Posted on 07/05/2018 5:00:56 AM PDT by marktwain
Dave Smith has studied bear behavior and bear attacks extensively. He has written books on how to survive bear encounters and animal attacks. I have corresponded with Dave Smith. I find Dave to be the most knowledgeable, well read, and capable critic of the current literature. Dave has worked prodigiously to understand the studies about the effectiveness of bear spray and firearms in stopping bear attacks.
In November of 2017, Dave put a great deal of thought into an exchange of comments at a Wyoming public media site. I contacted Dave, and he agreed to allow me to edit and publish the exchange. I summarized the replies to Dave, as I do not have those authors permissions. You can read the entire exchange at wyoming public media.com. Here is the edited exchange, with my observations.
First, Dave sets the scene by stating that it is not really about bear spray vs. firearms. Dave says for a surprise attack, it is a choice. You should choose bear spray or a firearm.
Dave Smith:
Instead of pitting bear spray vs firearms, try bear spray or a firearm.
Archers have a choice between bear spray or a handgun.
As the recent incident with a game warden shows, people hunting with a long gun–a rifle or shotgun–must be prepared to use their firearm during a classic surprise encounter with a grizzly.
When field dressing game, a hunter has a choice between bear spray or a handgun.
Hunters should be advised that the 2 studies
(Excerpt) Read more at ammoland.com ...
Firearm
“...but the study did not include data on incidents when people who were carrying bear spray did not have time to use it.”
Kind of taints the summary data a tad...
The problem with a slung gun is that it takes time to get in to action. Many sling rigs are much slower than having the rifle in your hands.
I like a front carry three point rig, where you do not have to unsling to shoulder the long gun. Those are pretty fast, almost as fast as a crossbody two handed carry at high ready.
Interesting, but what confuses be are activists who often utilize bumper stickers that say “Support your right to arm bears”, sheesh, aren’t bears dangerous enough?
A while after a friend taught me what he called African Sling Carry for shotguns, Sheriff Wilson had a piece in one of the gun mags but didn’t call it that. African carry from PH and trackers out for dangerous game. Cited for carry while hiking or tracking.
Shotgun sling carried with muzzle down on weak side, trigger forward, weak hand, in natural walking stance on forearm.
Deployed by bring weak hand forward and up which naturally twists the carry hand and shotgun, presenting in shooting position while strong hand reaches for grip and shoulders stock. Sling drops away in the evolution out of the way.
Takes way longer to write than do. Amazingly quick and smooth after only a few practices cycles. Allows for quick move in any direction while keeping eyes focused on threat. Works with lever guns. My only practised tactical move.
A sling is a flexible strap in the form of a loop with a web to hold a stone. Now if David slew Goliath who was a giant with one of these you might have a chance with a bear. A s l i m chance though. That’s why I always carry a .22 pistol while hiking.
Thanks...
I’ve never heard that before,
Sounds good.
High Ready!!!
.…..well, a “sling” in the context of a “shotgun” or “rifle” is a strap that is usually slung over a persons shoulder to carry the gun for hours at a time”...…………
In Bear Country, under very specific circumstances, they can get you killed because as in the Ken Cates story you only have a few seconds to react.
One defense I employ in bear country is that I stay out of the brush ergo I can see a bear coming a long way off.
The Yukon, where I hang out, has thousands of islands in it’s 2,200 mile length. I’ve been down 1,200 miles of it.
So, I camp only on islands with no brush.
But, one time 3 years ago, I was watching one upriver about a half mile and he jumped in the water and here he came in the seven knot current. It was an OS!! moment for me. I got ready and the son of a gun just floated right on by right before I was going to fire a round over his head.
The attacker had a wasp on his face and I was trying to protect him from getting stung!
Or, I’d rather face a jury of 12 then be carried by 6.
take your pick
You have already publicly stated (internet)your defense strategy is to maim (blind) by using wasp spray.
And your point is what?
Oh btw the hospital can completely reverse it with eye wash. no damage.
Not the point.
If you do something with a can of wasp spray that makes the news (and FR) the Libs will come after you for illegal usage of such.
You are a Deplorable and the Libs hate deplorables.
If someone put me in the place to use wasp spray on them that would be the least of their worries.
And yes, I am a Deplorable and don’t mind being hated.
45 ACP is UL Approved.
Not everyone has a .45 ACP......Some only have a sig. .357 mag
Rem 357 is UL Approved.
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