Grizzly Bear Defense

[GJM]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=We_aHSA2Pbc

I am not sure if you watched the whole thing, but if so, can you give the cliff notes version, and is worth 33 minutes of time to watch?

[5pins]

Thanks for these. Interesting perspectives from occassional pistol shooters.


Do you happen to know what the bear skull simulant is made of?

The ballistic dummy lab says they used
high-density resin closely replicating average human bone.
according to their FAQ.

And for the low low price of $895 you too can shoot your bear head.

https://ballisticdummylab.com/collections/animals/products/ballistic-gel-loaded-grizzly-bear-head

[5pins]

I am not sure if you watched the whole thing, but if so, can you give the cliff notes version, and is worth 33 minutes of time to watch?

I thought it was worth a watch. They actually put some scenarios in there. Like drawing from the holster with the pack on. It was more than just shooting the bear skull.

[GJM]

Crazy:

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/05/06/man-killed-car-crash-dragged-out-vehicle-by-bear-authorities-say/?tbref=hp

[MickAK]

Crazy:

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/05/06/man-killed-car-crash-dragged-out-vehicle-by-bear-authorities-say/?tbref=hp

“evidence suggests the bear at some point had made contact with the victim’s body.”

That's the fanciest words for partially eaten I've ever seen.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Well, bears should move to San Antonio and hang around the I-10, 1604 interchange. There would be plenty of bodies to drag out and eat. Of course, some of the living ones might have 9mms in the car or on them.

[GJM]

Shed Hunter:

https://www.themeateater.com/conservation/wildlife-management/charging-grizzly-killed-by-handgun-wielding-shed-hunter

[GJM]

Review

https://mtstandard.com/tncms/asset/editorial/420b2728-0c84-11ef-8867-7770a2f31de4/

[CSW]

“evidence suggests the bear at some point had made contact with the victim’s body.”

That's the fanciest words for partially eaten I've ever seen.

Who knew bears liked Massholes.

[GJM]

Interesting article:

https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/10mm-vs-44mag-bear-guns/

[Duelist]

Interesting article:

https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/10mm-vs-44mag-bear-guns/

Scratching my head, though: the lightest .44 Mag on the market shooting 240gr JHP, against heavier 10mm pistols wearing dots and shooting not as powerful ammunition, but all of it JHPs. Oddly done test.

I would pick an Alaskan, if I were doing the test, and shoot penetrator ammunition from it at about 1100 fps. Wouldn’t that improve the revolver results? Or at least reduce the whining about the bruising from abusive recoil…

Spitballing here, I guess really, b/c my only .44 launcher is a .44 Special Bisley Blackhawk, and the last time I hiked in bear country I packed a 9mm loaded with penetrator loads - because it is lighter and more compact than the Bisley.

[fatdog]

Interesting article:

https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/10mm-vs-44mag-bear-guns/

Reminds me of the story of your personal journey I think you have described here...same guns, but he stopped at the 10mm Glock...

[GJM]

Scratching my head, though: the lightest .44 Mag on the market shooting 240gr JHP, against heavier 10mm pistols wearing dots and shooting not as powerful ammunition, but all of it JHPs. Oddly done test.

I would pick an Alaskan, if I were doing the test, and shoot penetrator ammunition from it at about 1100 fps. Wouldn’t that improve the revolver results? Or at least reduce the whining about the bruising from abusive recoil…

Spitballing here, I guess really, b/c my only .44 launcher is a .44 Special Bisley Blackhawk, and the last time I hiked in bear country I packed a 9mm loaded with penetrator loads - because it is lighter and more compact than the Bisley.

Certainly a heavier .44 would be more comfortable and better shooting, but the Scandium 329 is what my wife and I carried, and is the .44 that I most often observed being carried by bush pilots.

[Lost River]

Shed Hunter:

https://www.themeateater.com/conservation/wildlife-management/charging-grizzly-killed-by-handgun-wielding-shed-hunter


Wolf Creek Montana. I have spent a good bit of time there. Hiking and checking the area out. Definitely bear country. In fact some of the pics I have posted here have been from Wolf Creek. Even some of some bear scat. Had one that was visiting every night, and then every dang time we left the place we were staying at. Could not leave for more than a few hours and he would be back. Never did see that guy though.

[Rex G]

Interesting article:

https://www.outdoorlife.com/guns/10mm-vs-44mag-bear-guns/

Of the two, I would definitely go with 10mm. I wrecked my K/L-Frame-sized hands, especially my right hand, in the Eighties, first and worst with a 4” S&W Model 629, then with .41 Magnum Model 58 and 657 sixguns. By about 1990, I accepted that I do not have N-Frame-sized hands, or, more precisely, N-Frame-length fingers. Today, I do not know how much cash it would take, to seriously tempt me to fire even one .44 Mag cartridge, with a Model 329.

Eventually, it came to pass that “Short Frame” big-bore Glocks fit me quite well. Same with the Gen4, with no back-straps pinned onto them. I only have them in .45 ACP, for the present. I know that 10mm is controllable, because I bought an original-version G29, about twenty years ago. It was just a bit too high-volume for my hands, so, I sold it, when I learned that the Short Frames would be introduced.

I know nothing about bear defense, based upon experience, but, here in SE Texas, feral hogs will have us for breakfast. This happened in an adjacent county:

https://abc13.com/christine-rollins-chambers-county-woman-found-dead-animal-attack-death-wild-hogs/5716849/

Edited to add: On the larger subject, I’ll bet that Lost River makes .45 ACP that will ruin a bear’s or hog’s day. :)

[GJM]

On the subject of 44 versus 10mm, that is settled for my wife and I, and we would take a 10mm any day because of the capacity and our currency of training with semi auto pistols. To me the more interesting question is, nine with penetrator ammo versus 10mm with penetrator ammo.

[Clusterfrack]

On the subject of 44 versus 10mm, that is settled for my wife and I, and we would take a 10mm any day because of the capacity and our currency of training with semi auto pistols. To me the more interesting question is, nine with penetrator ammo versus 10mm with penetrator ammo.

JCL and I are heading out soon for a week at a remote AK cabin, and had the same discussion. I'm packing my G20.4/Acro with 190gr Cutting Edge solids (1150fps). It's not that much heavier than a 9mm, and this load is very manageable. But I would feel well prepared with my standard carry gun and 115gr Lehigh XP +p+ (1300fps). Good to have options.

[Coyotesfan97]

Of the two, I would definitely go with 10mm. I wrecked my K/L-Frame-sized hands, especially my right hand, in the Eighties, first and worst with a 4” S&W Model 629, then with .41 Magnum Model 58 and 657 sixguns. By about 1990, I accepted that I do not have N-Frame-sized hands, or, more precisely, N-Frame-length fingers. Today, I do not know how much cash it would take, to seriously tempt me to fire even one .44 Mag cartridge, with a Model 329.

Eventually, it came to pass that “Short Frame” big-bore Glocks fit me quite well. Same with the Gen4, with no back-straps pinned onto them. I only have them in .45 ACP, for the present. I know that 10mm is controllable, because I bought an original-version G29, about twenty years ago. It was just a bit too high-volume for my hands, so, I sold it, when I learned that the Short Frames would be introduced.

I know nothing about bear defense, based upon experience, but, here in SE Texas, feral hogs will have us for breakfast. This happened in an adjacent county:

https://abc13.com/christine-rollins-chambers-county-woman-found-dead-animal-attack-death-wild-hogs/5716849/

Edited to add: On the larger subject, I’ll bet that Lost River makes .45 ACP that will ruin a bear’s or hog’s day. :)

The ad that pops up for me for Boars Head is darkly ironic.

[Lost River]

Of the two, I would definitely go with 10mm. I wrecked my K/L-Frame-sized hands, especially my right hand, in the Eighties, first and worst with a 4” S&W Model 629, then with .41 Magnum Model 58 and 657 sixguns. By about 1990, I accepted that I do not have N-Frame-sized hands, or, more precisely, N-Frame-length fingers. Today, I do not know how much cash it would take, to seriously tempt me to fire even one .44 Mag cartridge, with a Model 329.

Eventually, it came to pass that “Short Frame” big-bore Glocks fit me quite well. Same with the Gen4, with no back-straps pinned onto them. I only have them in .45 ACP, for the present. I know that 10mm is controllable, because I bought an original-version G29, about twenty years ago. It was just a bit too high-volume for my hands, so, I sold it, when I learned that the Short Frames would be introduced.

I know nothing about bear defense, based upon experience, but, here in SE Texas, feral hogs will have us for breakfast. This happened in an adjacent county:

https://abc13.com/christine-rollins-chambers-county-woman-found-dead-animal-attack-death-wild-hogs/5716849/

Edited to add: On the larger subject, I’ll bet that Lost River makes .45 ACP that will ruin a bear’s or hog’s day. :)

I know that the heavy +P 250s (.45 ACP) @ 925 FPS have been pretty popular with some hog hunters.

They are definitely my preferred load for woods carry. There is something new coming in that department..

[Lost River]

As far as 9mm and 10mm are concerned.

Recently I switched production over to all Poly Coat. The punch line is that in both cartridges, they are going a bit faster and hitting harder.

The 10mm is right at 1180 from a Glock 20.

The 9mm I tested with a number of guns.


https://i.imgur.com/WHaZ3vQm.jpg

The 148 grain flat points are running as follows:

Glock 19 1116
Glock 17 1125
Glock 34 1156

I cannot recall the CZ 75s #s (https://pistol-forum.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=s) off the top of my head, but it was right there with the G17.

The G34 made me do some thinking. It is essentially the same size as a 1911. As easy as it is to shoot well (and fast), combined with the performance of the 148+Ps, I was thinking it may not be such a bad choice for a trail gun instead of a G19/17. It is about the easiest gun ever to hit with.

https://i.imgur.com/2Ci0y5Ih.jpg

[msstate56]

On the subject of 44 versus 10mm, that is settled for my wife and I, and we would take a 10mm any day because of the capacity and our currency of training with semi auto pistols. To me the more interesting question is, nine with penetrator ammo versus 10mm with penetrator ammo.

Probably doesn’t apply to your situation, but I’ve gone 9mm. Since a Staccato C2 is my duty gun now, all my training for the last year has been on that and a steel framed P. I carried my P with Federal 147+p Solid Core in MT this past year. I’ll be taking the same to Kodiak in the fall. I’m perfectly happy with this combo, and vastly prefer it to my G20. It may not have been used on a bear, but the grouse didn’t care for it.
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[GJM]

Probably doesn’t apply to your situation, but I’ve gone 9mm. Since a Staccato C2 is my duty gun now, all my training for the last year has been on that and a steel framed P. I carried my P with Federal 147+p Solid Core in MT this past year. I’ll be taking the same to Kodiak in the fall. I’m perfectly happy with this combo, and vastly prefer it to my G20. It may not have been used on a bear, but the grouse didn’t care for it.
118478

The reason we ditched the .44 wheel guns was it seemed silly to be carrying something we shot handfuls of cartridges a year through, as opposed to something we shot thousands of rounds a month through.

[msstate56]

Since it’s pretty well proven that a 147/148+p 9mm hard cast will penetrate bear skulls or other bones, I am much more confident in using the same pistol that I train with weekly, and handle daily. In a life or death situation be it on the streetz or in the woods, I want the gun that I have unconscious competence with in my hand.

[Rex G]

As far as 9mm and 10mm are concerned.

Recently I switched production over to all Poly Coat. The punch line is that in both cartridges, they are going a bit faster and hitting harder.

The 10mm is right at 1180 from a Glock 20.

The 9mm I tested with a number of guns.


https://i.imgur.com/WHaZ3vQm.jpg

The 148 grain flat points are running as follows:

Glock 19 1116
Glock 17 1125
Glock 34 1156

I cannot recall the CZ 75s #s (https://pistol-forum.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=s) off the top of my head, but it was right there with the G17.

The G34 made me do some thinking. It is essentially the same size as a 1911. As easy as it is to shoot well (and fast), combined with the performance of the 148+Ps, I was thinking it may not be such a bad choice for a trail gun instead of a G19/17. It is about the easiest gun ever to hit with.

https://i.imgur.com/2Ci0y5Ih.jpg

Every time I think that I have finally escaped being tempted by the G34, y’all pull me back in… ;)

Of course, as many G17 pistols as I have, I could buy a G34 upper unit, rather than an entire pistol.

