I know how you feel Brum... I was (continually) attacked for asking to spray before you shoot. I have nothing against guns or people who use them.That list is very sobering and I think some people go to the extreme and act like bears are just teddies.
I saw a video of a bear attacking a mannequin as part of a test and in 2 minutes there was a nothing but a pile of mannequin parts on the ground! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
I notice that some of the people on the list are (armed?) hunters. Maybe the smell of fresh game attracted the bears.
I still stand by my 4 part plan:
At 50 feet-Noise 25 feet- noise, draw weapon and spray 15 feet-spray 12 feet-Lethal Force (gun)
But that is just me! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> PS: I have been attacked by a bear. Luckily I had a jumbo can of spray in a holster, the bear ran away after I sprayed about 3/4 of the can in it's face. It ripped up my tent though.
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3292
Loc: Portland, OR
PS: I have been attacked by a bear.
I congratulate you on the outcome of your encounter. I greatly hope those who advocate the use of guns more quickly than you will stop and consider well , before they comment on this fact in a way that might impugn your choice not to use your gun in this situation. Most especially if they have not faced a similar situation themselves.
Registered: 12/23/07
Posts: 255
Loc: Expat from New Orleans, now in...
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Do you think they will win their division next year, or do you like the Packers to repeat? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
I like the Bears, heaven knows who'll win though. It would take a miracle to prophesy the final outcome of the game unless we've been given a tip in advance by the teams' owner. But, once the ball is dead, the field judge declares the game as being finally over, and we're on our way home, or where ever we go after the big game, we'll all know the final score.
If we don't like the scoring result, it'll be too late to argue with the Referee at that point cause his word is final. Although I can't give any specific numbers, I'd bet my soul there won't be a tie, but that there will be a very decisive final score of winners and losers. If I were playing as quarterback for the Bears, and knowing I'd be held personally accountable for my actions, with the clock about to run out, I'd take the least risk play by kneeling after the snap. I find much joy in the game of football. I like da Bears and I pray my team will win. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Brum
If we're going to delve into whether football is the one true sport and if participants and proponents of other sports are following false athletes, perhaps that too should be taken to the off topic forum...
I have had tons of bear encounters but no attacks. I have never had to go beyond your "Step 1". What I always wondered is once you spray a bear and you have used up your spray, you are still out there and the bear is mad. What do you do then? Has a bear ever come back after being sprayed? If you are out of spray, do you cut your trip short and go back?
Registered: 12/23/07
Posts: 255
Loc: Expat from New Orleans, now in...
I can tell that you also saw the video. At one point during the video of Treadwel I found myself wanting the bear to bite him. He did.... no further comment... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Oh, by the way, most hunters don't go out to hike and enjoy nature as hikers and backpackers do, nor do they go ,just to see the animals, so we're talking about two different groups here. I personally don't hunt for sport, nor do I wave a gun around if I'm carrying. And as far as weight consideration, if I'm purchasing or choosing a weapon to carry to protect my loved ones, whether on the trail or on the streets, I don't let a few ounces of extra weight become a controlling influence on my choice. Weight takes second place to utility of the weapon's intended use. Actually, the worse the neighborhood, or the wilder the countryside, the bigger the caliber is pretty much a standard with me. Just another one of the many times in life that weight is simply not that important. I've been on backpacking trips with guys from all walks of life that never mentioned the gun they were carrying, but after a rainy day on the trail, you could smell the gun oil coming from their tents at night.
Gun owners don't normally fit the opinions non gun owners have of them. I'm licensed to carry a concealed weapon, but I don't carry a weapon everywhere I go. I never brandish the weapon and I make a conscious effort to keep it concealed. I don't mention that I'm carrying, and will avoid a direct positive response even if anyone asks me if I'm carrying... other than a police officer, of course. Seeing me in town dressed in a business suit and wingtips or out on the trail in my TNF jacket, Gi II hiking pants, and Asolos, you would not be able to tell I was carrying... unless there was trouble..
But, so no one will go and take anything I say as being directed at them personally, as seems to often happen here... just forget everything I just said. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Brum
Registered: 12/23/07
Posts: 255
Loc: Expat from New Orleans, now in...
