Countering dangerous game while hunting

[shredder4286]

Better to have a side arm and not need it, then to need it and not have it.

Well said there, brother.

 I guess what it comes down to is doing what you feel is comfortable. Being that I have no experience hunting in areas with bears and cats, I'm gonna do what I feel necessary to give myself the advantage over any threats.

[bobcat]

If I have a rifle or a shotgun, I don't feel I also need a handgun. If bow hunting, or just scouting, then a handgun makes sense. But when I'm already packing a rifle or shotgun, I generally don't want to pack any extra weight unless it's absolutely necessary.

[Blacktail Sniper]

Better to have a side arm and not need it, then to need it and not have it.

Well said there, brother.

 I guess what it comes down to is doing what you feel is comfortable. Being that I have no experience hunting in areas with bears and cats, I'm gonna do what I feel necessary to give myself the advantage over any threats.

Curious about where is it that you are from that doesn't have a bear or cat population?   As far as carrying something in addition to your main weapon, like a handgun or bear spray, go for it.  If it makes you more comfortable while you are out there, then you can be more relaxed and better focused on what you are hunting for, one less thing weighing on your mind.   

[MLBowhunting]

My brother and I were hunting caribou in Alaska and I was chased away by a grizzly.  That was something I will never forget.  The Alaska State Troopers watched the whole thing happen    I can laugh about it now but i had some racing underwear after the whole thing unfolded

[nocklehead]

I would hang a tree stand right above where you have your game cam, and kill that Cougar and Bear!!!!

 

And dont worry, if a cougar really wants you, you prolly wont see it coming or have time to go for the sidearm! 

[Ranger91298]

I really fail to see the point of carrying a side are in Washington to protect  yourself from predators while hunting.  You are already carrying two weapons.  Firearm or bow and a knife?   

I used to think the same thing about Idaho till I found myself surrounded by 8 wolves; all within 15 yards. My rifle only held 3 rounds. I now carry a firearm during any season. I also have a friend that was archery hunting a few years back who also found himself surrounded by wolves. He had to use a 9mm to keep them far enough away till he made it all the way back to the 4-wheeler but they weren't giving up on him. He immediately reported it to the Fish and Game.

[shredder4286]

Curious about where is it that you are from that doesn't have a bear or cat population?

Northern Indiana

[alecvg]

I've never understood the fear of lions and bears.  Don't worry about it, hunt as you would hunt any where else.  Also just leave your sidearm at home and save the weight   

[curlewkiller]

Only time for me was cleaning a deer in the dark waiting for my dad to get the truck.  It was a tense 30 minutes.  Something was circling around me but just out of flashlight range.  Needless to say rifle was ready for a new pelt and meat in the freezer.  Still I was shaken a bit when my dad got there.  He laughed his arse off.

[Guy]

You should set up with a bear and cougar tag

YES! Looks like the camera is in a prime spot to get you a shot at a bear and/or cougar. Go for it!

[Hangfire]

Why would you need to pack a handgun when you are all ready carrying a fire arm, be it rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader. When packing meat or scouting  with out a fire arm it might make sense to carry a hand gun. You will probably have a greater need for it to signal some one if you get hurt or lost. I have been hunting Washington  since 1953, seen lots of bears and one cougar in the woods. I have walked back over my tracks in snow made the previous day and seen more times than I can count, where a cougar has followed me out. Curious animals, great thrill  to see or find a fresh track. Probably the most dangerous animal in our location would be a cow moose with a calf.

[MADMAX]

I like carrying my .41 mag
cause I can
Its not really heavy, dont know i have it on usually.
It is legal for hunting.
Not worried about the critters
Just like having it with me
happiness is a warm gun
bang bang shoot shoot

[Gunsmoke]

Lots of people saying that they have hunted for years and never needed a sidearm, but if the time ever comes when you need it your going to wish you had it. Personally I'm not so worried about the animals , at least not the furry ones.

[nocklehead]

just yesterday....Im fishing silently and from less than 100yds away i hear what sounds like a .45 auto BANG, BANG, long pause.....then BANG!....and then "SHUT THE *^#@ UP" at the top of lungs from same spot....very loony sounding too, I might add...now Im pumping on all cylinders
Well, I rack the slide and chamber a round.....then....pole in one hand, gun in the other decide to quietly leave my fishin hole.
I creep back to my truck, start it up, and without warming the engine (which I hate to do) go bustin outta there.....the only way out is in the direction of the shots fired....steering wheel in one hand, gun in the other, I head that way 50mph or so in a 35....I dont know if someones in danger or what!
Sure enough, its a guy all by himself, who tries to "act natural" and just look at the ground and bushes as I drive by.....

THATS why I carry a sidearm in the woods!.....oh and for ANY canine that threatens me..... if I see a dog growling at me in the woods, its dead. SSS

[janttihunter]

I've been shopping for a sidearm. I grew up hunting in New England where there are not really any cougars. But I did read that in the past 60 years there have only been 12 deaths by cougar attacks. If you figure in all the outdoor enthusiasts that's not very many. Prob have a much better chance of getting struck by lightning...