Some few of my LE colleagues took advantage of the modularity of Glock pistols, by shooting their quals with a G17, but then carrying the frame with a G34 slide installed, in a PD-spec G34/G35 holster. (Safariland 6360.) The G19, G23, G17, and G22 were authorized duty pistols, whereas the G34 or G35 could be a back-up or personal-time weapon, but not a “primary duty handgun.” When I transitioned back* to Glock duty pistols, in 2015, I bought a G34/G35 holster, but never got around to buying a G34 upper unit, or complete G34. Actually, if I remember correctly, I did not buy the longer holster because I wanted to be a rebel, but because Supply Division did not have a Glock holster to issue to me, and the local police supply stores were similarly out-of-stock, but, I could buy a G34/G35 holster.

*In September 2015, my then-chief added 9mm back to the OK’ed list of duty pistol cartridges. I wanted to get away from .40, the stiff aluminum alloy frame, and the higher bore axis of a SIG P229, in one move, so transitioned to the “orthopedic” G17.

[texag]

https://youtu.be/KMFh0E9cWBE?si=O2dBDA_ChDWyk2TD

Those of you choosing 9mm must be compensating by going with such a large cartridge....

Interesting thought process. I have no qualms carrying 9mm in black bear/mountain lion country, and don't think I would in big bear areas either. I like ARs more though.

[JHC]

https://youtu.be/KMFh0E9cWBE?si=O2dBDA_ChDWyk2TD

Those of you choosing 9mm must be compensating by going with such a large cartridge....

Interesting thought process. I have no qualms carrying 9mm in black bear/mountain lion country, and don't think I would in big bear areas either. I like ARs more though.

I enjoyed that.

I enjoyed this one too. Sort of related. Windshields are serious barriers.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKFvrqCG118

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Anybody post the Hi-point 10 mm, 45 ACP test

https://youtu.be/ZMZshee7w4Y

That guy is a hoot.

On the fantasy level, if I am ever walking near bears again. They are black bears, six miles away but no incidents of trouble since 2018,

I have a mag of 45 ACP for my 1911 and a mag of 9 mm for my G17.

Buffalo Bore

45-255/20 - 45 ACP +P OUTDOORSMAN Pistol and Handgun Ammo

24L/20 - 9MM +P OUTDOORSMAN

Not worried.

[GJM]

Anybody post the Hi-point 10 mm, 45 ACP test

https://youtu.be/ZMZshee7w4Y

That guy is a hoot.

On the fantasy level, if I am ever walking near bears again. They are black bears, six miles away but no incidents of trouble since 2018,

I have a mag of 45 ACP for my 1911 and a mag of 9 mm for my G17.

Buffalo Bore

45-255/20 - 45 ACP +P OUTDOORSMAN Pistol and Handgun Ammo

24L/20 - 9MM +P OUTDOORSMAN

Not worried.

Have you tested the Buffalo Bore 9 mm hard cast load in your Glock to see if it is reliable?

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Hadn't had the opportunity yet. Will report when I do. Hopefully, won't have to worry about it yet.

[Rex G]

https://youtu.be/KMFh0E9cWBE?si=O2dBDA_ChDWyk2TD

Those of you choosing 9mm must be compensating by going with such a large cartridge....

Interesting thought process. I have no qualms carrying 9mm in black bear/mountain lion country, and don't think I would in big bear areas either. I like ARs more though.

.22 WMR for bear defense? Well, OK, I am ready:

https://www.collectorsfirearms.com/products/205566-ruger-nm-single-six-revolver-22-magnum-pr69143.html

Just picked it up today. Ruger Single Six, .22 WMR. Alaska, here I come!

[HCM]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7ALRZ7vGDR/?igsh=MXd2cDJobG1tbHdwNw==

[texag]

.22 WMR for bear defense? Well, OK, I am ready:

https://www.collectorsfirearms.com/products/205566-ruger-nm-single-six-revolver-22-magnum-pr69143.html

Just picked it up today. Ruger Single Six, .22 WMR. Alaska, here I come!

While I don't think that QUITE what the gentleman in the video had in mind with his thought process, you will cut a very dashing figure. :D

[GJM]

Moose fatality

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/05/20/moose-charges-2-men-near-homer-home-killing-1/

[Clusterfrack]

Moose fatality

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/05/20/moose-charges-2-men-near-homer-home-killing-1/

Yikes!

[msstate56]

Having been in close contact with a brown bear and a cow moose with a calf, I think I'd rather fight the bear.

[Cookie Monster]

Having been in close contact with a brown bear and a cow moose with a calf, I think I'd rather fight the bear.


A few years ago, a large bull moose walked like 50 feet in front of my truck on a Forest Service road. The size and mass was unbelievable to me.

[BobM]

A few years ago, a large bull moose walked like 50 feet in front of my truck on a Forest Service road. The size and mass was unbelievable to me.

I had no concept of how big a moose is until a Bass Pro opened and they had a full body mount of one. I’ve been to a fair number of deer/car crashes but can’t imagine the aftermath of hitting a moose

[GJM]

This fatality took place just several miles from where we live. They are all over the neighborhood, especially now when they are dropping their babies. They are generally very pleasant until they become very unpleasant! A cow moose almost stomped my wife and I out on snowshoes, and it took a warning shot at about 10 yards to discourage it.

[GJM]

Tetons:

https://kutv.com/news/nation-world/surprise-grizzly-attack-prompts-closure-of-a-mountain-in-grand-teton

[msstate56]

Tetons:

https://kutv.com/news/nation-world/surprise-grizzly-attack-prompts-closure-of-a-mountain-in-grand-teton

I was near there a month or so ago. HPG kit bag carries all the needed daily essentials in areas with lots of the uninitiated.

[msstate56]

Moose fatality

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/05/20/moose-charges-2-men-near-homer-home-killing-1/

I almost forgot. I was in Homer a year ago. We went to get lunch in town and watched a cow moose running down the side of the main road in town like it was out for a jog. It just needed some AirPods and spandex. We stayed in the truck until it was well down the road.

[GJM]

https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/wildlife/2024/05/20/homer-man-killed-in-moose-attack-was-trying-to-photograph-calves-troopers-say/

Homer man killed in moose attack was trying to photograph calves, troopers say
A Homer man who died Sunday after being injured by a cow moose was trying to photograph the moose and two newborn calves, Alaska State Troopers say.

Dale Chorman, 70, was walking with a friend through brush about 100 yards from his home when they were charged just before noon on Sunday, troopers spokesman Austin McDaniel said on Monday. The men were looking for the moose to take photos, he said.

[Clusterfrack]

Not the smartest thing to do…

[CSW]

I've posted this before, but here's a cow and calf who really didn't want to yield the road, on my way to work.

They are indeed very large creatures.

118806

[GJM]

Almost everyone I know in Alaska has a moose story. When my friend was working for Fish and Game, he and another guy got charged in rural Alaska, and climbed a ten inch diameter spruce tree. The two of them were about eight feet in the air, grabbing limbs like two monkeys humping a football. The cow moose stayed at the bottom of the tree over an hour, making threatening noises the whole time. Finally she ambled off, and a newborn calf went darting off. They had never noticed the baby until that moment. Cow moose take the mom thing pretty seriously.

[idahojess]

I've scared a few moose while I was mountain biking up on the Palouse. I haven't been up there in a few years.

One was a cow with a calf, quite close, in the spring, on a downhill singletrack set of switchbacks in low saplings. That was interesting.

Moose don't really stay on the singletrack... they sort of go over everything, or through it.
,
The last one I saw up there was a bull moose sunning himself in the middle of the logging road, in the fall (probably during the rut?). He stood up in a cloud of dust and looked at us. He seemed awfully close; maybe 25 yards. We went the other way.

[GJM]

Detailed and graphic on grizzly attack in WY:

https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/the_hole_scroll/grizzly-attack-victim-doesnt-blame-bear-describes-the-most-violent-thing-hes-ever-experienced/article_df49a9ce-1968-11ef-a798-73b6f2e3a4f1.html

118958

[feudist]

Detailed and graphic on grizzly attack in WY:

https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/the_hole_scroll/grizzly-attack-victim-doesnt-blame-bear-describes-the-most-violent-thing-hes-ever-experienced/article_df49a9ce-1968-11ef-a798-73b6f2e3a4f1.html

118958

Damn, he took that like a champ.

[GJM]

Damn, he took that like a champ.

What is ironic is what stopped the attack was the bear bit down on his can of bear spray.

[Lost River]

What is ironic is what stopped the attack was the bear bit down on his can of bear spray.

Better to be lucky than good sometimes.

I think I will stick with relying on my Glock (or other handgun) as my primary means of defense.

While I tend to have a big can of bear spray with me, it is intended more for curious bears than full on bear charges.

[feudist]

What is ironic is what stopped the attack was the bear bit down on his can of bear spray.

Fortunately the bear wasn't a chiliphile.

[Dov]

Fortunately the bear wasn't a chiliphile.

Unless that was what the bear was after the entire time? :rolleyes:

[Coyotesfan97]

https://fox10phoenix.com/news/family-comes-rescue-15-year-old-attacked-bear-apline

“A 15-year-old boy was blindsided by a bear attack while watching TV at his family's cabin in the eastern Arizona town of Apline. The bear came through an open door and attacked the boy from behind.”

Alpine is in northeast Arizona southwest of Gallup.

[Clusterfrack]

https://fox10phoenix.com/news/family-comes-rescue-15-year-old-attacked-bear-apline

“A 15-year-old boy was blindsided by a bear attack while watching TV at his family's cabin in the eastern Arizona town of Apline. The bear came through an open door and attacked the boy from behind.”

Alpine is in northeast Arizona southwest of Gallup.

Holy shit!

[GJM]

Hey guys, maybe ease up on the bear stories a few days, as CF is headed to Alaska and we don't want him having trouble sleeping.

[Clusterfrack]

Hey guys, maybe ease up on the bear stories a few days, as CF is headed to Alaska and we don't want him having trouble sleeping.

LOL! I'm going to sleep with my 1301

[GJM]

LOL! I'm going to sleep with my 1301

Just make sure you're in the bunk the furthest from the door and you'll be fine.

[Clusterfrack]

Just make sure you're in the bunk the furthest from the door and you'll be fine.

I'll come up with some excuse for JCL to take the lower front bunk

[MickAK]

I'll come up with some excuse for JCL to take the lower front bunk

This is why I prefer the A frame style cabins

[Duelist]

Hey guys, maybe ease up on the bear stories a few days, as CF is headed to Alaska and we don't want him having trouble sleeping.

I guess that will depend on the bears!!

Holy crap, another unprovoked black bear attack in AZ. Guess they aren’t all Yogi and safe to be around. :D

[Oldherkpilot]

Just make sure you're in the bunk the furthest from the door and you'll be fine.

Are you kidding? Who wants to listen to all that screaming while waiting your turn as the last course?😁

[Half Moon]

LOL! I'm going to sleep with my 1301


I'll come up with some excuse for JCL to take the lower front bunk

<somewhere in Alaska...>


https://youtu.be/WIJzgiJQGhw?si=ApD7XiWt5h3DsCGG

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Bring a bag of ghost peppers or Carolina Reapers, sprinkle them in a circle around your bed. Might not work for an AZ bear though.

[Malamute]

<somewhere in Alaska...>


https://youtu.be/WIJzgiJQGhw?si=ApD7XiWt5h3DsCGG


I had forgotten that scene.

Ive slept out under the stars or in a tent a couple thousand nights or so in both Az and in the Rockies in grizzly country, most nights the rifle slept with me, mostly just under the edge of the blankets or sleeping bag, a' la Kit Carson, some nights against me with the stock between my knees. Lever guns are much more comfortable to sleep with than most other types, sleek and flat for the most part. ARs are pretty rough, lots of parts sticking out, sharp edges and points, very uncomfortable, bolt guns are lumpy and chunky at best.


Sleeping in bear country is the one real use I have for a pistol lanyard. Left handy next to the bed, one can slip the loop over the head and one shoulder, step out into the glories night to take care of business, and now have to be dressed or otherwise encumbered. The little hole in the backstrap of glocks is the attachment point for them, and the one thing I use the little plastic gun for when in the hills.

[Shotgun]

Hey guys, maybe ease up on the bear stories a few days, as CF is headed to Alaska and we don't want him having trouble sleeping.

