What a dumb ass. Both hunters carrying rifles and this guy also had a pistol and his first instinct to defend himself against a charging grizzly less than 30 yards away is to pull the pepper spray!
From the headline, I assumed the bear was only trying to help him by stitching up his wounds!
I am asking because I really don’t know much about the subject. (And I didn’t click on the article link.) Would it not have been better for them to just try to back away since the bear was that far away?
Yep, even though killing a griz is a federal offense. better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
Agreed, poor tactical decision; however, most Fish and Game/Conservation depts. require a thorough investigation and clearly warn hunters about shooting bears or lions unless they are absolutely sure they will be mauled. Bears often make false charges ending feet or yards short of the person. gotta make a call, shoot early and the evidence does not support ( how convenient, a liberal DNC that intends to prosecute bear killers) your risk. Loss of hunting privileges in most states ( they all collude and enjoy reciprocity of hunting privilege bans).
Me, I think I’d shoot early rather than be bear toy.
Bear spay, I don’t think I ‘d even bother carrying it, other than to show “good faith”.