Community Forums

cmpncrsaider · 02-13-2014, 06:35 PM

When you go hiking or canoeing in the woods do you carry bear spray?

jackfish · 02-13-2014, 06:36 PM

No.

palehorse89 · 02-13-2014, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmpncrsaider

When you go hiking or canoeing in the woods do you carry bear spray?

Yes, I do.........The spray I bought........is made by Ruger and is the 44oz can....

vsheetz · 02-13-2014, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmpncrsaider

When you go hiking or canoeing in the woods do you carry bear spray?

I try to ensure there is somebody with me that is a slower runner than I am.

PushedAround · 02-13-2014, 07:53 PM

This should help:

ruffian · 02-13-2014, 07:53 PM

To set the stage. We are planning on Yellowstone in June. We have two dogs that like to walk at night. Hubby does not like to walk at night. Obviously that leaves DW out in the dark in "Bear Country" walking dogs.

Ok. I care about DW's well being. I have been called "Scrooge" several different ways but still want to do what's best.

This month is our 47th Anniversary and DW's birthday. I bought her a can of bear deterrent Pepper spray.

I thought it was a thoughtful gift. She didn't agree for some reason.

I pointed out to her that because it was a gift for two special days, I bought the expensive can that sprays out to 34 Ft. Also comes with a holster.

She is still unappreciative. I wonder if anyone else agrees with DW.

Keith

BCCanuk · 02-13-2014, 08:08 PM

I've lived in bear country most of my life. Where we currently live is on a mountain in bear country, black & grizzly, deer, coyotes, bobcats, cougar, you name it. We hike everyday with our yellow Lab "Ben"(off leash).

My recommendations are, yes wear a bell. Make lots of noise, talk loud, learn to watch your dog.......he will let you know if something is around. My best advice is carry a high db 'Sport Horn'..........air canister type. Believe me, they work! Forget about the bear spray, pepper spray idea.........if I'm that close to the bear, tuck and roll, cover your head and hope for the best! Do not be tied to your dog on a leash and be extremely vigilant with the wind in your face. The last thing you want to do is surprise a bear, particularly with cubs. With the wind behind you the bear is less likely to be surprised as he will likely smell you coming a be gone before you even get there.

Happy and safe hiking.........BOB

gbstewart · 02-13-2014, 08:08 PM

I have it in my bus, we do lots of back woods boondocking, also its handy to have for other critters. if you ever have to blow it off don't be down wind
gbstewart

Wayne M · 02-13-2014, 08:22 PM

Yep! You can tell if it is a brown bear, or a black bear by the poop. Black bears have bells in their poop.

redbaron73 · 02-13-2014, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

Yep! You can tell if it is a brown bear, or a black bear by the poop. Black bears have bells in their poop.

and smells like bear spray

AK49er · 02-13-2014, 09:26 PM

Sometimes. I have seen it work on both bears and humans...very well. You must be sure of wind direction when you pull the trigger or wait until very close to your target. Remember to only "tuck and Hide" on grizzly and to fight back hard on Black bear. A Grizzly is there to maul you and a Blackie is there to most likely eat you. If you take a dog, remember that when he is chased by something bigger than him he will run to safety... that will be you.

Libero · 02-13-2014, 09:55 PM

I carry bear spray most of the time when I am walking our dog in certain areas, and this extends well beyond when I am in Bear Country. I have a can right by my RV door just in case any "critter" has the intent to do us any bodily harm.

I grew up, camped and lived in bear country for many years and I agree, bear spray is the last resort protection from almost anything. Prevention and avoidance is usually the best plan.

OB-One · 02-13-2014, 10:20 PM

Yellowstone and the immediate vicinity has a lot of bears, wolves, coyotes, bison, and a few moose. None of the aforementioned critters are fond of dogs and may attack them without warning. Nocturnal walks with your dogs may be fun, but in the Yellowstone area it's not very smart.

MartySQ · 02-13-2014, 11:02 PM

Went to Yellowstone last summer, did not take dog. There are Bison and such which will wander though your campground at any hour day or night. They believe the park belongs to them, you are the intruder. Your dog is not safe there unless staying in your hard sided camper all the time. It is not wise to take them out looking at all the paint pots, geysers, etc as one step in the wrong spot can harm your dog immensely.
(chemical burns or heat burns, and their noses are down right next to the ground all the time , they will inhale noxious fumes if you take them to the sites.)