Bear Spray or Handgun

[davk]

Just wondering what everyone prefers to carry(and a reason why) when bow hunting.  I currently have both, and often bring neither  .  I have a stainless steal .375 that often gets left because of weight.  Bear spray started getting left behind after spending 3 months in the wilderness all around the country, and more weekends over the last 3 years than most and never having any bear encounters.  I don't know if its more common than I think but for now I have shed the weight.  Let me hear your thoughts.

[257wbymagkiller]

I carry .357 mag, dont trust some pepper spray on a pissed off big ol boar 

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Spray. Its way more effective to get rid of unwanted hunters in your area.

[jeffro]

D: all of the above

[Cougartail]

 Use "Hard cast" 180-200 grain bullets only in the 357mag if used for bear defense.

[davk]

Use "Hard cast" 180-200 grain bullets only in the 357mag if used for bear defense.

Yeah I use 180gr hard cast bullets.  I brought them out once to shoot with a friend and joked about it being about to shoot down trees.  First round went through the paper and a 3inch wide 20ft tall tree fell over.  Had a good laugh ...

[pd]

Boy, this is one of those topics that never reaches a conclusion.

My take on the subject: Unless you are in grizzly country, don't be too concerned.  I carry what I have in western Washington (.40S&W or .357mag).  For northern Idaho, .44mag but looking for a .45LC.

No spray for me.  Others will disagree.

[davk]

Boy, this is one of those topics that never reaches a conclusion.

That's why I figured Id ask for a why and not just a what.  At least get a few different points out so I, and others, can decide for themselves(as its more personal preference than anything).

[JoeE]

A Glock 20 10mm is what I use.

[Bob33]

I don't worry much about black bears. For grizzlies I much prefer spray over a handgun.

[NW-GSP]

You are 99.9% more likely to need either of your two options for two legged creatures then the four legged ones. I carry a glock 20 10mm but its really not the bears I am worried about. First would be people and second would be cougars.

[fisheral87]

Both

Al

[Bob33]

You are 99.9% more likely to need either of your two options for two legged creatures then the four legged ones. I carry a glock 20 10mm but its really not the bears I am worried about. First would be people and second would be cougars.

In Washington that is true but not so much in other parts of the country and world. There have been numerous attacks of hunters (mostly bowhunters) in Montana and Idaho in recent years by grizzlies.

[JimmyHoffa]

some places, the grizzlies are attracted to gunshots. 

[Johnb317]

Read an article awhile back that showed statistically you're better off with the spray.
But most have only a 30 foot range!!!!