Black bear protection
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georgel
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9mm? For bear? Whatever puts you out of your misery the quickest. 
Today Brandon French from North Central Arkansas brought in a bear skull for me to measure for Pope and Young. When he arrived he told me the bear had an interesting story. He pulled out a 45 caliber solid bullet that he found under the skin between its eyes. The bear had been shot at a quartering-away angle. The bullet hit the bear (presumably from ground level) a couple inches behind the eye and passed behind it, exiting between the eyes – but the bear lived. The bullet didn't penetrate the brain cavity. No one knows the story, but presumably somebody has a good one. To hit a bear in the head with a handgun you’ve got to be pretty close, or really lucky.
http://www.bear-hunting.com/2017/7/45-caliber-found-in-bear-s-skull-july-15-2017
Actually, I think of black bears as marauding dogs or, as someone else said, a big racoons, looking for something to eat. But, once they start in on my livestock, well...
Today Brandon French from North Central Arkansas brought in a bear skull for me to measure for Pope and Young. When he arrived he told me the bear had an interesting story. He pulled out a 45 caliber solid bullet that he found under the skin between its eyes. The bear had been shot at a quartering-away angle. The bullet hit the bear (presumably from ground level) a couple inches behind the eye and passed behind it, exiting between the eyes – but the bear lived. The bullet didn't penetrate the brain cavity. No one knows the story, but presumably somebody has a good one. To hit a bear in the head with a handgun you’ve got to be pretty close, or really lucky.
http://www.bear-hunting.com/2017/7/45-caliber-found-in-bear-s-skull-july-15-2017
Actually, I think of black bears as marauding dogs or, as someone else said, a big racoons, looking for something to eat. But, once they start in on my livestock, well...
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I don't worry about National Forest bears. The two places I'm most careful would be bears around neighborhoods, or in the National Park. NF bears are hunted, and scared of people. Suburban and park bears, not too scared of people. I've been within 5' of a park bear, not my choice just kind of ended up that way. It ignored us. My personal choice is bear spray and .357. But I've carried a 9mm before I got the .357 and didn't worry.
One thing to remember about black bears, they attack for food. So if you are ever attacked they do intend to eat you, so act accordingly.
One thing to remember about black bears, they attack for food. So if you are ever attacked they do intend to eat you, so act accordingly.
I've hunted spots around here that are loaded with bears. I like stalk hunting and have come across a few while on the ground. They have either been spooky and ran away, curious and gave me a good looking over, coming close and hanging out for a bit. No aggression at all, then you get the ones that just don't care, thy pretty much ignore you and do their bear stuff. I walked out of the woods one day past one of the regular bruisers, sitting in the middle of a corn pile. Had to walk past him at about 25ft, he looked at me with a bear smile on his face then returned to dinner. Happy corn fed bear. One of the spots we hunted, when Carolina Forest was actually still a forest was loaded with them, we saw them on a regular enough basis to name a bunch of them.
The snakes don't bother me, I'm like the snake whisperer when I find one, I don't shoot snakes, the majority of the snakes you encounter in the woods are mostly non-venomous and will leave you alone if you leave them alone. Working in the ER and on the ambulance, most of the bites I have seen were on the hands and forearms, if you don't know snakes, don't mess with them, don't try picking them up.
The only ones that worry me sometimes are the hogs, I've never been bit, gored or run over, but I have had a couple charge at me and some stand their ground. The big boars and the big Sows don't scare easy sometimes, especially if the Sows have little ones around.
The critter I worry about the most in the woods are the 2 legged ones. Never had a problem, but have run into some shady folks.
I am a big fan of a good old 45LC Single Action revolver, that is my sidearm of choice when I am wandering the woods. It will take care of anything out there.
The snakes don't bother me, I'm like the snake whisperer when I find one, I don't shoot snakes, the majority of the snakes you encounter in the woods are mostly non-venomous and will leave you alone if you leave them alone. Working in the ER and on the ambulance, most of the bites I have seen were on the hands and forearms, if you don't know snakes, don't mess with them, don't try picking them up.
