[AlmaKing]

We’ve got an estimated 4500 black bears in New Hampshire. What would you suggest as a sidearm for defense against them? I’m a long haul hiker, going 13-15 miles in mountains where the vegetation is very dense and the trails are most often only 1 person wide. In other words, there is no place to hide, you’ve got no shelter, and carrying rifles is not permitted. These black bears are 300-600 lbs; I’ve seen them on the other side of the fences in the pens where bear trainers work with them for shows.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

A 44 Mag. would work against a Black Bear, given that you are a championship winning shooter. Otherwise, carry a good 30-06 with at least 180 grain round nose bullets. The only place a pistol will help you is in a tent or tree stand where you can't easily aim it.

If one charges you give it the first round in the center of the chest, or break the front shoulders. Then follow up the shot to the neck or head.

[campaignPete R-CT]

alma, i’m giving ya a NH ping for future reference.

Cheshire County is my home base up there.