Black bear sidearm

[GWP]

In over 50 years of hunting EVERY black bear I have ‘accidentally’ encountered was heading away at a truly stunning speed when I saw it.
As was said, I would worry about the big cats more.

[hunter399]

Yeah heard they are more scared of you than you are of them & really do not compare to a grizzly at all. Mainly for the big cats, wife said she would feel better if I brought one though plus the thought of walking up to a wounded bear in the thick part of western wa sounds kinda sketchy.

It is sketchy.
East or west.
Every wounded bear I've encountered will run to the thickest hole they can find. Lol 😆.
Maybe I have bad luck  :dunno. 😆

[Machias]

I've never been lost in the woods to the point I had to spend the night out, but I always carry gear to make myself as comfortable as possible if that should ever happen.  I've never needed fire starter in an emergency situation, but I always carry several different ways to start a fire.  I've never encountered an aggressive black bear, grizzly or cougar, but I always carry in the field.  I do not venture into the woods scared, concerned or afraid, but that's partly because I am prepared for most situations.  I've never encountered a criminal in the woods, but I always carry in case that need arises someday.  I don't worry or fret over it, partly because I'm prepared.  Carrying a sidearm in the woods is just another piece of gear that is available, should you need it.  No different than a pocket knife, ways to purify water, fire starter, etc...nothing more.

[pianoman9701]

Sometimes I carry, sometimes I don't. Were I hunting with a rifle, that's all I would have. Been up close to a lot of black bears, never a problem.

[buckfvr]

I know 7 friends who have had bear encounters, 3 in stands 4 on the ground.  3 guys wo have had cougar encounters.  In hind sight all but 2 of these encounters should have resulted in shots taken, but only 2 were taken.

I am firmly in the "have it but not used it (so far) camp.  Ive seen numerous bear and several cats.

[highcountry_hunter]

Are you strictly hunting bears with your bow?


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[NewHunter24]

Are you strictly hunting bears with your bow?


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Using a .270 win I picked up a few years ago, liked hunting in the past as a kid (would just follow my dad while he was bear hunting) so I figured I would give it a shot. Can't really take much time off work so I have not really had much luck with deer season and limited time I get can out there during the season.

Looking forward to being able to go for a little longer during the season and possibly eating a bear.

[boneaddict]

I was attacked by a big black bear.   I had a single shot Thompson contender with a 2 power Burris scope.  I managed to squeeze off the single round just prior to him hitting me at full charge. It is unbelievable how fast he came.   I hit him square in the chest with a 30 30 round.   When he hit me,   I rolled down the hill ass over tea kettles, all while trying to get another round chambered.  When he hit me, my hat came off and that’s what he pounced on.  I came up, settled on his shoulders and crossed him. He dropped there with my hat stuck in his teeth. 

[C-Money]

Suffern' Cats Bone!! That is one heck of a story!! Two good hits with a 30-30, my comfort level just dropped a bit thinking I was good with a .45 auto or 9mm.

After watching some Paul Harrell videos, FMJ could be the best ammo for self defense in the woods. Paul's videos show the FMJs appear be the best for getting into the vitals of thick skinned large game.

[Bullkllr]

Are you strictly hunting bears with your bow?


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Using a .270 win I picked up a few years ago, liked hunting in the past as a kid (would just follow my dad while he was bear hunting) so I figured I would give it a shot. Can't really take much time off work so I have not really had much luck with deer season and limited time I get can out there during the season.

Looking forward to being able to go for a little longer during the season and possibly eating a bear.

If I was packing a high-power rifle I'd feel pretty good about having myself covered for bears and cats. Hard not to justify a handgun for many other reasons though.

[GWP]

Yowza! There is a first person horror story!
I bet you go over that in your mind occasionally? So many things could have gone wrong with it ending in a different outcome.
Details!
Cub’s? Berries?
What do you think provoked the attack? Or was there anything?

[Dan-o]

I was attacked by a big black bear.   I had a single shot Thompson contender with a 2 power Burris scope.  I managed to squeeze off the single round just prior to him hitting me at full charge. It is unbelievable how fast he came.   I hit him square in the chest with a 30 30 round.   When he hit me,   I rolled down the hill ass over tea kettles, all while trying to get another round chambered.  When he hit me, my hat came off and that’s what he pounced on.  I came up, settled on his shoulders and crossed him. He dropped there with my hat stuck in his teeth.

 


You need to take up golf.

Happy you're here to share the story.

[tgomez]

Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. As most have said, a black bear will usually run the other way unless you corner it. I carry a Glock 30s .45, 230 grains, with a 13 round magazine. I alternate 1 FMJ and 1 hollow point round throughout the entire magazine. I carry more for wolves and cougar. I almost stepped on a black bear that was sleeping in GMU 105 a few years back. I don't know who was more scared that day the bear or myself.

[Boss .300 winmag]

I was attacked by a big black bear.   I had a single shot Thompson contender with a 2 power Burris scope.  I managed to squeeze off the single round just prior to him hitting me at full charge. It is unbelievable how fast he came.   I hit him square in the chest with a 30 30 round.   When he hit me,   I rolled down the hill ass over tea kettles, all while trying to get another round chambered.  When he hit me, my hat came off and that’s what he pounced on.  I came up, settled on his shoulders and crossed him. He dropped there with my hat stuck in his teeth.

What do you think caused the attack?

[Dan-o]

Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. As most have said, a black bear will usually run the other way unless you corner it. I carry a Glock 30s .45, 230 grains, with a 13 round magazine. I alternate 1 FMJ and 1 hollow point round throughout the entire magazine. I carry more for wolves and cougar. I almost stepped on a black bear that was sleeping in GMU 105 a few years back. I do
n't know who was more scared that day the bear or myself.

@tgomez

Im just curious:
Why stack FMJs in your 45?
I'd think some quality hollow points or hard cast lead would always be more destructive. 

Also, 13+1 in your 45 isn't enough for wolves or cougar defense?
What do you carry for that?