Clusterfrack, I hear bears really enjoy tourists; . . . they're tasty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4h4redJHhs

[Clusterfrack]

Clusterfrack, I hear bears really enjoy tourists; . . . they're tasty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4h4redJHhs

LOL! Good thing Alec Baldwin was there. He would try to shoot at the bear, but hit his friend. Problem solved.

[GJM]

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-man-gets-2-months-in-a-federal-prison-for-evidence-tampering-after-killing-grizzly

[GJM]

DLP Idaho:

https://www.idahostatesman.com/outdoors/article289209314.html

[gringop]

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-man-gets-2-months-in-a-federal-prison-for-evidence-tampering-after-killing-grizzly

No rush with this, I'm just curious.

I can see that he did a lot of things that look like guilty behavior, remove the collar, cut the tattoo, etc.

Is this a case of "he just shot the bear while it was peacefully sniffing buttercups in the meadow and was just a stupid Montana redneck", or was defending himself and his wife...and was just a stupid Montana redneck?

Gringop

[GJM]

Is this a case of "he just shot the bear while it was peacefully sniffing buttercups in the meadow and was just a stupid Montana redneck", or was defending himself and his wife...and was just a stupid Montana redneck?

Gringop

Yes.

Kidding aside, if you shoot a bear, especially a griz in a DLP situation, you best be prepared to do some explaining.

[Ed L]

Not a Grizzly but here are some Black Bear Attacks

"California woman was harassed by aggressive black bear she named ‘Big B---ard’ before fatal mauling in home
Patrice Miller’s death is the state's first documented fatal black bear attack on a human"

from: https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-woman-harassed-aggressive-black-bear-before-fatal-mauling-home

Patrice Miller, 71, had been harassed by an aggressive black bear in her small Northern California town for months before it broke into her home and killed her last year.

When officials first found Miller’s body mauled and partially eaten last November in her Downieville home, they first believed she may have died of natural causes and the bear broke in, attracted by the scent.

But neighbors had reported seeing the bear, which she had dubbed "Big B---ard," repeatedly returning to her house, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Miller even installed steel bars across her windows to try to keep the bear out before it broke her door down, the newspaper reported.

Miller’s death is the first documented fatal black bear attack on a human in the Golden State.

"It appeared that the bear had probably been there several days and had been feeding on the remains," Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher said.

Sierra County Sheriff's deputies found Miller’s door broken, which appeared to be how the bear got inside.

Inside her living room, there was bear scat along with blood streaks and paw prints.

The bear had likely pulled Miller from her bed into her living room, the coroner’s report said, according to the Bee.

The small mountain town is "right in the middle of where bears like to be," Catilin Roddy of California Fish and Wildlife’s North-Central region told the newspaper.

Miller’s friend Cassie Koch, who initially asked for a welfare check on her, told the Bee: "When I was a kid, you never saw a bear in town. Now, they’re all over, making their rounds. It’s easy pickins for them."

Koch said Miller had wanted the bear to be removed but not hurt before it killed her.

Koch told the newspaper that Miller had a vegetable garden and compost and didn't always throw her trash out immediately, which officials said could have attracted the bear to her home.

Around 40% of California’s estimated 65,000 black bears live in the Sierra Nevadas where Downieville is located, according to the paper.

The bear was eventually trapped and euthanized.


https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/teen-miraculously-survives-bear-attack-brother-rescues-blessinghttps://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/teen-miraculously-survives-bear-attack-brother-rescues-blessing

A 15-year-old boy in Arizona was saved by his brother after a black bear attacked him in a bunkhouse last week.

Carol Hawkins, the mother of attack victim Brigham Hawkins, spoke with FOX 10 Phoenix about the traumatic incident. According to the Arizona Fish & Game Department, the attack took place on Thursday.

The incident happened while the teenager was watching television in the family's bunkhouse in Alpine, Arizona. The rest of the family was in a cabin twenty feet away, according to FOX 10.

"The bear came into the cabin and from behind the couch, from what we were piecing together, swatted at him and scratched his face," Carol explained.

Brigham Hawkins, 15, survived a frightening attack by a black bear last week. (Carol Hawkins via FOX 10 Phoenix / iStock)

Brigham's 18-year-old brother, Parker, heard the commotion and rushed to the bunkhouse. The mother told FOX 10 that, since Brigham has a rare genetic disorder, his siblings are used to looking out for him.

"He started screaming but [Parker] could barely hear him, so he went to go check on him and he thought it was a dog. He thought it was a really large dog," Carol explained.

When Parker arrived, the three-year-old bear suddenly diverted its attention to the older brother.

The Hawkins family regularly goes on camping trips to Alpine, Arizona. (Carol Hawkins via FOX 10 Phoenix)

"When he got there, the bear turned around and saw him and started chasing him," Carol added.

Brigham's dad helped him escape while Parker distracted the bear. The teen is still being medically treated after suffering cuts on his arms and face, and the bear was later caught and euthanized by officials.

"No matter what you do, bad things can happen," the grateful mother said. "I just feel blessed that things worked out the way they did. I really don't feel like it's luck, it's a blessing."

Although black bears are significantly less likely to attack humans than brown bears and polar bears are, officials warn that such attacks are still possible.

Undated photo of Hawkins camping trip
An undated photo of children in the Hawkins family on a camping trip. (Carol Hawkins via FOX 10 Phoenix)

In June 2023, a Tucscon, Arizona, resident was mauled to death by a black bear while drinking coffee on his property.

"Black bears are predatory animals and should always be considered unpredictable and dangerous," the Arizona Fish & Game Department said on Facebook Friday. "If you are headed outdoors this weekend, please be aware of your surroundings and secure your food."

[Glenn E. Meyer]

After finding that my G17 ran 10 rounds of Buffalo Bore, without a hitch, I reload a mag of them. My wife came in and asked what I was doing. I said - the Bear bullets - she laughed but then said the bears are next town over. Not really worried at all. If I were the bear I would go to nearby organic farm and fatten up on all kinds of veggies. Healthy choice over old dude.

Yes, have a bump gun with slugs - such fantasies. But I am avoiding the park where the bears are being spotted. Go to the one with the geese swimming in the ponds

[GJM]

We hit a local trail to do a quick climb before breakfast, and noticed this new sign. An advantage of a semi auto is it is a quick change from town JHP loads to G9 penetrators, and the pistol doesn't even need to come out of the holster to do it.

44F and raining here today, with snow forecast for tonight.

119979

[GJM]

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-man-gets-2-months-in-a-federal-prison-for-evidence-tampering-after-killing-grizzly

Interesting update:

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/no-citation-to-be-issued-after-idaho-officials-misidentify-grizzly-bear-prior-to-killing

[steve]

Interesting update:

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/no-citation-to-be-issued-after-idaho-officials-misidentify-grizzly-bear-prior-to-killing

Glad they admitted they made a mistake and are not going after the hunter.

[GJM]

Great story, especially for you donkey lovers:

https://www.insideedition.com/beloved-runaway-donkey-seen-appearing-to-be-leading-herd-of-elk-after-going-missing-5-years-ago

[Caballoflaco]

Comments say it’s out of Gatlinburg TN. As the tweet says, watch until the end.

1804203036195328469

[Glenn E. Meyer]

So there is a neighborhood debate as to whether a pile of poop is black bear or buck deer. Now the location is right in the middle of large housing developments but near a swampy park. To get there a bear would have to walk through several miles of urban development, unseen.

The local 'SMEs' (ahem) have an opinion. Do they ask the local animal people - of course not, just post OMG!

[GJM]

So there is a neighborhood debate as to whether a pile of poop is black bear or buck deer. Now the location is right in the middle of large housing developments but near a swampy park. To get there a bear would have to walk through several miles of urban development, unseen.

The local 'SMEs' (ahem) have an opinion. Do they ask the local animal people - of course not, just post OMG!

Have a picture of said poop?

On another note, a bear got into our bear proof Republic trash can last night. No doubt they will be back tonight.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

120244

GJM - the poop!

[flyrodr]

Deer pretty much always poop pellets. Bear poop varies, but, best I know, is never as consistently pelletized as deer poop.

Deer poop:
120248

Black bear poop:
120249

[Shotgun]

Gotta love this thread.

[CSW]

Glenn's picture looks like coyote to me.

[GJM]

120244

GJM - the poop!

Hard to tell from the picture. Later in the season, bear poop will often have lots of berry seeds in it, and at this time of year will be more fibrous from eating grasses. Bear poop is often larger.

[Coyotesfan97]

Glenn's picture looks like coyote to me.

Every now and then I see a pile of coyote crap. It’s always full of fur. But that’s probably the Arizona diet.

[Le Français]

Black bears really are all over. I was in Banff and Jasper in September, and just saw one black bear hundreds of yards away, and then took a trip to the shoreline of Connecticut the following month, and ran into a big fat one a few feet away.120261

[GJM]

Black bears really are all over. I was in Banff and Jasper in September, and just saw one black bear hundreds of yards away, and then took a trip to the shoreline of Connecticut the following month, and ran into a big fat one a few feet away.120261

Connecticut, no doubt that is a blue phase bear. :p

[idahojess]

120244

GJM - the poop!

Looks like dog, to me. Probably one that ate something weird.

[Shotgun]

120244

GJM - the poop!

That's husky poop. The only thing that threw me off for a bit was seeing it where it should be, outside! If it had been on carpet, where my child's husky seems to want to do his business, I would have recognized it right off.

[Duelist]

Every now and then I see a pile of coyote crap. It’s always full of fur. But that’s probably the Arizona diet.

Yup - rabbits, voles, mice, rats, plus the opportunistic urban ‘yote taking cats and littler dogs too. Furry poop.

[entropy]

This thread has turned to s#!t.

[CSW]

That is talking crap now.

[Half Moon]

That is talking crap now.

It all Depends...

[Totem Polar]

Interesting update:

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/no-citation-to-be-issued-after-idaho-officials-misidentify-grizzly-bear-prior-to-killing

As a guy who has baited black bear within 10-15 miles of St Maries (in unit 6), myself, I can vouch for the fact that there are now Griz in the area. Game cams pick them up at bait spots from time to time.

That said, there are a *lot* of black bear in those parts—motion cam site footage looks like LAX for blackies. And Corvids.

[GJM]

https://www.kbzk.com/news/local-news/mountain-lion-attack-on-womans-dog-at-mount-baldy-raises-concerns-among-hikers

[GJM]

Colorado DLP

https://denvergazette.com/content/tncms/live/

[Totem Polar]

Colorado DLP

https://denvergazette.com/content/tncms/live/

Linky no worky, sadly.

[Shotgun]

https://www.kbzk.com/news/local-news/mountain-lion-attack-on-womans-dog-at-mount-baldy-raises-concerns-among-hikers

https://www.beastinthegarden.com/reviews/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20Beast%20in%20the%20Garden, a%20cliff%2Dhanging%20note.%E2%80%9D&text=%E2%80%9CRaises%20powerful%20questions%2C%20a nd%20reminds,many%20that%20we%20do%20not.%E2%80%9D

On that topic: The Beast in the Garden was a good read. Some residents in or around Boulder, Colorado didn't want to recognize that nature isn't as it is portrayed in Disney movies.

[Malamute]

Linky no worky, sadly.

Was this it?

https://denvergazette.com/news/man-shoots-charging-bear-in-colorado-mountain-town-but-was-the-kill-legal/article_2f3aef2e-330e-11ef-960b-3f77a9eedb01.html

[Balisong]

Timely thread for me as I just landed a contract that will have me working in Montana this summer, starting next week! I'm extremely excited as I've never been to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, or Glacier and I'll definitely be doing all 3. I've been reading up on bear safety precautions and all. A while back I got a USP 45 specifically to use 45 super Lehigh penetrators when camping/hiking/offroading where big animals are present. But due to my previous contract location, less than friendly towards 2A, I haven't yet properly set it up with preferred sights and proper vetting. So I'll have my P30L and if I'm able to work a secure way to store it, my Beretta 1301. So what are the current preferred loads for 9mm and 12 gauge for dangerous bear/moose defense? And yes I'll also have bear spray.

[GJM]

Timely thread for me as I just landed a contract that will have me working in Montana this summer, starting next week! I'm extremely excited as I've never been to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, or Glacier and I'll definitely be doing all 3. I've been reading up on bear safety precautions and all. A while back I got a USP 45 specifically to use 45 super Lehigh penetrators when camping/hiking/offroading where big animals are present. But due to my previous contract location, less than friendly towards 2A, I haven't yet properly set it up with preferred sights and proper vetting. So I'll have my P30L and if I'm able to work a secure way to store it, my Beretta 1301. So what are the current preferred loads for 9mm and 12 gauge for dangerous bear/moose defense? And yes I'll also have bear spray.

