Posted on 10/18/2022 4:54:16 AM PDT by marktwain
On Tuesday, August 30, at about 6:50 p.m., James Little settled into campsite 674 in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). His youngest child was a few feet away. His youngest cried out, and James grabbed the child and took a couple of steps, uncertain of what had happened.
Then his oldest yelled, “Bear!” and James turned around. The bear was about six feet from him. It had been within 3-4 feet of his back when the child was startled. This was the start of the remarkable incident. In James’ words:
Just finished a trip to Horseshoe that should have been three nights, but turn to one. (Campsite 674) Had a bear walk right into camp and within four feet of my youngest! Nothing would discourage him till I fired a couple of rounds. We packed up and bolted to an open site (campsite 677) a half mile away on the other side of the lake. Weren’t there five minutes and was pulling up the food bag and my wife screamed. There was another bear fifteen feet away heading to our canoe with our kids in it. I had to fire another round before he would be deterred. Left that site and unexpected BWCA.com member Ausable and his crew took my family and me in for the night. (Campsite 672) Early the next morning, we broke came and headed out. My family had had too much. Across from the portage from Caribou to Lizz, (campsite 645) the campers there had their breakfast intruded upon by a bear who would not be deterred till he had taken their food bag.
This correspondent talked to James, who reported the incident to the BWCA authorities.
James used a North American Arms mini revolver, the Wasp model in .22 magnum,
(Excerpt) Read more at ammoland.com ...
Then I read the article. 8~)
I’ve always wondered if an air horn would be a deterrent.
If you’ve ever been in front of one - it hurts it’s so loud.
In both instances the bears retreated after hearing the warning shots. I’m guessing that playing Maroon 5 at moderate volume would have then same effect.
I have an NAA .22 and you would be better throwing it at the bear rather than trying to shoot it. Mine fits in a decorative belt buckle and it’s for show more than anything else.
Or banging pots and pans together. On these bears, this time.
Making noise or using pepper spray is effectively just asking the bear to leave you alone. Great if it works, but you need a plan in case the bear says no.
Killing the bear takes the choice away from the bear.
What kind of brain dead retarded moron goes camping with family into bear habitat with a 22 magnum… And then list it as a successful Bear defense OMG
And then list it as a successful Bear defense OMG
***************************************************************
For years, I have traveled down the 2,200 mile Yukon River by myself. Each trip, I usually make about 400 miles if something doesn’t break and end the trip. But, a “successful bear defense” for me, sleeping on the river bank alone each night was the following:
1. eat supper around 5pm then move down river 10 miles
2. find camp spot
3. put up bear trip wire with electronic and very loud horn
4. no campfire
5. sleep with S & W 50 cal....
In about 27 nights. No problems.
Think I’d of had a little more firepower camping in those areas. I carry a 9mm (HP rounds) most of the time just walking to the mailbox (1/2 mile) due to feral hogs but bear also for the occasional coyote.
I carry a j Frame .357 mag everywhere, always. I sit in my living room with it right beside me at arm’s length. Hell i live in Pa. I am never without a firearm. Nobody should ever be in today’s world. We have our own kind of bears, coyotes and vermin in these parts.
It is hard to argue with success.
Of the recorded times where pistols are fired as a defense against bears, about 10% were "warning" shots, where the bear left in response to a shot being fired.
Sounds like some very practical defensive steps.... especially the eating at 5pm and then going another 10 miles. Two questions... Why no campfire? Does that attract bears? And out of curiosity, how often does the trip wire get tripped? I would assume that there are other animals besides bears that could trip it as well....
....the wire has never been tripped in 27 nights. This is because I set it at about 2 feet high enabling small animals to move around without a problem.
No campfire is because bears can smell for miles and might be attracted to come visit me if they smelled the smoke.
I THINK one thing is different way back in the bush compared to drive up, organized and designated campgrounds for the general public. Namely, the people and the food they bring with them attract the bears like a magnet.
Guy survives ok. Look at where he was attacked on the mountain. He was lucky he did not fall off!
He was not hurt.
Bear Attack
https://rantingly.com/mountain-climber-fights-off-bear-in-japan/
Better than fighting with your bear hands.
At the ranges this bear was at. A 22 mini mag was capable of killing the bear.
I have ran a fair number of round through a NAA mini revolver.
No not the best for sure but at the range of a few feet. Placing the round into the side of the bears head is doable.
Having shot bears with rifles, shotguns and a couple different calibers of handguns.
I prefer something with a bit more power.
When I am in the BWCA a Titanium 41mag is the handgun of choice.
Avoidance is good as long as the bears cooperate.
But unfortunately not all the bears seem to agree.
Of the hundreds of nights I have spent camping. I have had two bears in camp. Both by the way in the BWCA.
One was presided to leave by some well placed rocks.
One stayed as I had a bear tag in my pocket.
The trouble with the BWCA us lots of newbies who really have no clue.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.