The reason I asked it that I have heard (don't remember the source so...) that herbivores aren't affected by the pepper. Or....maybe it was carnivores. I don't remember.

I saw this article on cnn news headlines tonight. I think it kinda confirms what many of us think. Here is the link if any are interested. To myself it confirms what I already thought!

http://www.mnn.com/family/protection-saf...fer?hpt=hp_bn13

I don't know if it would work on a moose or not. They are so freaking crazy it is hard to say. I'll ask around and see if anyone knows though!

My guess is it's not nearly the deterrent on a moose that it is with a bear... a bear is more at a humans level and getting a face hit is critical.

Also, because of the way (particularly grizzlies) "huff" and breathe when they're coming in, they tend to inhale the spray very quickly... that's the one big reason Capsicum give such dramatic results on grizzlies.

For grizzlies in AK the Game Wardens carry then 45.70. Great rifle for knockdown power, lightweight and short overall length.
"Marlin 1895 Guide Lever Action Rifle .45-70 Government 18.5 Stainless Steel Barrel 4 rounds Walnut Stock Buckhorn Sights The venerable big game dropping performance of the 45 70 Government. is now available in a compact gun that weighs only 7 lbs. It features an 18 barrel and a straight-grip stock for fast pointing. For corrosion resistance our Model 1895GS has all major metal parts machined from stainless steel."

I have nothing to offer on the gun question.

Grew up with them, hunted extensively, still go to the range once in awhile (with a friend's gun collection) and make most of my holes somewhere near the middle of the target.

I know the 45-70 government round well It kicks like a horse unless the gun is very heavy and I think it would stop a freight train. It was very effective on buffalo. But have never had any interest whatever in carrying firearms on the trail, and never regretted that choice. Just can't see it, it's heavy and doesn't fit with my reason for being there.

But just for fun, in something like 65 years of hiking and a whole lot of wildlife encounters (including a mountain lion), the only critter that has ever even threatened to attack me was a very large and very angry moose! If bear spray works on moose, I may take to carrying it in moose country.

Best, jcp