G9 124+P penetrator load:

https://g9defense.com/9mm-p-124-gr-woodsman/

Brenneke 2.75 Classic Magnum:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002072266

[GJM]

Timely thread for me as I just landed a contract that will have me working in Montana this summer, starting next week! I'm extremely excited as I've never been to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, or Glacier and I'll definitely be doing all 3. I've been reading up on bear safety precautions and all. A while back I got a USP 45 specifically to use 45 super Lehigh penetrators when camping/hiking/offroading where big animals are present. But due to my previous contract location, less than friendly towards 2A, I haven't yet properly set it up with preferred sights and proper vetting. So I'll have my P30L and if I'm able to work a secure way to store it, my Beretta 1301. So what are the current preferred loads for 9mm and 12 gauge for dangerous bear/moose defense? And yes I'll also have bear spray.

G9 124+P penetrator load:

https://g9defense.com/9mm-p-124-gr-woodsman/

Brenneke 2.75 Classic Magnum:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002072266

[Balisong]

G9 124+P penetrator load:

https://g9defense.com/9mm-p-124-gr-woodsman/

Brenneke 2.75 Classic Magnum:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1002072266

Thank you so much! Now the fun part will be seeing if I can find some in Phoenix before having to leave. Not enough time to mail order some and don't know if I'll be able to have it shipped to where I'll be staying. In the meantime guess I'll leave it stuffed with 147 HSTs. Anyone know a good brick and mortar place near Bozeman that may stock or be able to order in those rounds?

[GJM]

Thank you so much! Now the fun part will be seeing if I can find some in Phoenix before having to leave. Not enough time to mail order some and don't know if I'll be able to have it shipped to where I'll be staying. In the meantime guess I'll leave it stuffed with 147 HSTs. Anyone know a good brick and mortar place near Bozeman that may stock or be able to order in those rounds?

My garage. Possibly Bob Ward’s, Sportsman’s Warehouse, or Montana Tactical.

[Balisong]

Thanks again GJM! I'd scoped out that Montana Tactical on Maps, as part of my important research in the area I'd be occupying and it looks pretty nice. I didn't know you lived in that area, that's awesome. I thought I remembered you living in Alaska and Arizona. But I'll definitely check those places out when I get up there, thanks again.

[Suvorov]

Hot off the press


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0VnGuW1JVA

[GJM]

10mm:

https://www.outkick.com/culture/bear-hunting-story-update

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Oh, the black bears are back. 10 miles away in the next town over's open yards. Dogs barking seemed to have scared it. The law showed up but nothing happened.

[Guerrero]

Hot off the press


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0VnGuW1JVA

Article mentioned in the video:

https://www.ammoland.com/2024/05/bear-defense-with-handguns-update-20-more-cases-98-effective/#axzz8fV33R1a3

[entropy]

Lots of sows and cubs about this summer. The usual of stealing bird feeders, climbing on porches and doing typical bear stuff. None by us however. It might have something to do with all the shouting of expletives at building contractors. Moose just north of town too.

[GJM]

Grizzly been busy!

https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/gardiner-grizzly-bear/article_14ea759c-46cb-11ef-84e4-1789396dcaca.html?utm_source=billingsgazette.com&utm_campaign=news-alerts&utm_medium=cio&lctg=b8f3070380ad0191ec06&tn_email_eh1=af5670173b605ea2c7ee41817fa7160e526f0 cb5fdde33c20eda77d6b88142ae

[Dov]

Grizzly been busy!

https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/gardiner-grizzly-bear/article_14ea759c-46cb-11ef-84e4-1789396dcaca.html?utm_source=billingsgazette.com&utm_campaign=news-alerts&utm_medium=cio&lctg=b8f3070380ad0191ec06&tn_email_eh1=af5670173b605ea2c7ee41817fa7160e526f0 cb5fdde33c20eda77d6b88142ae

So are your doors in grizzly country hardened enough to slow their entry? :cool:

[fatdog]

https://nypost.com/2024/07/20/us-news/72-year-old-man-fights-off-kills-grizzly-bear-that-attacked-him-while-picking-berries/

[GJM]

The video footage of mama bear protecting her two cubs from the big male grizzly is amazing!

https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/environment/momma-bear-defends-cubs-alaska/

[Shotgun]

The video footage of mama bear protecting her two cubs from the big male grizzly is amazing!

https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/environment/momma-bear-defends-cubs-alaska/

Yes it is. She was getting after him. I saw a short clip of that earlier. One cub looked like it fell a ways. Does the story you linked report on what happened to the two cubs?

[Glenn E. Meyer]

A black bear is running around a nice suburban neighborhood about 5.9 miles away. Usually nice streets with single family houses. Just down the block from a major hospital and street loaded with businesses. This is on the other side from us where the woods are - that usually have the bears. So it had to cross past our area and over some major roads.

We were planning to go on a hike through a nice park that is part swamp and nature area on Sunday. But the bear was seen going down the road to that park. It was also on the street where my wife's doc was. We there yesterday and all I had was a 432 - OMG. That takes care of going to that park. Wife won't go near it after we see it on the news tonight.

Silly bear, last time one wandered into that area, it was shot.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

The local wildlife agents says the bear was probably following the creeks and streams, of which we have plenty. One is just down the road a little ways. They hope it will wander back. So the wife wanted to talk about the rare possibility it came to visit. While the shotgun with slugs is plenty - that led to a discussion handgun rounds and she wanted to the see the difference between the Buffalo Bore and the usual Critical Duty or HST. What would happen if you loaded for bear with Buffalo but had to deal with a human miscreant. Thus over penetration and expansion were discussed. A touch silly I grant you but just family life!

The powers that be warned that the bear will go for your bird feeder. The neighbor across the way has plenty - OMG! On the news, some matron of Mother Nature proclaimed she would patrol to make sure the evil authorities do not harm the bear.

Just some excitement - more fun than the constant idiot posts on NextDoor that they left their car keys in the car and unlocked and someone stole their car - what a surprise.

[Clusterfrack]

...While the shotgun with slugs is plenty - that led to a discussion handgun rounds and she wanted to the see the difference between the Buffalo Bore and the usual Critical Duty or HST. What would happen if you loaded for bear with Buffalo but had to deal with a human miscreant. Thus over penetration and expansion were discussed.

I carry my standard self-defense gun and ammo (147 HST) in black bear country. My understanding is that black bears can be stopped quite easily compared to grizzlies.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Oh, when I bought a bunch of their wadcutters, I couldn't resist the bear rounds. You never know - LOL!

It seemed a bear necessity.

[Doc_Glock]

So my kid was camping outside Yosemite and had his lunch taken off the picnic table by a Black bear. No further drama.

He and his friends bought bear spray for the rest of the trip only to find out bear spray is completely illegal in Yosemite! That seems wild to me, especially as we just had a fatal black bear attack locally, but i guess Yosemite bears are a lot more friendly in their behavior.

https://www.myyosemitepark.com/things-to-do/wildlife/no-bear-spray-allowed/

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/scarebears.htm

[Dov]

A black bear is running around a nice suburban neighborhood about 5.9 miles away. Usually nice streets with single family houses. Just down the block from a major hospital and street loaded with businesses. This is on the other side from us where the woods are - that usually have the bears. So it had to cross past our area and over some major roads.

We were planning to go on a hike through a nice park that is part swamp and nature area on Sunday. But the bear was seen going down the road to that park. It was also on the street where my wife's doc was. We there yesterday and all I had was a 432 - OMG. That takes care of going to that park. Wife won't go near it after we see it on the news tonight.

Silly bear, last time one wandered into that area, it was shot.

Yeah cemetery were I have been doing my cardio, its all hill, borders on woods which include bunch of trails. The gf says people have seen black bear near there though I've never seen one in this area I know there are a few around. I just carry my normal CCW, not really concerned not aware of single bear human incident here and I lived here for close to 20 years between couple years after college and when we moved here for her work.

[cosermann]

... He and his friends bought bear spray for the rest of the trip only to find out bear spray is completely illegal in Yosemite! That seems wild to me, especially as we just had a fatal black bear attack locally, but i guess Yosemite bears are a lot more friendly in their behavior. ...

You can carry a gun in Yosemite, but not bear spray/OC? Would be interesting to see this challenged in court. Lots of arguments that could be made.

[Clusterfrack]

You can carry a gun in Yosemite, but not bear spray/OC? Would be interesting to see this challenged in court. Lots of arguments that could be made.

WTF? I'd love to hear the Californitarded reasoning behind that rule.

[GJM]

So my kid was camping outside Yosemite and had his lunch taken off the picnic table by a Black bear. No further drama.

He and his friends bought bear spray for the rest of the trip only to find out bear spray is completely illegal in Yosemite! That seems wild to me, especially as we just had a fatal black bear attack locally, but i guess Yosemite bears are a lot more friendly in their behavior.

https://www.myyosemitepark.com/things-to-do/wildlife/no-bear-spray-allowed/

https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/scarebears.htm

https://www.sabrered.com/blog/bear-spray-in-national-parks

[texasaggie2005]

WTF? I'd love to hear the Californitarded reasoning behind that rule.

Probably gives the bears cancer or some shit.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Bear was seen wandering back into the woods. Cat ladies still on alert to save it.

[fatdog]

Should be a link to the unlocked version of the article

https://www.wsj.com/us-news/america-saved-the-grizzlies-and-now-the-bears-are-invading-towns-5b29c794?st=9jz5hnnlq2coafo&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

[whomever]

WTF? I'd love to hear the Californitarded reasoning behind that rule.

It's true: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/weapons.htm

I can't really fathom why anyone objects to spray, but several states do. Maybe some meth head sprayed a ranger or something?

Anyway it looks to me like they ban everything they can. I don't think firearms are one of the things they can ban locally; IIRC the 'you can carry in National Parks' decision was a national level decision. But n.b. the rule is 'you can carry in parks if legal by state law', which in CA is going to rule out most folks.

[PNWTO]

WTF? I'd love to hear the Californitarded reasoning behind that rule.

PM inbound tomorrow once I filter out some conjecture and try to discern some objectivity.

[Clusterfrack]

Hmm. Could it be that Cal government officials care more about creating the illusion of a peaceful fantasy world than allowing even nonlethal defense against rape, animal attack, etc?

[Glenn E. Meyer]

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/black-bear-mauls-3-year-girl-tent-montana-112805863

Food laying around tent probably drew it in. Got killed later, it seems. Hope our local black bear does sense that there is food available at Whole Food which is healthy, organic and good for bears. They just put up a no gun sign! There's a debate whether bear spray is legal here. There's mixed legislative answers. Runnings clerks says they sell it.

Awhile ago, a bear walking up to a guy in a NJ suburb coming home with a bag of sausage subs and just grabbed them. A LGS cleark told me the other day that he was at a family picnic in Tennessee where they were BBQing chicken. He sat down with a plate of chicken and a black bear came out of the woods, huffed in his face and took his chicken off his plate and walked away. True or not - who knows.

[Paul D]

I saw this little guy eating blueberries while hiking in Denali National Park last month. I take that back; he was huge. Lucky thing I had some bear spray and my hands with some skin on it to defend myself. It was no big deal; he was super far away (maybe 400 yds). However, a bigger blond bear chased him away and started eating right there.

122497

[flyrodr]

This from BBC been posted yet?

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240815-why-wild-animals-attack-humans

[GJM]

Wonder which was worse, the mauling or the gun shot.

Alaska State Troopers said a hunter was injured in a brown bear attack Saturday afternoon on the popular Resurrection Pass Trail on the Kenai Peninsula.

The 32-year-old man was “seriously injured by the bear and also as the result of a gunshot wound during attempts to stop the attack,” troopers said in an online statement Monday. The man, and his hunting partner, were not identified. The bear was killed during the encounter, which took place near Abernathy Cabin, troopers said.

Both hunters fired shots at the bear, according to troopers spokesman Tim DeSpain. The injured hunter was shot once in the leg, he said.

[Tensaw]

Wonder which was worse, the mauling or the gun shot.

Alaska State Troopers said a hunter was injured in a brown bear attack Saturday afternoon on the popular Resurrection Pass Trail on the Kenai Peninsula.

