ID bear attack on bowhunter

[Machias]

Weren't we just having this conversation not too long ago??


http://www.eastidahonews.com/2015/08/grizzly-attack-elk-hunter-in-island-park/

ISLAND PARK — An Idaho Falls archery hunter was hospitalized after an encounter with a grizzly bear Monday morning.

The elk hunter, who has not been identified, was in the Yale Creek area near Sawtell Peak in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest when he was attacked by a mother grizzly and three cubs.

Idaho Fish and Game spokesman Gregg Losinski said the incident was likely a chance encounter.

“This definitely sounds like a surprise encounter with a bear and her cubs,” Losinski said. “When hunters are out they are trying to be stealthy, and not doing the things that would normally prevent them from running into a bear.”

The hunter reportedly was carrying bear spray, but apparently couldn’t access it when the attack occurred. Fish and Game officials said the man was able to scare the bear off after he tried to shoot her several times with a .44 magnum revolver pistol at point-blank range.

The archer sustained injuries to his hand and wrist, but hiked out under his own power and was transported by ambulance to Madison County Hospital in Rexburg.

IDFG officers are investigating the area and trying to locate the bear and her cubs to determine their condition. IDFG has a special cadre of professionals called the Wildlife Human Attack Response Team that are trained and equipped to rapidly respond to such situations. Officials said this attack is different than the recent bear attack and fatality in Yellowstone National Park.

“We still have guys in the wood figuring out what went on,” Losinski said. “… But this isn’t on the same level (as the Yellowstone attack) since there was no fatality or body to consume.”

Stay with EastIdahoNews.com for further developments on this story.

[pd]

Thanks, Fred, for finding this.

I have been thinking about this a lot in recent weeks.  Bear spray?  .44mag (my choice this year).  Would I even have time to deploy either??

That hunter is super-lucky to have escaped with small injuries.

[XAFSSGT]

Damn.  He got REALLY lucky.

[GoldTip]

Glad to hear he wasn't hurt any worse than he was.  Everybody be careful and aware of surroundings when out and about archery or rifle hunting, these things do happen.  Black bears, mtn lions, wolves and grizzlies, all of them can and will do damage in the right/wrong instance to a human.   Good luck hunting everyone.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Crazy ..He darn lucky because if he had killed the mother I almost guarantee the cubs would attack to .. I had a buddy who used to guide in Alaska and he said on one of his hunts they ran into a sow and 3 cubs ...The sow attacked and he killed her but that was not the end of it . After he killed the sow all 3 cubs came charging luckily his 2 hunters did not panic and the ended up killing the sow and all three cubs ... That would be scary stuff for sure !

[fastdam]

Sounds like he was able to access his sidearm and use it, and it looks like it was effective.so, I guess that helps clear up some of the controversies related to bear defense. His gun was effective, and he fought back instead of playing dead. InterestIing.  Of course I haven't read all the details and am assuming a little. I like his style.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Good to here he got out alive. We hunt in grizzly country and hopefully we don't have an run in like this.........

[WAcoyotehunter]

Im glad he's ok, but wish he would have gave her a big shot of pepper spray instead.

How spooky would it be to be out looking for that crippled sow....

[Machias]

Im glad he's ok, but wish he would have gave her a big shot of pepper spray instead.

How spooky would it be to be out looking for that crippled sow....

  

Or the next bowhunter who stumbles into her path.   

[floatinghat]

Im glad he's ok, but wish he would have gave her a big shot of pepper spray instead.

 

[3dvapor]

He responded on bowsite that he was crossing a creek and heard a twig  snap.  The next thing he knew 4 grizzlies were charging him with the sow in the lead.  If i remember right she hit him before he could do anything but managed to pull his gun and fire it.   Honestly if im being mauled my last thought is bear spray.  Ill take the gun every time.  Can you guys honestly say at that point your reaching for your pepper spray! 

[WAcoyotehunter]

I don't know what I would reach for, whatever I had closest.  I'm not criticizing him for it, just thinking out loud.

I keep my bear spray on my chest when I hike around in Griz country, but it's in the way of my bow.... so it's packed away.  I guess I need to get it out front one way or another when I'm bow hunting.  I don't carry a pistol generally.

[Machias]

I wasn't criticizing either,, heck I think he did an outstanding job making it out without being severely mauled.  Just thinking of the after effects of a wounded bear on the loose. 

[Longbowz]

Maybe next time he will have that can of bear spray a little more accsessible.  That might have kept everybody involved healthy.

[buglebrush]

If he was unaware of the bear before it was already bearing down on him there would be no time to deploy spray unless it was already on his hand.  Some people just don't like it that guns are the more versatile defense, and are nettled when they are deployed successfully over spray.  Not saying you folks personally as I don't know you, but...