Quote:
If we're going to delve into whether football is the one true sport and if participants and proponents of other sports are following false athletes, perhaps that too should be taken to the off topic forum...
Well...the subject at hand was, da bears, and if I recall they are a football team, but, sure, if it will make you happy, we can discuss other sports if you prefer, but no matter what you call the game, they all will have a final score... some winners some losers. As you can tell by my comments here, I enjoy participating in contact sports. I tend to shy away from living my life or playing sports vicariously.... so you won't see me in the stands, I'll most likely be out on the field right in the middle of the fracas, but only taking the Referee's side. He rules, ya know. Just my nature.
If you want to further discuss any of the other sports, we should not do it on this forum, people are beginning to talk... just use the contact page located at my website here:
Oh, by the way, most hunters don't go out to hike and enjoy nature as hikers and backpackers do, nor do they go ,just to see the animals, so we're talking about two different groups here.
Can't say I agree with that. I'm not simply saying this because I do hunt and I'm not like that at all(I plan on studying for Wildlife Biology when I start college this year). In fact I'm basing this off of my own empirical evidence and experience , which I assume you are as well. I won't deny those hunters exist, you see them on TV as trophy hunters(which by the way isn't a terrible thing necessarily to go for large animals only, but that's a whole other subject), or as some redneck fool looking to drink beer and just wanting to shoot just about anything and everything. Many of the hunters I've come across(even it seems many of those from the television) seem to enjoy being outside and seeing the many animals that populate the area while hunting.
For the most part, the many hunters I've encountered over my years of hunting seem to generally enjoy and appreciate what's around them while they are out there hunting. Now yes, they are two different groups, that won't be denied. But this does not mean simply that just because a hunter is out there to find a specific animal and kill it means that is all they are there for. A persons intentions can obviously be ambiguous, as in my opinion they seem to be for those hunters whom I've encountered for the most part.
Maybe hunters don't go about enjoying nature by simply being in it, they also partake in it as well. I personally enjoy the fact that when and if I take an animal, that what happens at that point has been going on since before time itself has been recorded, along with the fact that I'm providing for myself. Now neither you nor I can prove our points otherwise, I doubt seriously that there are any reliable polls or statistics on the matter if they exist at all. But, I think most hunters might take offense to the above quoted statement. By the way, I'd also like to point out I'm not attacking you Brum, I generally enjoy a good number of your posts. I'm simply just presenting another opinion that may or may not be right.
Registered: 12/23/07
Posts: 255
Loc: Expat from New Orleans, now in...
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Yes, if you are in Alaska or the Yukon territories, being armed is essential.
I don't think a gun is essential in Alaska. Actually, bears here have so much space and ample food supplies (at least the blackies and browns) most years that they have no reason to be aggressive toward the occasional human interloper, so long as the human practices situational awareness and doesn't get between a sow and her cubs. Do bears attack? Sometimes - most often runners who may be mistaken initially as prey, or who unknowingly get between a sow and cubs while running. There are a few maulings in AK every year, but fatalities are very rare. Generally speaking, bears here have plenty of room to disappear before their presence is even known. The primary time I would worry about bears in AK would be while hunting or fishing - bears being opportunistic creatures would smell your kill and think easy lunch.
Situational Awareness... in AK that is your best defense. Bear spray is a good backup.
MNS
Hey, WhiteNight Excellent advice! Do you find the bears to be more aggressive when their food supply is low? e.g. Do the migratory related spawning habits of the salmon (as a food supply to the bears) have any direct sway on the bears' societal relation to man, or for that matter, within their own caniform carnivora family? Have you seen any evidence of this? I know I get pretty grumpy when I don't get enough to eat. And it's very visible to everyone. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I have had tons of bear encounters but no attacks. I have never had to go beyond your "Step 1". What I always wondered is once you spray a bear and you have used up your spray, you are still out there and the bear is mad. What do you do then? Has a bear ever come back after being sprayed? If you are out of spray, do you cut your trip short and go back?