The 32-year-old man was “seriously injured by the bear and also as the result of a gunshot wound during attempts to stop the attack,” troopers said in an online statement Monday. The man, and his hunting partner, were not identified. The bear was killed during the encounter, which took place near Abernathy Cabin, troopers said.

Both hunters fired shots at the bear, according to troopers spokesman Tim DeSpain. The injured hunter was shot once in the leg, he said.

Reminds me of the Jerry Clower punchline, "Just shoot up in here amongst us... One of us *got* to have some relief!" (The whole story here.) (https://youtu.be/MYIOmVY-J3U?si=LXiXs3pYOTpvgwi3)

[whomever]

I recall a worse outcome from MT (ID??) a couple years ago, where the partner's bullet went through the bear and killed the maulee. ISTM that your partner and a bear in a furball would be one time spray would be nice to have, because you could just spray the furball.

[GJM]

More info:

It’s debatable whether good luck or bad explains Chris and Tyler Johnson’s run-in with a brown bear Saturday near the Resurrection Pass Trail. Either way, the father and son hunting team did everything they could to ensure their luck won out.

The pair hiked into the popular Hope-to-Cooper Landing recreation corridor Thursday for a five-day hunting trip. By Saturday, they hadn’t seen any of the black bears they were hunting but were enjoying the trip nonetheless.

“I even said it, ‘It’s like, wow, this is a beautiful day today.’ If you don’t mind, you know, getting mauled by a bear and shooting yourself,” said 32-year-old Tyler Johnson.

Tyler grew up in Sterling and graduated from Soldotna High School. He and his wife and son recently moved from Soldotna to Austin, Texas. He flew back for the hunting trip with his dad. Chris Johnson is an Alaska Wildlife Trooper, based in Soldotna.

They were working their way through dense brush in the Abernathy Creek drainage Saturday afternoon, west of the Devil’s Pass public use cabin. Around 2:40 p.m., they broke out into a clearing with knee-high grass. Chris was in the lead. Tyler had barely cleared the brush when they heard a roar. Tyler thinks they spooked a brown bear that was napping in the grass and didn’t hear them coming.

“It’s the kind of risk you take when you’re going hunting. We didn’t expect it. You would think brown bears are eating those delicious salmon down at the river right now that are spawning out. But this one was hanging out up in the mountains. Unfortunately, I didn’t see one black bear but the one brown bear I did see got a little too close for comfort,” Tyler said.

The bear charged Chris, who yelled a warning to Tyler. The bear veered off and headed for Tyler. He grabbed for his 10mm pistol but wasn’t quick enough. The bear clawed Tyler’s left shoulder and right thigh and bit his lower right calf. He says he was able to get his pistol free as he was falling backwards but his legs were up in the air as he started shooting. The first round hit right his leg, entering his quadricep and exiting just shy of his kneecap. He fired seven more rounds at the bear.

His dad, meanwhile, unholstered his .40-caliber Glock pistol, circled to get an angle that didn’t endanger Tyler and also started shooting. Bullets finally won over bear adrenaline. The bear slumped and Tyler scooted away.

“When I looked at my left quad I noticed, I was like, ‘Oh, I shot myself.’ Because, you know, in the moment, when you’re getting bowled over by a brown bear, I don’t think there’s a lot to do except for start firing and try to save your own life, right?” Tyler said.

They took stock of Tyler’s injuries and administered first aid, applying QuikClot to his wounds and a tourniquet to his right leg. Tyler says they always carry a full medical kit.

“Don’t just go for that Walmart red zip-up bag that gives you Band-Aids and moleskin. You never know you might break your leg and need to tourniquet your leg. You don’t know when you might need QuikClot. It’s an extra 3 pounds. Don’t be lazy, bring it with you. It can save someone’s life. And it, well, saved mine,” Tyler said.

Chris Johnson had an InReach satellite communicator. He sent for help and tried to keep Tyler comfortable.

“Tourniquets are not comfortable, whatsoever. Painful. But, you know, you’re not going to die from pain, you’ll die from blood loss,” Tyler said.

Tyler was airlifted to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage by a trooper helicopter. Chris was picked up by the Alaska Air National Guard. Tyler was treated and released from the hospital Saturday night.

He says he’s got a good prognosis, as long as he can stave off infection. He’s hoping to fly to Texas to be with his wife and son by the end of the week. Tyler says he can’t imagine having to watch a bear attack his son, like his dad had to see. He hopes, if his son is ever in trouble, he’s as prepared to help.

“He did what he was trained to do and what he trained other people to do. If wasn’t for my dad, I wouldn’t be here right now,” Tyler said.

Despite his rough farewell trip, Tyler says he’s not done with Alaska.

“My dad and I have some pretty interesting hunting stories but it never really stops us from going back out and enjoying the wilderness with each other,” Tyler said. “Alaska has a lot to offer and, you know, you only have one life.”

[Shotgun]

The Alaska Wildlife Trooper was carrying a .40 for his bear defense. It seems bear defense pistol calibers run the gamut.

[GJM]

The Alaska Wildlife Trooper was carrying a .40 for his bear defense. It seems bear defense pistol calibers run the gamut.

Probably his duty gun.

[GJM]

Wolf attack:

https://alaskapublic.org/2024/08/20/2-people-injured-in-wolf-attack-while-stopped-on-the-dalton-highway-troopers-say/

[41magfan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=794JjGklyD8

[GJM]

Not just bears, even bear spray!

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/05/22/wyoming-detailer-who-cleaned-bear-spray-bombed-truck-says-itll-never-be-the-same/

[MickAK]

Not just bears, even bear spray!

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/05/22/wyoming-detailer-who-cleaned-bear-spray-bombed-truck-says-itll-never-be-the-same/

This is why bear spray is difficult to transport. Few air transport companies want to deal with it. Generally smarter to just pick it up wherever you're going.

[msstate56]

This is why bear spray is difficult to transport. Few air transport companies want to deal with it. Generally smarter to just pick it up wherever you're going.

Pistols in proper working order rarely go off by themselves in motor vehicles or airplanes. I’ve had a can of pepper spray explode in a patrol car. It was awful for weeks.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Now this is serious! A black bear was wandering around 3 blocks from my favorite small town coffee shop in the center of town. I hope it is not attracted to their great bagel and lox! That's where I go for for it and also, a great Mocha. Just near my favorite manly old fashioned barber shop and pizza places!

Near our town hiking trail. Pretty close to the state police local hub. I will not be deterred from my bagel and coffee.

[GJM]

My friend and his girl friend were riding mountain bikes in Anchorage on Sunday. A black bear burst out of the brush on the side of their path, the GF locked up her brakes, almost went over the handle bars, and could have reached out and touched the bear. Fortunately the bear did a 180 and took off.

[GJM]

122907

[GJM]

We saw this thirty feet from the sign:

122908

[PNWTO]

We saw this thirty feet from the sign…

There’s a hilarious tale in there somewhere. Wonder how long they had to close to decon a spray ND.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

So I drove by the 'bear' area - a hiking trail on the border of green restricted tree area. There's a kid about 5 years old tooling down the road on his little scooter. Yum. Told the wife, semi in jest that I should take some of the Buffalo Bore with me - she said - Well, you'd better put it in the gun - not on your belt. Wow, she is paying attention to SD versus 'bear' loads. Didn't know she knew that stuff. Still, I don't want to go off the deep end. Was watering some new plants and the neighbors went out to walk their dogs on the trail, so I told them: Don't be lunch! Laughter ensued. One of the dogs is a barker and might think he should challenge the bear. Just talking, not really concerned.

There are lots of juicy vegetable farms around us. If I were a bear - I would chow down on all kinds of yummies. Lots of fawns running around.

[GJM]

Archery hunter


https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/archery-hunter-airlifted-to-hospital-grizzly-bear-killed-after-attack-near-island-park

[msstate56]

Cross posted from Ammunition forum:

Glock 20 gen4=

Lost River 200 hard cast- avg velocity 1,125 fps. 100 rounds so far, no issues. Actually quite controllable.

G9 145 Woodsman solid copper- avg. 1,373 fps. 80 rounds. Also very controllable. VERY accurate (<2” @ 25 yards)

Underwood 140 extreme penetrator- avg. 1,443 fps. 100 rounds. This load is stout, much more recoil, no reliability issues.

Like GJM mentioned earlier- after shooting my G20, G41, and G22 (gen 5) all back to back with full power loads (200 HC in G20, 250 HC in G41, 140 Underwood xp in G22) the G20 was the clear winner in speed and accuracy on target when doing bill drills on 8” steel.

FYI, this gen 4 G20 has approximately 2,000 rounds of mixed full power 10mm, range power 10mm, and a majority of 40 S&W. My only issue was with some Underwood 200 hard cast 10mm that was splitting cases. It still never malfunctioned even with that. Underwood promptly exchanged the ammo.

I’ll be carrying the G20 with G9 Woodsman on Kodiak next month. I’d also carry Lost River’s 200 HC if I ran out of G9.

[EMC]

These young hunters are quite fortunate. My family rode our SXS in this exact area, including hiking around schoolhouse ridge back in July. I had both bear spray and a sig tacops full of buffalo bore 147 hard cast. It wouldn't have done much in this scenario.

https://www.eastidahonews.com/2024/09/two-hunters-who-shot-530-pound-grizzly-24-times-share-their-stunning-story-of-survival/

Just realized same story was posted 2 posts back but this one has the interview with them. Worth watching them tell the story. Spine shot finally ended it.

[GJM]

These young hunters are quite fortunate. My family rode our SXS in this exact area, including hiking around schoolhouse ridge back in July. I had both bear spray and a sig tacops full of buffalo bore 147 hard cast. It wouldn't have done much in this scenario.

https://www.eastidahonews.com/2024/09/two-hunters-who-shot-530-pound-grizzly-24-times-share-their-stunning-story-of-survival/

Just realized same story was posted 2 posts back but this one has the interview with them. Worth watching them tell the story. Spine shot finally ended it.

This story reinforces many of the concepts we regularly discuss — the ability to run your gun at a subconscious level, the ability to present quickly, the ability to have a load able to penetrate a grizzly’s skull, and as close as possible to 100 percent reliability in your gun/cartridge combo from imperfect positions likely in a FUT.

[Clusterfrack]

... imperfect positions likely in a FUT.

LOL! A FUT (fucked up tangle) during a grizzly attack? That would make human-on-human FUTs look like a toddler tussle.

[WDR]

LOL! A FUT (fucked up tangle) during a grizzly attack? That would make human-on-human FUTs look like a toddler tussle.

High stakes toddler tussle. A pissed of grizz ragdolling me around sounds like a terrible place to be. I keep thinking a chest holster of some type might be better for access in this sort of situation, but I'm really not sure... it's probably extremely situation dependent.

[GJM]

High stakes toddler tussle. A pissed of grizz ragdolling me around sounds like a terrible place to be. I keep thinking a chest holster of some type might be better for access in this sort of situation, but I'm really not sure... it's probably extremely situation dependent.

We see a lot of pistols out in the field in Kenai chest holsters, both in Montana and Alaska. If necessary, I think it is an OK solution. One problem is every time you change your outer layer, to shed warm layers, add or remove a rain shell, you need to take your chest holster off and put it over the top less it be buried. I think appendix is the best solution for caring Glock 20 sized pistols in the field as the gun is out of sight, protected from weather and dirt, and likely your first or second most practiced presentation position. When out around bears and moose, without my wife (and her gun) along, I have worn a second pistol in a chest holster.

123488

[WDR]

One problem is every time you change your outer layer, to shed warm layers, add or remove a rain shell, you need to take your chest holster off and put it over the top less it be buried.

That's one reason I've never gotten into the whole bino harness craze, and still just hang them around my neck with a simple strap... But generally I'm pulling off a pack and setting down a rifle somehow anyway, so I keep thinking I need to give them another shot. And I sometimes think a combo bino harness and pistol holster of some sort (maybe even a HPG chest pack with a bino bucket strapped on) might be worth trying.

Most of the time, unless hauling heavy, I'll AIWB or sometimes strong side carry when hiking/hunting. I do admit to often NOT packing a pistol when I have a rifle in hand, but I'm usually not in areas with big bears. Having more and more times when I run into fresh cougar sign while out hunting... I'm starting to re-think that quite often the last few years.

