Bear spray

sleepymoewi

New Member
Oct 3, 2011
26
0
WI
Maybe this isn't the right spot, but anybody personally or had a buddy or acquaintance stop a black bear or grizz with bear spray? I could see deterring a black bear, but seems like it could be tough to turn away an angry grizz
 

JasonGNV

Very Active Member
Jul 17, 2013
864
0
Smith
"Bear Spray" meaning spraying shots in the bears direction right? I have seen that work! Haven't seen the canned stuff used before, I prefer a side arm.
 

OregonJim

Very Active Member
Feb 19, 2014
795
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Oregon Coast
There was actually a pretty good thread on here a few weeks back. I learned a lot.

Basically the experts say that you are less likely to get hurt using bear spray than a weapon.

I do know that bear spray is not designed to incapacitate just irritate.
Human spray incapacitates.
In that regard, I think it would have a similar effect on a grizz as a black bear, although if either one is absolutely going to attack you the spray is not going to stop them. It probably would lessen the attack.
 

NVBird'n'Big

Veteran member
May 27, 2011
1,138
0
Reno, NV
"Bear Spray" meaning spraying shots in the bears direction right? I have seen that work! Haven't seen the canned stuff used before, I prefer a side arm.
Hahai love it! Tough archery hunting in NV though not being able to pack a pistol. Bears aren't the worry though, it's them big kitties.
 

mntnguide

Very Active Member
I had a good friend have to empty a full can of bear spray on a griz while guiding...she ran through 3 different spray sequences on different charges...he eventually had to put her down with his .45-70 at ten feet...it took four shots. .game and fish determined it was self defense when they investigated..as it was. . I personally carry my .44mag with snake shot in the first two chambers and 340 grain in the next 4. . I'm around grizzlies alot during summer and fall...if they want to come for you, they will. Just my thoughts from lots of close experiences

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25contender

Veteran member
Mar 20, 2013
1,638
90
I had a close call with one last year. Very close!!never heard him untill I turned around and then he was 10ft from me licking his chops dreaming about Mark chops for breakfast!! I have wondered how bear spray would work on a cat? Anyone have any thoughts?
Hahai love it! Tough archery hunting in NV though not being able to pack a pistol. Bears aren't the worry though, it's them big kitties.
 

Againstthewind

Very Active Member
Mar 25, 2014
973
2
Upton, WY
I had a close call with one last year. Very close!!never heard him untill I turned around and then he was 10ft from me licking his chops dreaming about Mark chops for breakfast!! I have wondered how bear spray would work on a cat? Anyone have any thoughts?
I had the same type deal last year. When I was following my trail back to the truck, there were cat tracks like right on top of mine. I never saw him, but he followed my trail for quite a ways. That happened two times in the same area. I would also like to hear thoughts about using the stuff on kitties.

I am in the same boat as Grizz with a pistol. I would probably just as far ahead to carry a spear as a pistol.
 

25contender

Veteran member
Mar 20, 2013
1,638
90
In twenty Elk seasons that was the first encounter with a animal that really got under my skin. I have never carried anything but a bow all those years but last years Cat encounter has me thinking a little differently.
I had the same type deal last year. When I was following my trail back to the truck, there were cat tracks like right on top of mine. I never saw him, but he followed my trail for quite a ways. That happened two times in the same area. I would also like to hear thoughts about using the stuff on kitties.

I am in the same boat as Grizz with a pistol. I would probably just as far ahead to carry a spear as a pistol.
 

JasonGNV

Very Active Member
Jul 17, 2013
864
0
Smith
In 99% of all the lion attacks I've read, the cat attacks before the victim ever knows it's there. Most of the encounters were the cat was seen before attacking eventually turned tail. I said "most". Not sure we're I read it but a revolver is the #1 pistol for bear/cat attacks. When attacked you can point blank fire without jamming, if that thing is trying to kill me, I'm gonna try and do the same.
 

trkytrack2

Active Member
Sep 13, 2011
270
0
Sterling, Colorado
I'm not saying it can't be done but the chances of anyone with a pistol drawing fast enough, aiming and delivering a well enough placed shot to deter or stop a charge from a bear is slim to none. Bear spray, when used, has been proven to be way more effective.
 

vince

Banned
Jul 10, 2012
107
0
Why not carry both?
Primary hand gets the handgun and the support hand gets the spray.

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JasonGNV

Very Active Member
Jul 17, 2013
864
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Smith
TT2, I agree. No way I'm getting my gun or spray out faster than a bear attacking.
I guess my way of looking at it is, I want something that will stop bear/lion while it's chewing on me. I'll do what I can before that but that's the point I'm fighting for my life.
 

WY ME

Very Active Member
Feb 4, 2014
549
47
Wyoming
Some bears show no adverse reaction when sprayed with pepper spray just as some humans are not affected by it. If you spray lead into an attacker it will always produce a reaction.
 

NVBird'n'Big

Veteran member
May 27, 2011
1,138
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Reno, NV
TT2, I agree. No way I'm getting my gun or spray out faster than a bear attacking.
I guess my way of looking at it is, I want something that will stop bear/lion while it's chewing on me. I'll do what I can before that but that's the point I'm fighting for my life.
I couldn't agree more, but for us NV guys, it comes back to the fact we can't carry while archery hunting. Not saying people don't, but it is a stupid law.
 

JasonGNV

Very Active Member
Jul 17, 2013
864
0
Smith
It is a dumb law, I don't carry while archery hunting but have had the chills up the spine feeling and wished I had more than a bow and a knife. The area I bow hunt has plenty of lion sign, enough I'm taking my dogs with me this year, if I cut a track I'm on it. At least there's no bear to worry about in that area yet. Really though, all the years I've been in the mountains I've had only 3 bear encounters that I didn't initiate. Everytime they seemed more scared and boogied outta town quick. Lions I have never seen, I'm sure I've been seen though.
 

goatpoop

Member
Feb 22, 2011
75
0
I carry both since I try to keep the wind in my face and I do not want to spray into the wind. That would incapacitate and season me. I carry a 6 inch 454 casull with 350 grain hard cast, it is really heavy but worth it. Eventually I want to get a smaller barreled revolver possibly in a 44 or 41 mag. Somewhere I read that there is about 97% chance that spray deters bears attacks. I just do not want to be in that 3% class.
 

Alabama

Veteran member
Feb 18, 2013
1,395
191
Sweet Home Alabama
I carry both since I try to keep the wind in my face and I do not want to spray into the wind. That would incapacitate and season me. I carry a 6 inch 454 casull with 350 grain hard cast, it is really heavy but worth it. Eventually I want to get a smaller barreled revolver possibly in a 44 or 41 mag. Somewhere I read that there is about 97% chance that spray deters bears attacks. I just do not want to be in that 3% class.
Then you'd have to change your name to bearpoop! :)