Archery Black Bear Hunting - If not from stand do you have rifle/pistol backup?

[River]

OK I been wondering about this.  Are there any archery bear hunters out there that don't shoot from a stand?  And maybe more important, do you have a rifle (friend) or pistol backup that you carry?  I was stalked for a while by a bear, last fall during the general rifle deer season, and I got to wondering how I would be feeling if all I had was a bow and 40cal H&K up on that ridge.

[Ray]

When I archery hunt bears I usually do not have anything but the stick bow and some arrows. Admittedly I am looking to take the smaller bears. However I feel fairly confident I would shoot at a bear up to 300lbs with the bow as long as the shot was correct. I do not hunt bears from a stand. I have only hunted from a stand twice and not for bears. There's nothing wrong with taking a pistol. What do you plan to do with it? If you shoot the bear and he charges you there will not be any time in most cases.

Here's a tip. Do not shoot bears with your bow on the ground which are aware of your presence. The element of surprise is very good when it is on your side.

[River]

Thanks Ray.  So have you ever been charged after the shot?  If so, what did you do?

[Ray]

Never been charged. I know some people on here have. I'd feel more comfortable with a knife ready instead of a pistol if it came down to it. I don't believe an archer has ever been eaten by a black bear. I really believe in that element of surprise more than anything else. Then the correct shot.

[westsideoutdoorsman]

I stay strapped 

[bow4elk]

I've shot two bears from the ground, both under 10 yards.  One charged before I shot 

[let.it.fly]

i hunt bear from the ground. have never been charged but i agree with ray, i would sooner have a nice knife ready then a pistol. knifes dont run out of ammo. without a knife i would grab another arrow from my quiver and use that, then a pistol. in that order

[Armadillo]

My Solution: I dont archery hunt for bears 

[Machias]

I shot a nice little brown bear once at about 9 feet, double lunged her.  She rolled around and growled and came up running right past me.  I could have slapped her on the butt as she ran by.  She had no idea I was there, she was just running to get away. 

[KillBilly]

I know this is going to start an argument but....

If you are hunting Deer or Elk with a archery tag, it is unlawful to use your pistol to kill a Bear. According to WDFW Enforcement, any claims of killing a big game animal in the name of protection with a handgun while hunting archery will be investigated rigorously.

I often hear the term back up weapon. A handgun is not intended as a back up for a bow or Muzzleloader. see the WAC below and

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=232-12-054

WAC 232-12-054 Agency filings affecting this section
Archery requirements — Archery special use permits.
  
  (1) Rules pertaining to all archery:

     (a) It is unlawful for any person to carry or have in his possession any firearm while in the field archery hunting, during an archery season specified for that area, except for modern handguns carried for personal protection if that person possesses a concealed pistol license as defined by RCW 9.41.070. Modern handguns cannot be used to hunt big game or dispatch wounded big game during an archery, big game hunting season.

In addition WDFW is still considering this ruling and it could be pulled before 1 Sept. according to Enforcement

[Kain]

I have archery hunted for over twenty years.  I just recently started actively hunting bears.  I have never carried a sidearm because it was illegal but now that that is changed I will.  One of the greatest things about archery hunting is that you have to get close without being noticed.  The same would be true for bears.  Once you shoot them they should not really know where you are.  They might run in your direction but I dont think that you would have time to pull your pistol and drop one within archery range.  Just make your first shot count and you should be fine.  If you are going to hunt with a bow have confidence in your bow.  Pistols are for protection from animals you do not intend to hunt and the two legged scum that might be out there to cause you harm.

[BrandonWatts]

i am heading to long beach next weekend for bear. should be interesting the only thing is its bow only area so no rifle no pistol. might have my buddy bring his shotgun with some slugs just in case but if he doesnt and i do get charged i guess it is going to be a wrestling match with knifes.

[boneaddict]

I spot and stalk and I don't carry a handgun. 

[Kain]

i am heading to long beach next weekend for bear. should be interesting the only thing is its bow only area so no rifle no pistol. might have my buddy bring his shotgun with some slugs just in case but if he doesnt and i do get charged i guess it is going to be a wrestling match with knifes.

Are you sure you cant use a revolver?


http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/hunter/huntregs2009.pdf   page 67  firearm restricted areas.

Modern firearm tag holders may hunt
during modern firearm seasons with bows
and arrows, crossbows, muzzleloaders,
or revolver-type handguns meeting
equipment restrictions, or legal shotguns
firing slugs or buckshot.

[boneaddict]

I would imagine that it is a firearms restricted area, like shotgun only......