Fresh snow, with that mornings cougar tracks, from deer hunting last fall:
https://i.imgur.com/YL0eGesh.jpg

Smallish cougar... And probably hunting the same herd of deer that I was that morning. But just a few miles east of that spot is where I saw the largest cougar tracks I've ever seen in my life (damn near dinner plate sized prints!), and just west of there we had one follow a doe and fawn through our camp while we slept, as evidenced by the tracks on the ground the next morning.

[msstate56]

We see a lot of pistols out in the field in Kenai chest holsters, both in Montana and Alaska. If necessary, I think it is an OK solution. One problem is every time you change your outer layer, to shed warm layers, add or remove a rain shell, you need to take your chest holster off and put it over the top less it be buried. I think appendix is the best solution for caring Glock 20 sized pistols in the field as the gun is out of sight, protected from weather and dirt, and likely your first or second most practiced presentation position. When out around bears and moose, without my wife (and her gun) along, I have worn a second pistol in a chest holster.

123488

I agree, it’s a pain taking the pistol off every time I strip or add a layer. But when wearing a pack with a hip belt- chest rig is the only option. Can’t IWB, can’t AIWB, no thanks for OWB on the pack belt. I tried a pack belt OWB, then ended up separated from my pack, with no pistol, dead deer on the ground, 2 rifle rounds left in the bolt gun and fresh Brown bear tracks in the snow next to me. Never again. I also prefer a stand alone chest rig, with my bino pouch over that. I can take off pack and bino harness while field dressing game, and the pistol stays on me. I also find the chest rig keeps the pistol from hanging up on brush when in the thick stuff.

[msstate56]

I should add- I prefer the Razco chest holster to the GI Kenai after having used both.

[GJM]

No comment


https://youtu.be/RfekW3UmUQU?si=yL1ooIPPZlkb6F_Z

[Clusterfrack]

No comment


https://youtu.be/RfekW3UmUQU?si=yL1ooIPPZlkb6F_Z

I am sorry I watched that.

[Le Français]

https://youtu.be/RfekW3UmUQU?si=yL1ooIPPZlkb6F_Z

123526

That video got progressively stupider at a very smooth rate of acceleration. Kind of impressive.

[GJM]

123526

That video got progressively stupider at a very smooth rate of acceleration. Kind of impressive.

Hey, for just a two minute "investment," it made me feel better about our level of preparedness. 🙈

[WDR]

I'm far from an expert... but... sigh.

[Clusterfrack]

#Tactard (https://pistol-forum.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=Tactard)

123528

[1More]

Please don't hold Fort Pickett responsible for the content involved in this video. That shirt was only present under duress.

[cosermann]

No comment


https://youtu.be/RfekW3UmUQU?si=yL1ooIPPZlkb6F_Z

I did not know a bear's skull was "rated" for 357 magnum. I wonder who at the NIJ does these "ratings??" Ha, ha.

[Nick B]

A 2000 pound bear ?

[El Cid]

123526

That video got progressively stupider at a very smooth rate of acceleration. Kind of impressive.

lol! That dude is his own biggest fan. His IG is pure comedy gold - like Pincus with a beard.

[GJM]

He also has a video that can help all you guys tune up your reloads.


https://youtu.be/qso4Rg4lGOE?si=q9YOfdoVZi5QeQ_y

[Clusterfrack]

He also has a video that can help all you guys tune up your reloads.


https://youtu.be/qso4Rg4lGOE?si=q9YOfdoVZi5QeQ_y

I can't bring myself to click on that. But maybe we should all switch to the SRO for the backcountry? And for sure a plate carrier on my next Alaska trip. Because you never know what weapons the bears will be using. The thing I can't understand is why he's not carrying a Staccato.

[Caballoflaco]

I can't bring myself to click on that. But maybe we should all switch to the SRO for the backcountry? And for sure a plate carrier on my next Alaska trip. Because you never know what weapons the bears will be using.The thing I can't understand is why he's not carrying a Staccato.

I think the important lesson is that your pistol is just flopping around loose in a big pocket of some sort with an unprotected trigger guard, whether it’s a plate carrier or Fanny pack etc. etc.

If he carried a Staccato there would be the added safety of a safety which actually makes thing more dangerous when when you’re getting eaten by a bear.

[HCM]

I can't bring myself to click on that. But maybe we should all switch to the SRO for the backcountry? And for sure a plate carrier on my next Alaska trip. Because you never know what weapons the bears will be using. The thing I can't understand is why he's not carrying a Staccato.

The last bearded tatted up vet bro firearms trainer from Alaska I encountered was:

1) Not a Veteran;
2) Not actually from Alaska;
3) Was a prohibited person due to a felony conviction in Texas for forcibly sodomizing his 13 year old step brother when he was 17. (17 is the age of adult criminal responsibility in Texas);
4) Was arrested for being a felon in possession of firearms and possession of a stolen Glock 23;
5) Had counterfeit DHS “anti -terrorism” credentials.

Looked and sounded a lot like this guy.

The number one threat is always goes on two legs.

[Clusterfrack]

The last bearded tatted up vet bro firearms trainer from Alaska I encountered was:

1) Not a Veteran;
2) Not actually from Alaska;
3) Was a prohibited person due to a felony conviction in Texas for forcibly sodomizing his 13 year old step brother when he was 17. (17 is the age of adult criminal responsibility in Texas);
4) Was arrested for being a felon in possession of firearms and possession of a stolen Glock 23;
5) Had counterfeit DHS “anti -terrorism” credentials.

Looked and sounded a lot like this guy.

The number one threat is always goes on two legs.

I hope that encounter ended painfully for him.

[HCM]

I hope that encounter ended painfully for him.

Guest of the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 5 years or so.

[Tensaw]

GJM trolling PF in what I think of as his own thread... Nice...

[GJM]

Bad on me to pollute a long running, serious thread with this.

[1More]

He also has a video that can help all you guys tune up your reloads.


https://youtu.be/qso4Rg4lGOE?si=q9YOfdoVZi5QeQ_y

Clusterfrack told me not to look at the light from that video. It is going to take a second gallon of bleach to clean my eyes...:rolleyes:

[Lost River]

Who was that special person?

[GJM]

https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/grizzly-bear-hunting-west-yellowstone-tepee-creek/article_15218684-7201-11ef-ae27-1bbf899ed1ab.html?utm_source=billingsgazette.com&utm_campaign=news-alerts&utm_medium=cio&lctg=b8f3070380ad0191ec06&tn_email_eh1=af5670173b605ea2c7ee41817fa7160e526f0 cb5fdde33c20eda77d6b88142ae

The two hunters reported being charged by a sow grizzly bear with two yearling cubs. Using handguns, the hunters shot and killed the sow. The yearling bears also charged at the hunters, who shot at and injured one of the yearlings. The hunters were not injured.

[Totem Polar]

LOL! A FUT (fucked up tangle) during a grizzly attack? That would make human-on-human FUTs look like a toddler tussle.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYn1chaCqp8

[Blinky]

#Tactard (https://pistol-forum.com/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=Tactard)

123528

Lol, this dude and his dad are Special Forces legends. Dude is an absolute animal

[msstate56]

With the propensity for a FUT with the bear already on you, or your friend, does that sway anyone towards a revolver? I know we don’t really know the skill level or maintenance habits of many of these bear attack survivors, but there sure seem to be lots of reports of semi auto malfunctions during bear contact. Food for thought.

[GJM]

With the propensity for a FUT with the bear already on you, or your friend, does that sway anyone towards a revolver? I know we don’t really know the skill level or maintenance habits of many of these bear attack survivors, but there sure seem to be lots of reports of semi auto malfunctions during bear contact. Food for thought.

My problem is that a revolver is a one bear handgun, and sometimes bears come in packs of three.

[41magfan]

With the propensity for a FUT with the bear already on you, or your friend, does that sway anyone towards a revolver? I know we don’t really know the skill level or maintenance habits of many of these bear attack survivors, but there sure seem to be lots of reports of semi auto malfunctions during bear contact. Food for thought.

Based on what I've seen and heard, it's a common practice by most gun-toters to consider their defensive pistol vetted after firing just one or two magazines (or even less) of "carry ammo" through their gun. After all, "bear bullets" are expensive.

[msstate56]

Based on what I've seen and heard, it's a common practice by most gun-toters to consider their defensive pistol vetted after firing just one or two magazines (or even less) of "carry ammo" through their gun. After all, "bear bullets" are expensive.

Don’t I know it! $2.00 plus per round for “the good stuff.” I’m not advocating one way or another. Personally I have way more experience and competence with a semi vs a revolver. Even if I get through the 13-15 rounds already in the pistol, I know I can conduct a reload under stress. I can also perform immediate action malfunction clearance subconsciously. I don’t feel comfortable with my ability to reload a cylinder after all 6 are empty. I think the most recent report from the bow hunters in Idaho, says they fired 24 shots to stop the griz. I know shot placement is all important, but I like having more chances for “good shot placement.”

One thing I haven’t tested enough is one hand only, weak grip on purpose to see if I can get my G20 or G41 to choke with heavy loads. I’ll try that soon.

[GJM]

Don’t I know it! $2.00 plus per round for “the good stuff.” I’m not advocating one way or another. Personally I have way more experience and competence with a semi vs a revolver. Even if I get through the 13-15 rounds already in the pistol, I know I can conduct a reload under stress. I can also perform immediate action malfunction clearance subconsciously. I don’t feel comfortable with my ability to reload a cylinder after all 6 are empty. I think the most recent report from the bow hunters in Idaho, says they fired 24 shots to stop the griz. I know shot placement is all important, but I like having more chances for “good shot placement.”

One thing I haven’t tested enough is one hand only, weak grip on purpose to see if I can get my G20 or G41 to choke with heavy loads. I’ll try that soon.

I did a bunch of one hand testing in the field pistol thread, and think one hand and compromised grip testing is very important considering how these things often come down.

[Nick B]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYn1chaCqp8
I’ve watched that video at least a dozen times and it still brings out a good laugh.

[Malamute]

I talked to a guy that was mugged by a sow grizzly with cubs, after the initial contact in thick sagebrush, she ran back to the cubs, then turned to him again, he killed her with a 41 mag revolver, I believe 3 shots, 2 hits, dead bear, (I think complete pass throughs) the cubs didnt press the issue. He said he consciously saved the second 3 to see what was going to happen next. He was with a buddy but separated looking for elk. The buddy ran to him after hearing the screams and bear sounds and shots. I believe it was all over by the time he got there. Guy No 1 was pretty messed up from the initial attack.

I for one still use revolvers, both for the power/penetration aspect and Ive had better results in function with them, and ive never been able to shoot any auto as well as a revolver. I salute those that spend the time to get good with them, but ive never been able to, nor am I motivated to spend the time required when revolvers seem so easy and simple to shoot well with much less effort, for me at least.

As to the more shots mean more chances to make a good hit, perhaps, though Im still stuck on the idea that a shot going end for end through a bear has better chances of hitting and breaking important things than more smaller bullets do. We all have to decide what fits our own abilities and experiences and will suit us best.

[Navin Johnson]

Is carrying a hammer spur less SP101 in a chest rig with hard cast a thing for when entangled? I remember reading an article about that some years ago from a guide. He said in the bush it is going to be on top of you at some point if it charges.

Don't remember who or where I read this

[GJM]

If you have a semi auto shotgun with Brenneke slugs in your hands, the handgun choice becomes less critical. Two armed people is also good. By yourself, no long gun, a BUG or bear spray makes sense.

[Malamute]

If you have a semi auto shotgun with Brenneke slugs in your hands, the handgun choice becomes less critical. Two armed people is also good. By yourself, no long gun, a BUG or bear spray makes sense.


Im most often by myself, with one or two dogs. I normally had a long gun along, a Browning 86 carbine with heavy loads or Winchester 71, but the shoulder/back injury has curtailed my use of the heavy recoiling long guns. Its also curtailed much of my hiking, particularly where the bears live, though bears, like hoodlums are mobile and can turn up in unexpected places. The guy that was mugged in tall sagebrush was a mile or so from the actual mountains, somewhat near a creek.

[msstate56]

I talked to a guy that was mugged by a sow grizzly with cubs, after the initial contact in thick sagebrush, she ran back to the cubs, then turned to him again, he killed her with a 41 mag revolver, I believe 3 shots, 2 hits, dead bear, (I think complete pass throughs) the cubs didnt press the issue. He said he consciously saved the second 3 to see what was going to happen next. He was with a buddy but separated looking for elk. The buddy ran to him after hearing the screams and bear sounds and shots. I believe it was all over by the time he got there. Guy No 1 was pretty messed up from the initial attack.