The only ones that worry me sometimes are the hogs, I've never been bit, gored or run over, but I have had a couple charge at me and some stand their ground. The big boars and the big Sows don't scare easy sometimes, especially if the Sows have little ones around.
The critter I worry about the most in the woods are the 2 legged ones. Never had a problem, but have run into some shady folks.
I am a big fan of a good old 45LC Single Action revolver, that is my sidearm of choice when I am wandering the woods. It will take care of anything out there.
Lafayette Gregory
Les-ter not Ly-Chester
I live in WNC. I hike and I am in the wood a lot. My new house lot is WAYYYYY back in the woods. About 9 acres about 3100 ft. I have had at least 6 bear encounters looking at land and in the woods over the last 3 years. Even saw one blaze bear. I had a 500+bear run up on myself and two others within 20 ft. The bear just turned around, sat on his arse and looked at us a while. We were lokin at him too. Soon as someone made a move he took off like a bullet. Once in a lifetime experience with that size bear.
Unless you get between a sow and her cubs, and make aggressive moves you do not have to worry. One bear attack with minor injuries in asheville last year. Woman tried to scare away some cubs and the mother so she could get in her car. Bear walked up to the woman and slapped her! She learned her lesson. Don't poke the bear! Hikers in this area encounter bears very often. Keep moving slowly away from the bear and mind ya own business and so will the bear. Bear spray is much better than a firearm. It has a wider effective spray and it hurts the bear like hell FIRE> They will drop and rub their eyes or run immediately.
Not to say I do not carry, I always have a .40 or a 44mag revolver when I am deep in the woods. And in downtown! In the thick stuff I carry a para sks also. Its the two legged poachers, meth heads, pot farms..... etc I am more cautious of!
On my atv, I was on an old timber that looked as if it had not been traveled in SEVERAL years , in Swannanoa last fall. Slowed down to cross a small leaky mountain stream and noticed a Blaze bear about fifty feet above me closer to the ridge. I just eased on and started speeding up. He was so curious he kept pace and our distance for about 100 yards. Finally he dashed of into the backwoods. The bears can be very curious , follow you , stand up to see ya better, As long as you do not go toward them, shoot at them or act aggressively, they will likely go about their business. I am not an expert, just talking for my personal experiences and from what other like me also talk about.
Unless you get between a sow and her cubs, and make aggressive moves you do not have to worry. One bear attack with minor injuries in asheville last year. Woman tried to scare away some cubs and the mother so she could get in her car. Bear walked up to the woman and slapped her! She learned her lesson. Don't poke the bear! Hikers in this area encounter bears very often. Keep moving slowly away from the bear and mind ya own business and so will the bear. Bear spray is much better than a firearm. It has a wider effective spray and it hurts the bear like hell FIRE> They will drop and rub their eyes or run immediately.
Not to say I do not carry, I always have a .40 or a 44mag revolver when I am deep in the woods. And in downtown! In the thick stuff I carry a para sks also. Its the two legged poachers, meth heads, pot farms..... etc I am more cautious of!
On my atv, I was on an old timber that looked as if it had not been traveled in SEVERAL years , in Swannanoa last fall. Slowed down to cross a small leaky mountain stream and noticed a Blaze bear about fifty feet above me closer to the ridge. I just eased on and started speeding up. He was so curious he kept pace and our distance for about 100 yards. Finally he dashed of into the backwoods. The bears can be very curious , follow you , stand up to see ya better, As long as you do not go toward them, shoot at them or act aggressively, they will likely go about their business. I am not an expert, just talking for my personal experiences and from what other like me also talk about.
CCW007
Well-Known Member
When I was out with a friend camping in the Wilson Creek Area we ran into the guy below. He went into about how he was a drug addict and turned his life around after finding the Lord. The guy was off and gave me the creeps. He went off on his way and I told my friend I am sleeping with my gun in my hand. As soon as I seen this guy’s picture I remembered him sent the link to my friend and he confirmed it was the same guy.
https://www.nydailynews.com/news/cr...onfesses-17-year-old-murder-article-1.1949964
OP
Yeah CCW, always trust your instincts! It's a good thing nothing bad went down other than you having your camp space invaded.
