Free Republic

It’s often prudent to be armed when in bear country. Here are our picks for the 10 best bear defense guns that are available on the market today. When you head into bear country, you must accept that you are no longer at the top of the food chain. Luckily, most bears usually do not want any trouble and will leave the area as soon as they detect you. However, this is not always the case and you should be prepared to defend yourself if you get in a tight situation. A good bear gun should be a part of...

In the Land of the Midnight Sun, those who traverse the Last Frontier must choose to carry or not carry, and they must choose wisely. As I coast into what may be my sunset years, I have come to realize there are two kinds of people in this world. Some of us believe there are things out there that will hurt or kill you, and there are some who do not. A few of the things pretty high on my list include a summer lightning storm, a poisonous snake, a crazed terrorist and an 800-pound bear. People on the other...

In the past week, four bears were shot in claimed bear attacks in Montana.   There are few details at this time.  The black bear shooting has been ruled self defense, while the three grizzly shootings are still under investigation.  It does not appear that any of the shooters were hurt, so all four gun uses appear to have been effective.  No bear spray was reported used at this time.   In this article, the grizzly shooting is still under investigation, while the black bear shooting has been ruled self defense. The grizzly was shot and killed in a remote area...

This sow and four cubs are part of an exploding bear population Quoted below are comments from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area chat group (BWCA).  It shows an interesting cultural divide in this country.   The first poster is willing to be oblivious to some dangers, the second offers to increase the first poster's skill level, but that would never happen without a change in attitude. The old saw about a conservative as a liberal who has been mugged comes to mind. This is of some interest  to me because I have inside knowledge that I do not have permission...