Bear Spray vs Pistol while hunting in GRIZ country.....

[WapitiTalk1]

Bear Spray vs Pistol while hunting in GRIZ Country....

Thought I'd bring this one up again as the season is approaching us.... When hunting in big bear country, do you prefer to carry bear spray or a big bore pistol? I normally don't carry any anti-big bear, or for that matter, any other anti-big mammal measure, while hunting elk in grizzly country unless I'm going back in on a kill (that's just me). When I do strap something to my body, I carry a Taurus UL Model 444 .44 MAG with 305 GN solid lead HSM bear loads. I feel that if it ever came down to "it", I want to be able to disrupt the critter's nervous system (something I don't believe aerosol spray can do), even if its dragging me away by my leg. What do you cats feel about this and what do you/will you carry this fall on your trip(s) into big carnivore country? Just sparking some conversation . RJ

[Oh Mah]

Taurus 444 .44 Raging Bull.Also mainly for going back to recover the rest of the meat

[yakimanoob]

Bear Spray.

Even if I had a big bore pistol, I'd never think about taking on an angry grizzly with it.

[kselkhunter]

Bear spray.

 

[Oh Mah]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0ahUKEwint-7KvpzVAhVo7IMKHZscDrgQFgg-MAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bebearaware.org%2FBearSpray%2Fbearspray.html&usg=AFQjCNENO6q6ducYwfVzBp_5dJj4Y_LSJQ

[nwwanderer]

Both, spray to slow things down, big bore for persistence

[JimmyHoffa]

If a big rifle or shotgun w/slugs aren't an option, I'd go with the big bore pistol.

[Mudman]

All can agree both is best, right?  I say so, more is better unless you are trying to avoid the weight of sidearm.  If only could choose one I lean towards spray based on accuracy.  I am not sure I could even get a usefull shot off and hit in the correct place nor am I sure the rounds would act fast enough to stop angry brown bear?  I think many underestimate the time and speed involved in a surprised attack.  With spray I feel more confident in at least hitting target and stopping or slowing attacks.  If I get sprayed as well I am ok with that, it doesn't require 40 staples in the middle of the jungle.

[Scheindogg]

I'd rather not have to worry about handicapping myself with a bear spray which can and has happened with only slight wind.
I'm (hopefully) about to pick up a glock 20 (15rnds 10mm) that I will bring with.
Of course my .308 rifle will be option #1 then my 10MM will be my backup!

[jackelope]

I'm always curious to know who of you think you have the wherewithal to accurately place a killing/disabling shot or 3 into a big bear when it's pissed off and coming for you at 20+mph. Lots of talk, but when the ish hits the fan.... what's going to give you the best opportunity to slow/stop/turn that bear?? A rifle with a scope on it would be my last consideration, unless of course it was all I had. There's a reason the guides in AK real bear country and in Africa that carry rifles  as defense guns don't have scopes on their rifles.

[hunter399]

      This is my rifle.  There are many like it, but this one is mine.  It is my life.  I must master it as I must master my life.  Without me my rifle is useless.  Without my rifle, I am useless.

Some people have the ability,A rifle in the hand is better than any pistol or bear spray .

[j_h_nimrod]

Each has a place; the rifle initially and as a primary defense when rifle hunting, pistol as backup or primary during non-hunting or archery, shotgun as primary non-hunting and non-hunt guiding, pepper spray for eggs and burritos...

The undeniable best, all-around for defense is what you have in your hand when you need it.

[Bob33]

I'm always curious to know who of you think you have the wherewithal to accurately place a killing/disabling shot or 3 into a big bear when it's pissed off and coming for you at 20+mph. Lots of talk, but when the ish hits the fan.... what's going to give you the best opportunity to slow/stop/turn that bear?? A rifle with a scope on it would be my last consideration, unless of course it was all I had. There's a reason the guides in AK real bear country and in Africa that carry rifles  as defense guns don't have scopers on their rifles.

30 yards in 3 seconds. One alligator, two alligator, three alligator CHOMP..

[Stein]

Spray, I'll take the best odds I can get (plus hopefully a slow buddy).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WapitiTalk1]

I always like to share this VID from F. Eichler when we discuss this topic. I seriously doubt if a "pfffssst" sound would have stopped this mama brown bear like the big boom did. The big boom in itself, is a pretty darn good deterrent for a startled bear (I've used it a few times myself on annoying black bears and saw it in action once on Chichagoff Island (sp?) outside of Sitka while doing a nature hike on the island my pop was logging on). The effects of pepper spray are nasty indeed but I'm not so sure that they are as immediate in their desired effect to "turn" a big bear as 1. the big boom and certainly 2. nervous system disruption by a big chunk of lead being blasted through muscle, bone, organs.  One other downfall of spray is that is affected by wind, and, cannot be shot through tent material.  Good discussion folks, please keep it going.  RJ
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi_Krx6C_7w