All,
I am reaching out to you to discuss and gain knowledge on one of the most controversial subjects I have seen.
How to conduct ourselves while hunting in grizzly country.
As a hunter I wish to understand the best practices
1) conduct while hunting
2) handling the kill when the animal is down - the most exposure from what I can see....
and to a much lesser extent
3)storage of the meat
So after a few books and a few youtube sessions and numerous web articles from idiots and experts alike, I see no real signs of agreement between the pro-bear movement who insist that bear-sprays and learning how to be a bear toy effectively when contact is made, is the best defense??? I am a fight not flight kind of guy. but like all things timing is everything and fighting too soon is not a good thing but covering ones neck and trying remain face down while a bear plays ping-pong with you is already a lost cause.
As a hunter, I am often confused with the carpenter who only has a hammer and everything looks like a nail . I do not think that everything must be shot with a gun as the only solution. However, I have used and deployed OC sprays on humans and seen that the wonder spray was not as predictably effective on humans and canines as hyped.
What I see as easier to handle are points 1 & 3
#1 Conduct while hunting; On my next trip I will be with a guide, so I wont be hunting alone. I will be in one of the most densely bear populated areas in the lower 48.
#3 Storage of the meat; The outfitter uses a platform on the edge of camp all to the spec of the ruling agencies.
My area of interest
#2 Handling the kill once the animal is down; This is the time of highest risk or vulnerability that I can see. Gutting an elk or deer is a busy time even for two people. Zipping open an elk to cool before getting the pack stock was the norm in the past and this could be a 4-5 hour round-trip. This gives the opportunity for a free meal to the locals. I read that it is common for bears (multiple) to come in on a kill all at once? In this wilderness zone an out of stater must be accompanied so staying with the kill while stock is retrieved is not likely to happen.
How do you guys handle kill site security and guard against bears claiming the animal?
Thanks
I am reaching out to you to discuss and gain knowledge on one of the most controversial subjects I have seen.
How to conduct ourselves while hunting in grizzly country.
As a hunter I wish to understand the best practices
1) conduct while hunting
2) handling the kill when the animal is down - the most exposure from what I can see....
and to a much lesser extent
3)storage of the meat
So after a few books and a few youtube sessions and numerous web articles from idiots and experts alike, I see no real signs of agreement between the pro-bear movement who insist that bear-sprays and learning how to be a bear toy effectively when contact is made, is the best defense??? I am a fight not flight kind of guy. but like all things timing is everything and fighting too soon is not a good thing but covering ones neck and trying remain face down while a bear plays ping-pong with you is already a lost cause.
As a hunter, I am often confused with the carpenter who only has a hammer and everything looks like a nail . I do not think that everything must be shot with a gun as the only solution. However, I have used and deployed OC sprays on humans and seen that the wonder spray was not as predictably effective on humans and canines as hyped.
What I see as easier to handle are points 1 & 3
#1 Conduct while hunting; On my next trip I will be with a guide, so I wont be hunting alone. I will be in one of the most densely bear populated areas in the lower 48.
#3 Storage of the meat; The outfitter uses a platform on the edge of camp all to the spec of the ruling agencies.
My area of interest
#2 Handling the kill once the animal is down; This is the time of highest risk or vulnerability that I can see. Gutting an elk or deer is a busy time even for two people. Zipping open an elk to cool before getting the pack stock was the norm in the past and this could be a 4-5 hour round-trip. This gives the opportunity for a free meal to the locals. I read that it is common for bears (multiple) to come in on a kill all at once? In this wilderness zone an out of stater must be accompanied so staying with the kill while stock is retrieved is not likely to happen.
How do you guys handle kill site security and guard against bears claiming the animal?
Thanks