on him without him or his partner knowing it.

Pistol= 15-17 rounds as fast as you can pull the trigger and at close range would be very effective!!

[D-Rock425]

Oops missed that part