ExRocketScientist
Laurel, MD
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Joined: 11/11/2010
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Jackthewonderdog wrote:Highway 4x4 wrote:It certainly will end any issue in the RV as everyone in it will be in pain. Make sure can get out quick. Don't tell the police you have bear spray for use on people, just bears.
I know what the ads say, but just wondering if anyone here has actually warded off a charging bear with this stuff.
My uncle lived in Cody for about a decade. He was a professional hunting guide. One day he was following a friend on horseback in the backcountry of Yellowstone when then rounded a curve in the trail and surprised a griz about 15 feet away. My uncle's horse turned and ran about a mile before he could regain control. About 20 seconds later his friend arrives on his horse. My uncle asked him what happened. He said he pulled the spray as his horse was turning and sprayed the bear with it. After that, all he knew was that it was one wild horseback ride.
Note: my uncle's friend was also an experienced hunting guide -- his ability to draw holstered spray and shoot is most likely above that of the average person.
ERS
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dogshooter
Wyoming
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Joined: 06/09/2010
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I have carried pepper spray in my TV for years since I work in a wilderness area and have had many bear encounters at work. While I have never had to use it while camping, I did use it while traveling to my camping spot. A very agitated, and obviously drugged young man had a fit of road rage because I wouldn't exceed the speed limit and he passed me, blocked the road and forced me to stop. When he came back to voice his displeasure with me he made the mistake of trying to open my door. I had the spray in my console and had retreived it when the fool started his antics. One strong blast of pepper spray in the face, from a distance of around three feet, stopped the assault. I stayed there to make sure he was going to be OK but as he recovered, he started in with threats to my life. I went ahead and gave him one more dose and drove away, leaving him to recover all alone. While I can't speak for it's effectiveness on bears, I can give testimony as to how it works on gangbanger druggies. It works GREAT!
"Life's tough. It's even tougher if you're stupid."...John Wayne
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AO_hitech
SF Bay Area
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Joined: 08/09/2004
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dogshooter wrote:...I can give testimony as to how it works on gangbanger druggies. It works GREAT!
ROTFLMAO!
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cekkk
Colorado
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Joined: 06/22/2009
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ScottG wrote:Bears come into the CG's at night looking for food. That's when we had our run-in.
Also someone mentioned bringing a gun. Thats a good idea I will be armed next time I'm there but trying to shoot a moving bear isn't easy and may just make him madder. It's also illegal to fire a weapon FOR ANY REASON including protecting yourself and the penalty is stiff.
The gun can kill the critter in a little while. While dying, it's going to spend its last moments pulling your parts, well, apart. My DOW bear expert neighbor advocates spray, as the critters tend to turn and run away from the irritant, a most satisfactory result.
In the case of a brown bear, the spray should immediately be followed by an acceptance of JC into the remaining seconds of your life. 
'11 Eagle 320RLDS
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'02 Ford F350 dually, unchipped 7.3 PSD, PacBrake,
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nbargolf
St Augustine
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I was told by a man who had been an Elk guide around Glacier National Park for many years, that the bear spray does work but two things to remember.
1. make sure of the wind direction (don't want to spray yourself).
2. Spray and run like HE!!. The spray doesn't last very long so get gone quick.
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Supercharged
Az.
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Joined: 01/01/2005
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HHfundays wrote:My wife insists that I buy bear spray for our trip to Yellowstone, so I am buying bear spray! My question is what brand/type is best? Figure I will order it online and then take it with us, as it should be cheaper than buying it there? Thanks for the help! I alway carry rattle snake spray with me. Never had aone bite yet.
2005 Chev 5.3 Supercharged 395HP 425 T hp. Two wheels on front, 2 on back. one seat, tint windows. front and rear bumpers, headlights, windows. Door on each side. Heater, floor mats, 6 Reese candy bars, junk behind seats, some dirt. Pulls so hard.
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welsteach
AK
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Joined: 06/20/2005
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I live in Alaska. We see bears. Bear spray works . . . if you know how to use it. Learn THAT before you purchase. More people spray themselves than bears. Also, move out of that camp spot once you've used it. The bears come back later for more. It tastes good to them. It just doesn't feel good in their respiratory system (or yours).
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Sourdough Biscuits
Anchorage, AK
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One important issue that no one has brought up... How to properly store the stuff in your RV. The short answer is in a ziploc or other airtight container.
It's been my experience that eventually the stuff will discharge or leak. Usually, you don't notice it until you get some oily liquid on your hands. Touch near your eyes or mouth and soon your eye will be closed or lips swollen.
I've had it happen to me and have known others that experienced something similar. The LAST thing I'd want is to have that stuff leaking in my RV.
I'm not saying don't get it. I'm just saying be very thoughtful about where you choose to keep it.
Bob
PS Despite all the jokes/comments about black versus brown bears, from what I've read it's even more effective against brown/griz than against black bears. And, that's what most people are worried about.
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wandering1
Texas
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Joined: 06/18/2002
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Get the febreeze brand.
HR
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NorthernLimits
Michigan
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Joined: 11/17/2011
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Sourdough Biscuits wrote:
It's been my experience that eventually the stuff will discharge or leak. Usually, you don't notice it until you get some oily liquid on your hands. Touch near your eyes or mouth and soon your eye will be closed or lips swollen.
Yup...it happened to my dad. But his discharged while it was in his center console while he was in traffic at rush hour in Detroit.
That is a story we all laugh about now while sitting at the camp fire.
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