I for one still use revolvers, both for the power/penetration aspect and Ive had better results in function with them, and ive never been able to shoot any auto as well as a revolver. I salute those that spend the time to get good with them, but ive never been able to, nor am I motivated to spend the time required when revolvers seem so easy and simple to shoot well with much less effort, for me at least.

As to the more shots mean more chances to make a good hit, perhaps, though Im still stuck on the idea that a shot going end for end through a bear has better chances of hitting and breaking important things than more smaller bullets do. We all have to decide what fits our own abilities and experiences and will suit us best.

.45 cal isn't that small. In my experience, people tend to shoot semi-autos better with less training. It's not hard to get a new recruit up to speed on a Glock. Give him a model 686, and it's an alien weapon. Decades ago, I'm sure the opposite was true.

[Half Moon]

.45 cal isn't that small. In my experience, people tend to shoot semi-autos better with less training. It's not hard to get a new recruit up to speed on a Glock. Give him a model 686, and it's an alien weapon. Decades ago, I'm sure the opposite was true.

It'd be interesting to see what trainers that crossed the revolver / semiauto era think. My suspicion is revolvers were always more difficult to train. A long DA stroke gives a lot more opportunity to bobble a shot. Good DA requires a smooth stroke and better muscle isolation in the trigger finger. Not at all insurmountable but the extra challenges haven't changed.

[Malamute]

.45 cal isn't that small. In my experience, people tend to shoot semi-autos better with less training. It's not hard to get a new recruit up to speed on a Glock. Give him a model 686, and it's an alien weapon. Decades ago, I'm sure the opposite was true.


I dont know about most people. I started on SA revolvers as a kid in grade school, shot dads DA Smiths some as well, eventually shooting the K-22 a fair bit, something over 200K rds over time. Ive had and used various autos, 1911s the most, but have never been able to reliably hit running small game, airborn targets, squirrels high up in trees, etc with an auto. When I miss I miss by larger margins, and generally find them more difficult to shoot consistently to the same levels I can with revolvers. I seem to lose whatever abilities I developed with autos more quickly, and retain revolver shooting abilities with less use and regain the edge quicker when Im not able to shoot much.

Shooting 5 and 6 plate bianchi plates I score better with SA and DA revolvers than with a 1911. If I were to go try the 300 yard plate after not shooting at it in 5 years or so, Im pretty confident I could hit it with a Smith revolver or Ruger SA, even one handed, not so confident I could hit it with an auto without some serious tune up time.

45 in an auto is OK, but 45 in a revolver can get you 300-325 grs @ around 1250 fps. They arent much fun to shoot recreationaly, but its what goes in the gun when Im in good bear country. The model 29 smith gets the 250 gr loads @ whatever 22 grs of old 2400 gives with the Lyman 429421 bullet (1300-ish?), also have some 290 gr loads that ran 1225 fps when checked.

[Malamute]

It'd be interesting to see what trainers that crossed the revolver / semiauto era think. My suspicion is revolvers were always more difficult to train. A long DA stroke gives a lot more opportunity to bobble a shot. Good DA requires a smooth stroke and better muscle isolation in the trigger finger. Not at all insurmountable but the extra challenges haven't changed.


Some of us never got the word that DA was the only acceptable way to shoot a revolver, and cling to the nice crisp clean SA trigger pull when more precise shots were wanted, like on game, longer distance targets, tiny targets, etc.

[msstate56]

Some of us never got the word that DA was the only acceptable way to shoot a revolver, and cling to the nice crisp clean SA trigger pull when more precise shots were wanted, like on game, longer distance targets, tiny targets, etc.

Blasphemy!!! I use SA quite frequently, because why not?

[Clusterfrack]

Revolver ergos are a challenge for me. With my smedium hands, I struggle to reach the trigger in a large frame DA wheelgun, and SHO it's really not good. I did buy a .44 mag SBH and carried it in AK on one trip. With some practice, I got reasonably good (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?22600-Gabe-White-Standards&p=600795&viewfull=1#post600795) at shooting some of the Gabe White Standards. I wouldn't feel unprepared with that gun. But in comparison to my RDS-equipped G20 or P-07... no way would I choose the revolver. I'd rather risk having to clear a malfunction than sacrifice the speed, accuracy, durability, and firepower of the autos.

I view the handgun as the first line of defense while hiking in heavy brush in brown bear country. A shotgun is ballistically superior, but is slower to get into action and more difficult to use in confined spaces.

[GJM]

I view the handgun as the first line of defense while hiking in heavy brush in brown bear country. A shotgun is ballistically superior, but is slower to get into action and more difficult to use in confined spaces.

I am the opposite, and view the shotgun with a Brenneke slug as the first line of defense around large bears in heavy cover. The pistol is more a finesse tool, that relies on warning shots, body shots, and the brain shot as the last resort. In thick cover there may not be enough time and distance for that. The advantage of the shotgun is that it strikes a decisive blow and opens up more areas. I think the shotgun should be carried in your hands without a sling in thick brush. I like shotguns with 14 inch barrels. Also, if it is cold and or wet, and you have gloves on, the shotgun works better for me.

[Clusterfrack]

I am the opposite, and view the shotgun with a Brenneke slug as the first line of defense around large bears in heavy cover. The pistol is more a finesse tool, that relies on warning shots, body shots, and the brain shot as the last resort. In thick cover there may not be enough time and distance for that. The advantage of the shotgun is that it strikes a decisive blow and opens up more areas. I think the shotgun should be carried in your hands without a sling in thick brush. I like shotguns with 14 inch barrels. Also, if it is cold and or wet, and you have gloves on, the shotgun works better for me.

Great discussion! Do you carry your SG in condition 1?

[Malamute]

I am the opposite, and view the shotgun with a Brenneke slug as the first line of defense around large bears in heavy cover. The pistol is more a finesse tool, that relies on warning shots, body shots, and the brain shot as the last resort. In thick cover there may not be enough time and distance for that. The advantage of the shotgun is that it strikes a decisive blow and opens up more areas. I think the shotgun should be carried in your hands without a sling in thick brush. I like shotguns with 14 inch barrels. Also, if it is cold and or wet, and you have gloves on, the shotgun works better for me.


Im with you on having the long gun in hand, in my case its most often a lever if its a walk around gun and not specifically hunting larger game.

Much of my area is more open than your Alaska home ground, I keep in mind I may want overwatch for the dog(s) with some of the critters that frequent many of the same places ive spent time in, the levers give me about a 200 yard window of reach, and sometimes are the small game or grouse or snake getters with light loads single loaded with magazine left loaded.

Unfortunately, much of this is being slowly recalibrated so to speak with lighter weight and lighter recoiling guns. Ive been avoiding the areas of higher bear levels.

[GJM]

Great discussion! Do you carry your SG in condition 1?

I have three carry modes. In the aircraft, chamber is empty, tube is full, safety on. Walking around, chamber is empty, safety off, and a slug is floated so all I have to do is work the charging handle. In thick cover, or with an animal in sight, a slug is chambered, and safety is on.

[MickAK]

I am the opposite, and view the shotgun with a Brenneke slug as the first line of defense around large bears in heavy cover. The pistol is more a finesse tool, that relies on warning shots, body shots, and the brain shot as the last resort. In thick cover there may not be enough time and distance for that. The advantage of the shotgun is that it strikes a decisive blow and opens up more areas. I think the shotgun should be carried in your hands without a sling in thick brush. I like shotguns with 14 inch barrels. Also, if it is cold and or wet, and you have gloves on, the shotgun works better for me.

I think some of this depends on what sort of country you're in and what you're doing there.

In heavy cover my hands are in constant use vegetable belaying, grabbing, climbing etc. When I have a long gun it's lashed tightly to my pack to avoid snagging. My first line of defense is my scent, noise, and knowledge of where I might surprise a bear.

But, this is only in places and times where I would even consider that. If I have to go into heavy cover on Unimak during hyperphagia for example I'm either holding a shotgun with a slug ready or I'm finding someone to stand by with one while I'm doing whatever I have to do that involves me not holding a shotgun. There are risks and there are risks.

[Crusader]

Keep waiting for the Bear attack, only three rounds thread.

[Rex G]

Keep waiting for the Bear attack, only three rounds thread.

I’ll try to be the first to bite. Never been around bears, but, based upon familiarity, Benelli M2, my former duty shotgun. Federal Tru-Ball Penetrators.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/rare-polar-bear-showed-shores-iceland-police-shot-113876999

Seems to have come ashore from an ice floe.

[GJM]

10mm Glock (and a jam)

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/09/26/hunter-attacked-severely-bitten-by-grizzly-in-southwest-wyoming/

[JHC]

10mm Glock (and a jam)

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/09/26/hunter-attacked-severely-bitten-by-grizzly-in-southwest-wyoming/


"But before long, he saw the grizzly and her cubs coming down the hillside adjacent to him.

So he drew his handgun “and tried to stay as absolutely still and quiet as he could,” Quintrell said.

That didn’t work."

How would you have done differently? My first impression would be to make noise and hopefully they'd skeedaddle before . . .

"As the bears passed about 10 yards in front of him, the female caught his scent and immediately charged. Clement, who was backed up against the rock and had nowhere to go, opened fire."


Commendable!
"After the bear sank her teeth into his leg, Clement’s pistol jammed, but he somehow maintained the presence of mind to clear the jam and continue firing, Quintrell said his friend told him."

[GJM]

"But before long, he saw the grizzly and her cubs coming down the hillside adjacent to him.

So he drew his handgun “and tried to stay as absolutely still and quiet as he could,” Quintrell said.

That didn’t work."

How would you have done differently? My first impression would be to make noise and hopefully they'd skeedaddle before . . .

"As the bears passed about 10 yards in front of him, the female caught his scent and immediately charged. Clement, who was backed up against the rock and had nowhere to go, opened fire."


Commendable!
"After the bear sank her teeth into his leg, Clement’s pistol jammed, but he somehow maintained the presence of mind to clear the jam and continue firing, Quintrell said his friend told him."

From the comfort of the Internet, it is pretty easy for me to say what I would have done. My guess is the kid was quite scared, and sat there, hoping the bears wouldn't notice him. When they got close, and the sow became aware of him, it probably charged defensively to protect her offspring. Assuming the bear was not trying to predate you, I would want to make myself known to the bears and give them a chance to avoid me. 10 yards was too close.

[MickAK]

From the comfort of the Internet, it is pretty easy for me to say what I would have done

This. Flat against a rock on a hill can mean a lot of things. My instinct would be to put one in the dirt and get the cubs moving, mama will move with them. But not knowing the country they might have moved straight down the easiest available path leading to me and same thing happens faster.

[JHC]

From the comfort of the Internet, it is pretty easy for me to say what I would have done. My guess is the kid was quite scared, and sat there, hoping the bears wouldn't notice him. When they got close, and the sow became aware of him, it probably charged defensively to protect her offspring. Assuming the bear was not trying to predate you, I would want to make myself known to the bears and give them a chance to avoid me. 10 yards was too close.

I would say so. Thanks for the perspective. And as he had previous grizz fighting experience he surely preferred not to have more. Good learning example.

And yeah 31 is a kid to one so old. ;)

[fatdog]

Tiny slice of NW Wyoming, Eastern MT, and NE ID

https://www.fws.gov/media/grizzly-bear-recovery-zones-and-estimated-distributions-0

[GJM]

FIFY

Tiny slice of NW Wyoming, Western MT, and NE ID

https://www.fws.gov/media/grizzly-bear-recovery-zones-and-estimated-distributions-0

Montana Fish and Game says you may encounter a grizzly anywhere west of Billings. Also, I think their range in WY is expanding.

[fatdog]

I was going to say, they probably need to update those maps. IIRC there are some bears calling the Bighorn Mountains home... .

I have been hearing commentators say for years that at some point they would cross the Bighorn Basin. U.S. Fish and Game is probably in denial until somebody produces a dead one there.

[Sherman A. House DDS]

Not a huge number, but they’re trying to establish a population of them here.

https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/grizzly-bear-reintroduction-in-cascades-finalized/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Saw a report that Asheville, NC is worried about bears coming into town as the area is disrupted and garbage spills might be more available.

[fatdog]

Inevitable with all the cameras in the wilderness that we would eventually see what probably happens more often than we know.

https://people.com/fat-bear-week-2024-delayed-after-fatal-bear-fight-on-livestream-8721226

[Malamute]

I have been hearing commentators say for years that at some point they would cross the Bighorn Basin. U.S. Fish and Game is probably in denial until somebody produces a dead one there.