You should ask a skunk that question <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Seriously, the manufacturers of bear spray have taken this into account and include enough product for at least two sustained shots. But most animals, bears included, learn from experience. If the attack results in pain and discomfort, the bear will learn and leave you alone. OTOH, if pain and discomfort are not enough to dissuade the bear, then perhaps the bear is starving, rabid, etc.. In that case, I hope you brought a gun.
Now before I get jumped, I'm not advocating that you carry a gun. We all take chances, based on our personal evaluation of the risks. It's an individual's choice. Some choose to cover all the bases, while others don't. It's your choice. That's what I like about this country - it's still your choice.
I would have to agree with Matt's point of view here. Yes, I also hunt.
I think the part that would bother me is your assertion of "Most hunters" - malarky. most hunters I know *who stick with the sport* have very similar attiudes about the wilderness to most of the avid hikers I know who don't hunt. If you're out there for no other reason than to kill something, frankly, you don't last in the sport, because you simply won't have fun when you don't, and to enjoy it, well you have to.
Just as in any crowd, there are slobs and boneheads who participate. for whatever the reason, however generalizing this to "most" is really not fair.
Are there people who pick up a rifle who are idiots and are out there for the wrong reasons? yes. Just as there are people who put on a backpack, fill it with beer and steaks, go 5 miles in, make a mess of their campsite, leave food out for the bears and generally make a nuisance of themselves to anyone within hearing distance.
Registered: 12/23/07
Posts: 255
Loc: Expat from New Orleans, now in...
Quote:
By the way, I'd also like to point out I'm not attacking you Brum, I generally enjoy a good number of your posts. I'm simply just presenting another opinion that may or may not be right. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Brumfield wrote:
Hey, Matthew! Your opinion as stated is certainly valid, I'm considering it now.
But first let me get something straight here if you don't mind. And this is not directed at you Matthew... you're cool
What I'm about to say is within context of an on-topic reply to a poster's remarks, so please allow me say, with all respect due; all those that think my replies should be removed to the "off topic" section can just back off. I am not required to answer questions or respond to remarks made directly to me at another location on this site. If you speak to me publicly under a particular topic, as it should be, then I'll answer you right there under that same topic. It's only fair and reasonable. And it's a shame that this point even has to be brought up.
Now, Matthew, please let me assure you, that I do not in any way feel your remarks are an attack on me. I don't feel I've ever been attacked on here, but, by the number of emails I receive from members in which they're concerned that my feelings have been hurt by someone's remarks, yet, maybe so, and I simply didn't realize it. I guess I've become sort of calloused to what many would consider as an attack. If someone is not actually threatening to behead me (got that one last night by email... again) then I don't feel it is an attack. I don't take people stating their opinion, that may vary from mine, as being an attack. I'm pretty secure in what I believe, but will readily admit if I'm wrong. Now don't think I have latent masochistic desires to be a pin cushion or dart board and everybody just stick me at will or throw your best shot, I might decide to "pray for those that make themselves my enemy and bring down hot coals on their head". I'd give you the scripture and verse to that one, but we're not suppose to do that on here.
Thank you for your post and your kindness, but, you need not worry about my being overly sensitive. I've been chased, caught, slapped, beaten with fist and sticks, pepper sprayed, cursed at, and just generally cursed (by witches), stoned (by the same witches), imprisoned, and left to die, and I'm still here. But I certainly appreciate and respect your sensitivity. May all good things that you set your heart to come to fruition. Brum
Registered: 12/23/07
Posts: 255
Loc: Expat from New Orleans, now in...
Phat wrote;
Quote:
Just as in any crowd, there are slobs and boneheads who participate. for whatever the reason, however generalizing this to "most" is really not fair.
Brumfield wrote: Phat, I agree, "most" was an over statement, sorry, that might have been a typo <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> where I meant to say "many". Would you feel more comfortable with "some"? I can edit it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Brum
It was the many "boneheads" I hunted with in my youth, that I had on my mind when I wrote "most" instead of "some" or "a few" or "only down South". Particularly the one bonehead that shot his dog <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> because he didn't run any deer past him that day... Brum
Registered: 02/23/07
Posts: 1735
Loc: California (southern)
All of which goes to demonstrate that it is very difficult to come up with a "one size fits all" characterization of any reasonably large group of humin critters. Stereotyping is bad business.