RedneckFur
Smith & Wesson is a religion of peace.
I used to work out deep in the forests of the northern Rockies, where we had grizzlies and black bears.
The biggest issues with trying to shoot an attacking bear is that their head is very big, but the skull inside of it is small. All that fur, meat, and fat make it look huge. You can shoot a bear in the head and miss its skull completely. Doesn't matter what size gun you're using.
Bear attacks are very unlikely. If you find yourself in bear country, I recommend getting a can of bear mace/pepper spray. The stuff made for bear country works, and works well. (Ive experienced it personally. That gun show OC spray is a joke in comparison)
I also recommend looking up techniques for handling a bear should you encounter one. There's good videos out there for hikers. Using the right body language can be all the difference between a bear walking off and a bear attacking you. Cliff's notes version: Should you run up on a bear, don't turn and run, and don't scream. Stop, stand still a moment, and slowly raise your arms up beside you. Face the bear, but don't stare it in the eyes. Try to talk in a loud, but calm voice, and start backing away. I know it all sounds weird, but it shows the bear you're not dangerous, and not a prey animal, and should let you escape. IF the bear tries to charge ya, thats when its pepper spray time.
One quirk about black bears. If they're standing on their hind legs, or look like they're thinking about charging you, they're being territorial. Backing out of their territory should save your bacon. HOWEVER should a wild black bear every approach you acting docile or friendly it has already decided it intends to eat you. A friendly bear is the most dangerous bear of all.
If you're going to pack a gun for bear country, I'd recommend a 357 or 44, loaded with JSP ammo. If you carry a 9mm, make sure you've got some hard ammo that will penetrate deep.
The biggest issues with trying to shoot an attacking bear is that their head is very big, but the skull inside of it is small. All that fur, meat, and fat make it look huge. You can shoot a bear in the head and miss its skull completely. Doesn't matter what size gun you're using.
Bear attacks are very unlikely. If you find yourself in bear country, I recommend getting a can of bear mace/pepper spray. The stuff made for bear country works, and works well. (Ive experienced it personally. That gun show OC spray is a joke in comparison)
I also recommend looking up techniques for handling a bear should you encounter one. There's good videos out there for hikers. Using the right body language can be all the difference between a bear walking off and a bear attacking you. Cliff's notes version: Should you run up on a bear, don't turn and run, and don't scream. Stop, stand still a moment, and slowly raise your arms up beside you. Face the bear, but don't stare it in the eyes. Try to talk in a loud, but calm voice, and start backing away. I know it all sounds weird, but it shows the bear you're not dangerous, and not a prey animal, and should let you escape. IF the bear tries to charge ya, thats when its pepper spray time.
One quirk about black bears. If they're standing on their hind legs, or look like they're thinking about charging you, they're being territorial. Backing out of their territory should save your bacon. HOWEVER should a wild black bear every approach you acting docile or friendly it has already decided it intends to eat you. A friendly bear is the most dangerous bear of all.
If you're going to pack a gun for bear country, I'd recommend a 357 or 44, loaded with JSP ammo. If you carry a 9mm, make sure you've got some hard ammo that will penetrate deep.
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I can neither confirm nor deny that I have effectively used a planned future long term Appalachian trail hike to purchase both a 10mm and a .357 revolver "in case of bears on my trip".
I’ve kind of got a hankering for a 10mm I don’t need and will not have time to shoot. Sounds like planning a summer hike this year is a good idea.
Well, you never know when you might decide spending a few nights in the wild will come over you. So a 10mm 1911 just is a wise decision to make. You know...be prepared and all.
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I’ll leave some DW Bruin pics and pricing around the house for a few months too. That way when I buy a Colt or Springfield it will seem like a deal!