I have been hearing people say theyve seen tracks and/or bears in the Bighorns for 5 years or more, perhaps 10. I dont think theres many, but I believe they are there.

[DDTSGM]

Inevitable with all the cameras in the wilderness that we would eventually see what probably happens more often than we know.

https://people.com/fat-bear-week-2024-delayed-after-fatal-bear-fight-on-livestream-8721226

This was linked in that article, more better feels:

https://people.com/bears-raid-krispy-kreme-delivery-van-in-alaska-7971636

[GJM]

https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/fish-wildlife-parks-grizzly-bear-shot-by-hunter-gallatin-range/article_26d0042e-84e8-11ef-b9b3-ab79c7e69849.html?utm_source=billingsgazette.com&utm_campaign=news-alerts&utm_medium=cio&lctg=b8f3070380ad0191ec06&tn_email_eh1=af5670173b605ea2c7ee41817fa7160e526f0 cb5fdde33c20eda77d6b88142ae

Hunter wounds grizzly after climbing tree; officials respond and kill bear
Learn how to effectively carry and use bear spray. Video courtesy of Montana FWP

A hunter who climbed a tree to avoid a grizzly sow shot the animal when it approached and then phoned Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff who responded via helicopter and killed the animal.

The Saturday incident occurred south of Hidden Lakes in the Gallatin Mountains south of Bozeman, according to a FWP press release.

The hunter told officials they climbed a tree after seeing the adult sow and two cubs at close range, but the bear charged. The hunter shot and injured the bear from the tree. The hunter stayed in the tree while the injured bear remained nearby.

The hunter called 911 and reported his location. FWP grizzly bear specialists, game wardens and a pilot responded via helicopter. After they landed, FWP staff dispatched the wounded bear and found the hunter, who was not injured.

[GJM]

AK hunter mauled:

https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/wildlife/2024/10/07/juneau-hunter-survives-bear-mauling/

[GJM]

A bear got into my friend's trash last night in Anchorage, and his cam got this picture. Little bear looks pretty pleased.

124873

[Glenn E. Meyer]

https://abcnews.go.com/US/black-bear-hunting-season-begins-new-jersey/story?id=114777176

Bow for three days then shotguns and muzzle loaders. Usual debate about shooting them.

Too many and are dangerous:


Bear-involved incidents reported to the NJDEP from January 2022 through October 2022 increased by 237% compared to the same period in 2021, according to state data. The incidents included 62 aggressive encounters with humans, one attack on a human, 12 attacks on dogs, 12 home entries, 15 attempted home entries, 84 instances of property damage exceeding $1,000, and 52 attacks on protected livestock, according to the data.

The number of incidents decreased by more than 37% between 2022 and 2023, after bear hunting was reinstated, according to state data.

vs.


"Analysis of data from New Jersey reveals no correlation between the number of bears killed and human safety," Wendy Keefover, senior strategist for native carnivore protection for the Humane Society of the United States, told ABC News via email. "Instead, researchers know that the most effective way for reducing conflicts with bears is to reduce access to human-food attractants."

My favorite NJ story was a guy coming home with a load meatball subs (this is NJ). Bear knocked him on his ass and took the bag of subs. Before we were married my wife lived across the street from a guy in WNY, who every season would come home with a bear strapped to the roof of his car.

NO, it wasn't RFK, Jr - and no whale heads. The local black bears seem to be staying away from my barber shop and coffee joint. Good - because I need a haircut and then like to get a mocha and muffin.

[Malamute]

Incident reported as a possible bear attack was actually vicious murder, investigators say.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/montana-man-reported-killed-bear-194630572.html

[GJM]

https://www.recoilweb.com/surviving-bear-attacks-life-or-death-decisions-178092.html

[cosermann]

https://www.recoilweb.com/surviving-bear-attacks-life-or-death-decisions-178092.html

The pic of the victim in that article is truly gruesome. And to think it was repaired with ONE surgery? Amazing! Wow.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

https://nypost.com/2024/10/19/us-news/nj-hunter-who-set-state-record-by-killing-770-pound-bear-clawed-with-backlash-they-hope-the-next-bear-kills-me/

That's a big bear for NJ. Story says the guy got nasty feedback. Wife says we are no longer going to the park that has had bears lately. I'm still going to the coffee shop and barber that had a bear wander by though.

[HCM]

https://youtu.be/7EKlp65Kd10



A Belgrade man was found viciously killed while camping near Big Sky. Officials first thought it was a bear attack, but now a homicide investigation is underway.

[GJM]

Fatal on Sitka:

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/10/31/troopers-sitka-hunter-mauled-death-by-bear/

[HCM]

https://youtu.be/uTV6GwbOQPI




The investigation, rightfully dubbed "Operation Bear Claw," found that the four suspects had staged bear attacks inside of their vehicles in a San Bernardino County mountain community in order to receive payouts totaling more than $140,000 combined.

[Wake27]

I hate being the guy that doesn't read the thread, but this one is pretty long and I know nothing about this topic. I have a buddy that's moving to Alaska this summer and he asked me for my thoughts on a bear gun. He mentioned thinking that he may need to step up to a .45 from his 9mm. The only thing I could say off the top of my head is that I think this convo starts at .357... Any chance there's an easy button answer? He's not a huge gun guy.

[Shotgun]

I hate being the guy that doesn't read the thread, but this one is pretty long and I know nothing about this topic. I have a buddy that's moving to Alaska this summer and he asked me for my thoughts on a bear gun. He mentioned thinking that he may need to step up to a .45 from his 9mm. The only thing I could say off the top of my head is that I think this convo starts at .357... Any chance there's an easy button answer? He's not a huge gun guy.

And history repeats itself. Let me go get some popcorn before we get into the newest and bestest bear guns.

Regarding easy button?, pm GJM and/or Lost River. GJM has one or two defensive stops himself and has probably spent more time in bear country in Alaska than the rest of this forum has combined.

[DamonL]

There are many PF threads focused on field pistols, and defense against four leg threats. See 1076, USP field pistol, parts of Alaska Journal, Lehigh xtreme Penetrator bullets, etc.

The short answer is carry a DA revolver with hard cast, or a service pistol with Underwood Lehigh xtreme loadings in 9/40/45/45 Super/10mm, consider bear spray, and if able carry a shotgun full of Brennneke slugs or an equivalent power load in a rifle able to put multiple shots downrange quickly. Two shooters are better than one. Dogs can help alert you or bring you the trouble.

My strategy, when possible, is one warning shot in the dirt in front of the bear followed by one shot COM, then everything else to the brain.

This is the summary. Change Underwood Lehigh to find reliably operating deep penetrating load.

[Coal Train]

Polar Bear fails to step correct, gets checked.


A man was severely injured Tuesday morning when he leaped onto a polar bear to protect his wife from being mauled in the Far North community of Fort Severn.

https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/man-severely-injured-saving-his-wife-from-a-polar-bear-attack-in-the-far-north-1.7132005

[cosermann]

Polar Bear fails to step correct, gets checked.



https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/man-severely-injured-saving-his-wife-from-a-polar-bear-attack-in-the-far-north-1.7132005

I know one of the reasons I carry a gun is so if a polar bear attacks my wife I can shoot it rather than jumping on it myself while screaming "bonzai!"

(It's not, like, the MAIN reason I carry, but, you know, it's always in the back of your mind. ;) )

[Coal Train]

I know one of the reasons I carry a gun is so if a polar bear attacks my wife I can shoot it rather than jumping on it myself while screaming "bonzai!"

(It's not, like, the MAIN reason I carry, but, you know, it's always in the back of your mind. ;) )
Clearly the guy is a believer in Patton's axiom, a good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed at some indefinite time in the future.

I suppose whether his plan was "good" or not is debatable.

[GJM]

Bear specific load.

https://www.brennekeusa.com/brands/bear-protection/bear-protection

126865

126866

[Clusterfrack]

Bear specific load.
https://www.brennekeusa.com/brands/bear-protection/bear-protection


The specs look identical to my go-to slug, the Brenneke Special Forces Short Magnum (https://www.brennekeusa.com/details/SL-122SFM?cHash=7cf0bc1a5effa2ad42da765e56fb6d78).

[awp_101]

This seems appropriate here...


https://youtu.be/ORLlT0g9-oA?si=4N8T4ryYGaFAYowd

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Bear Fall:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bear-falls-on-hunter-dies-virginia/


A Virginia man has died after a bear in a tree shot by one of his hunting partners fell on him, state wildlife officials said.

The incident occurred Dec. 9 in Lunenburg County, which is between Richmond and Danville, Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources said in a statement.

A hunting group was following the bear when it ran up the tree, the department said. As the group retreated from the tree, a hunter shot the bear. The animal fell onto another hunter who was standing about 10 feet from the bottom of the tree.

The story has some other similar incidents.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/02/17/eastern-black-bears-are-blimps-dwarfing-wyoming-grizzlies/

Giant fatso black bears around. Lots of nice things to eat. OMG, we live flanked by juicy farms! The town black bear has not wandered by the coffee shop or barber shop lately. Probably holed up as it is 5 degrees this boring. Wife saw a mag of guaranteed Buffalo Bore bear busters near the gun locker and asked. I told her. Of course, that is near the Winchester Defender with slugs - BUT just old coot fantasy. The deer are all over. Look at the window at night, and one is likely to look back at you.

[flyrodr]

I think the gel penetration tests must be about perfect for predicting penetration into one of the NC fatty bears.

IIRC, there was a lot of press here in NC about that 880-lb black bear and other similar big ones. At least one of them was found to have been feeding on dead swine (there are lots of pig farms in eastern NC) that had died and been temporarily placed in those large metal-lidded trash bins before being buried. The bear (as they do with smaller trash cans) opened the lid and feasted on dead pigs. Not exactly the stereotypical image of the majestic bear, but certainly fattened it up.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Here's a plan for bears:

Wear a bear suit!


https://nypost.com/2025/03/24/science/north-carolina-man-dons-bear-costume-to-scare-off-persistent-real-life-black-bear-video/

OMG! LOL!

[Clusterfrack]

Hahahah! So many ways this could have gone wrong...


Here's a plan for bears:

Wear a bear suit!


https://nypost.com/2025/03/24/science/north-carolina-man-dons-bear-costume-to-scare-off-persistent-real-life-black-bear-video/

OMG! LOL!

[Cheap Shot]

Here's a plan for bears:

Wear a bear suit!


https://nypost.com/2025/03/24/science/north-carolina-man-dons-bear-costume-to-scare-off-persistent-real-life-black-bear-video/

OMG! LOL!

LIKED

Thanks Glenn, not to brag but after watching that vid I'm feeling remarkably normal and well adjusted. Which almost never happens to me..........

[Glenn E. Meyer]

European Bears Face the Music!

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx27lexnwdxo


Slovakia backs plan to shoot 350 bears after man killed in attack
2 days ago

The Slovak cabinet has approved a plan to shoot around a quarter of the country's brown bears, after a man was mauled to death while walking in a forest in Central Slovakia.

Prime Minister Robert Fico's populist-nationalist government announced after a cabinet meeting that 350 out of an estimated population of 1,300 brown bears would be culled, citing the danger to humans after a spate of attacks.

"We can't live in a country where people are afraid to go into the woods," the prime minister told reporters afterwards.

A special state of emergency allowing bears to be shot has now been widened to 55 of Slovakia's 79 districts, an area that now covers most of the country.

[Tensaw]

"We can't live in a country where people are afraid to go into the woods," the prime minister told reporters afterwards.

Maybe if they normalized walking in the woods with a 12 gauge loaded with Brennekes, they would not have to be so afraid. (A$$holes...)

[GJM]

European Bears Face the Music!

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx27lexnwdxo

The obvious answer is to just cull the Democrats — oops, I mean the bad bears.

[GJM]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—April 14, 2025

Grizzly bear killed in encounter near Dupuyer
GREAT FALLS – Like many Montanans do this time of year, a man was shed hunting in north-central Montana near Dupuyer on Friday. The man was searching for antlers on a brushy hillside when he first saw a bear. As he was leaving the area, the bear charged him at close range. He shot and killed the bear. Fortunately, the man was uninjured.

The bear was an adult female grizzly in good condition with no history of conflict and was estimated to be 13 years old and weighing around 250 pounds.