Sidearm for Black Bear.

[RadSav]

All the close quarter calls while guiding were created intentionally in an effort to recover a clients animal.  ALL were wounded previously by poor shots or poor bullet performance.  ALL could have easily been avoidable.  The only time I used a sidearm was because of the density of brush making it easier than the rifles we carried.

In Canada we've actually tried to initiate a charge from black bear boars.  I've always wanted to shoot a bear inside 10 yards on a charge as if elephant hunting.  Of the dozen or so bear we have been able to encourage to charge not one of them would commit to coming closer than ten yards.  Many came back time after time, but each chickened out before reaching the shoot zone.  Has been exciting, but nothing that would make a guy wet himself.

One case in Canada we had a sow with twin cubs use us as a shield for a boar intent on having cub sandwiches for lunch.  The sow was as close as 5 yards behind us as we faced off with the boar.  He charged more than 15 times!  Had he been a different color I would likely have killed him on a few of those charges in to about 12 yards as I had only a bow that day (friend/guide had 308 Win).  But not being the color I was after we stood our ground until he gave up and moved on.  That sow was pretty darn smart.  Though I'm sure she was not happy we didn't kill that bad boy.  One of my favorite hunts ever, but still no real danger presented itself.

I was attacked by a bear a few years ago.  He put all 15-20 pounds of his might into my boot as I tried to kick him away.  I think he even left a bruise on my ankle

Most guys that get all worked up and spout off about how you must have a sidearm to protect yourself when bear hunting can be written off as not having much experience with bear.  We do have a couple members here that have had encounters that seem legitimate and too close not to react.  So it can happen for sure.  I'm just not going to work myself into a panic if I don't have a gun at my side while in bear country or even while bear hunting.  I do make sure I fasten my seatbelt on the drive up there, though

When I do carry it's usually a 45 or a 10mm.  The .444 Trapper was even better.  Wish I still had that gun!

[BULLBLASTER]

  spot on radsav. Been the same in my experience. Though not as much exp as you.

[fastdam]

I carry a sidearm when in the hills for basic self defense reasons.  Just like I do when I drive to town everyday. There are dangers in the woods, dangers you may anticipate and dangers you may not.  Just like in the city.
 I once had to track a bear I shot in the Blue Mountains on a spring hunt.   I figured I had a rifle so I left the 44 in the truck.  The bear dissapeared in a network of tunnels in thick creek bottom brush. The tunnels were only about 4 feet high and I quickly realized my rifpe was amlost useless because it was so unwieldy in the tight tunnels and made it hard to crawl.  For an hour of following the bloodtrail alone I could not stop thinking how I wished I had brought my revolver.   There is no reason not to carry one. If you became separated from your rifle, your sidearm may save your life. Its also much lighter and allows you to use your hands to navigate thick or steep terrain.    You dont carry a sidearm for all the easy hunts, the safe and easy situations.   You carry it so you are prepared for any situation.  I carry mine when bear hunting. I also carry it when fishing, hiking....or any time I am alone and solely responsible for my own and my families security.

[RadSav]

I picked up a new 10mm Kimber from Carpsniper the other day.  I'm seriously thinking of hunting an early bear with it this year.  Could be fun!

[tgomez]

I think im going to wrestle one since there is nothing to worry about. Do you think a Rock bottom or people's elbow will do? Ask someone who has been mauled by a bear if there is NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT! SIDEARMS SAVE LIVES. Look I've never had an bad encounter with a bear either guys/gals, but I know we all have family that depends on us returning safe and sound. My recommendation is to bring and pack your sidearm.

[JJB11B]

Ruger New Model Blackhawk in .357 or my Smith Chiefs Special .38 Spcl. because that is what I already own.

[300winmag]

 springfieldarms  XDS 45  230 GRN  every place I go .

[RadSav]

Interesting fun facts:

Since 1997 Washington state has averaged 10 weapon related hunting accidents per year.  Average of three per year is from self inflicted wounds.  This is down dramatically from the height of the states hunting weapon related accidents which averaged more than 50 per year in the 60's.  No details I can find as to what the self inflicted numbers back then were.

In the past 100 years there have been seven reported black bear mauling's in Washington State.  One single fatality - a four year old playing at home in 1974.

So roughly you are 3X more likely to shoot yourself in Washington than be mauled by a bear.  And you are almost 8X more likely to be shot by someone else while hunting in Washington than being mauled by a bear. 

Does anyone know where I can get a camouflaged flak jacket?

[JimmyHoffa]

The accidents are down since the 60's because all the crazy people moved to archery.   

[Ridgeratt]

The accidents are down since the 60's because all the crazy people moved to archery.   

But now they feel inadequate and are arming themselves.

[300winmag]

actualy if im in after a downed bear that im not sure about it will always be    12 GAUGE WITH 00 BUCK FOLLOWED BY A SLUG

[JimmyHoffa]

The accidents are down since the 60's because all the crazy people moved to archery.   

But now they feel inadequate and are arming themselves.

I was just joking.  I think the main thing more than any other that calmed down the woods on the westside was going to 3 pt.  I have heard true horror stories about when spikes were allowed and ten different camps were following the same herd of elk....people in the crossfire.

[Bob33]

Interesting fun facts:

Since 1997 Washington state has averaged 10 weapon related hunting accidents per year.  Average of three per year is from self inflicted wounds.  This is down dramatically from the height of the states hunting weapon related accidents which averaged more than 50 per year in the 60's.  No details I can find as to what the self inflicted numbers back then were.

In the past 100 years there have been seven reported black bear mauling's in Washington State.  One single fatality - a four year old playing at home in 1974.

So roughly you are 3X more likely to shoot yourself in Washington than be mauled by a bear.  And you are almost 8X more likely to be shot by someone else while hunting in Washington than being mauled by a bear. 

Does anyone know where I can get a camouflaged flak jacket?

The list of deadly risks greater than being attacked by a black bear is pretty lengthy. The biggest risk factors for most Americans are diet and (lack of) exercise.

[Fl0und3rz]

I carry a G26 for that.

[NW-GSP]

actualy if im in after a downed bear that im not sure about it will always be    12 GAUGE WITH 00 BUCK FOLLOWED BY A SLUG

I agree with you