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NCLivingBrit
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Just toss this at it then run.
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Who do you guys think Carolina black bears are? Winni the Poo? Black bears are the type that are most likely to prey upon humans.
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/art...rs-responsible-most-human-attacks/2011/05/11/
Beware the bear that stalks in silence
https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/art...rs-responsible-most-human-attacks/2011/05/11/
Beware the bear that stalks in silence
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An equal member of the 3 Ps. Remember handguns have two More Ps attached to them...They are Puny and their saving grace Portable.
I remember bear a story where some rangers shot a one 17 times with 357 sig before the bear died. You might not get to shoot that many times before the bear kills you.
I believe mace is a better way. 327, 357, 10mm are the smallest I'd go. 5 inch barrels and hard cast Keith would be the best bet in any caliber.
I believe mace is a better way. 327, 357, 10mm are the smallest I'd go. 5 inch barrels and hard cast Keith would be the best bet in any caliber.
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Ruger Alaskan in any calibers will work....if your serious about coming out on the “live” side.
I have two 10mm and love them, but give me six rounds of 480 with 325 gold dots or 420 gr lead..... now that will put a whooping on anything!
I have two 10mm and love them, but give me six rounds of 480 with 325 gold dots or 420 gr lead..... now that will put a whooping on anything!
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Once had a black bear decide to climb a tree to have a closer look at us, making a ton of noise didn't discourage him. A .44mag down into his neck/torso from about 4' away changed his mind, he ran just out of sight and proceeded to death moan for over ten minutes. Believe that one squared 6'8" and it was pretty heavy, can't recall the details of the wound track. I've seen a fair number of them even with good hits from rifles they don't always die quick, they can move extremely fast over short distances. Precision shooting and multiple shots at one charging you strike me as very wishful thinking.
There were grizzly where I lived when I carried for bear. 44 mags or a pump with slugs were my preference, never used the latter. In NC I have never bothered.
There were grizzly where I lived when I carried for bear. 44 mags or a pump with slugs were my preference, never used the latter. In NC I have never bothered.
From the linked article-
the risk of being attacked by non-captive, free-roaming black bears in the wild (or even the backyards of human settlements) of North America remains exceedingly small -- even in Alaska or Canada.
Still, the authors emphasized more than once that people face little risk from black bears, with uncounted millions of encounters ending with the bear fleeing or without the human ever knowing the bear was present. The vast majority of black bears want nothing to do with people. Given a North American population of 750,000 to 950,000 black bears, this lack of serious injuries is remarkable.
I was a professional scuba diver for 12 years. First two as a commercial diver, and the rest of the time as a Divemaster in the sport diving side.
The most common question from customers- are there sharks out there?
You bet. Will they eff with you? Highly unlikely. But still they wanted to buy some kind of knife or even a speargun to protect themselves.
Har. Good luck with that.
So they go into all this shark defense mode and you know what happens to them? They come back tore to hell from jellyfish stings, fire coral wounds, bites from scorpion fish, stuck like a pin cushion from sea urchins, sunburned like a tomato, nosebleeds, earbleeds, slipped on the boat/broke finger.
Same thing with visitors to my home in the mountains. Are there bears out there?
You bet. Will they eff with you? Highly unlikely.
My advice here is the same as it was in the islands- You'd be better off if you prepare yourself from insects and poison ivy and/or some stupid thing you're about to do rather than worry about bears.
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Posted a picture of this bear last night. He was in a small cave. The dogs alerted and Mike went to the mouth of the cave. Heard rustling, bear comes tearing down the entrance and out toward Mike. Advancing at full steam as Mike raised a Nickel Colt 1911 in 45 with Ivory grips [cause we don't carry no ugly guns] and shot him 7 times in less than 3 seconds. The bear ran past and brushed him and promptly fell DRT.
Ima betcha he Did!!! Damn a ugly gun!!!!And as the bear passed by Mike, it thought to itself "Purty gun! Glad it weren't no HiPoint that kilt me."