You know, I was thinking about doing some hiking in Arkansas in late spring, maybe even get to observe a large black bear in the 400-pound range while out hiking on the trail, but then I see that this 5 year old sitting up in this stand ambushed the big 400-pound bear. Shot him.
So now this bear is dead and neither I nor anyone else will see him. He was a magnificent creature, not culled from the population because of sickness or age, but shot dead by a five year old simply because, well, he was an awesome creature who made the big mistake (while searching for food) of passing by the stand of a 5 year old who happened to be the great, great whatever of Davy Crockett (yeah, right, so's the half of Arkansas that can trace their lineage back to DC and one mom.)
The bear's dead. And I'm trying to figure out why I want to go hike in Arkansas.
I'm of Scandinavian descent. My great, great and more great whoever slew some bears and some Anglo-Saxons a while back. But this is 2008, and I'm asking, "So what?"
I was a hunter. Killed a squirrel when I was 14 with a gun. Agonized over it for a while and finally said I wouldn't do that again. Haven't. Just a different perspective on the hiking forum.
I have to agree with your post, it does seem insane for a 5 year old <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> to be in a tree stand hunting to me. I doubt that child even knew what his actions were that day, just another hillbilly kid being 'taught' by hillbilly father that "it's ok to kill something just 'cause" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> I can't for the likes of me figure out why the whle of the hunting community did not come down like a hammer on that articel <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Kind of makes me take a step back and wonder what 'values' the hunting orginizations are implying a 5 year old gets from killing an animal of that nature?
I was raised hunting and fishing, and the rule was; you shot/caught it, you cleaned it and ate it. Otherwise, you should not have shot or killed it in the first place <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
For the past 2 weeks I have been trying to relocate a wounded deer on the farm. I think it's coming and going from the area as I have'nt seen since I reported it. I intially looked out my window to see if my 3 kittens were playing in the yard, and glanced into the woods to see a buck hobbling along on 3 good legs and limping with his left front leg. It took me 2 seconds to see that it' had been shot in the shoulder above the leg by a lame a** hunter <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> Out of season, so I call NJ DEP, they send a local police officer 30 minutes later. I speak to the PO for a few minutes and tell him where the deer is bedded down. What does he do, he drives his patrol car within 25ft of the deer <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> gets out and asks me again where the deer is, I point, and he says, "it's ok, I'm a hunter, stand behind my car" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I watch as he walks up to within 10ft of the deer without a weapon in his hand (apparently thinking he would just pop the deer with his service weapon <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />). The deer rises, spins, and bolts in 3 leaps so far out of sight that even I can't tell where it went <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> So the PO asks me,"Was that the deer?" and I tell him, "Yeah, that's WAS the fastest 3 legged deer I've ever seen" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> He intially did'nt believe me that the deer was wounded, until I explained to him that it had JUST bedded down and was 'alerted' to him once he pulled up, and then when he walked/stalked upon it, it got an adrelaine rush and bolted for all it's life. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
My regret was not just killing it myself when I saw it then reporting it for an 'emergency tag'; at least then the deer would be out of his misery. A few days later I was speaking to a nearby neighbor about it and he told me 3 'city boys' were asking if he'd seen a deer, since they thought they had hit one <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> So, you see, a few 'hunters' crap all over the place for the rest of the bunch; and they wonder why they get denied to hunt farms all over <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> My buddy had a holstein cow shot last year up in CT by some 'city slickers' out 'hunting' state land that borders his farm. If it was my cow i would've shot back <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
PEPPER SPRAY AIN'T BRAINS IN A CAN!
Informed people know that football is the 'anti-sport'. Fishing is the one true sport....with bears. (had to tie in 'bears' to stay on topic)
That'd be fly fishing to the unintiated, and better yet from a nice 'yak <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Well, yeah, you've just defined 'total enlightenment' (ULTRA-enLIGHTenment) within the one true sport of fishing. Only a few make it to that level, which transends bears. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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