ak_traveler
Fairbanks, Alaska
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Joined: 04/23/2005
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Here's an article that just came out in todays paper:
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Study shows bear-repellent spray effective
The Associated Press
ANCHORAGE -- A study concludes that bear spray works a great majority of the time in warding off bear attacks.
Biologist Tom Smith and others have published a paper of their research in "The Journal of Wildlife Management."
The study says bear spray is effective 98 percent of the time.
The researchers looked at 83 cases where bear spray was used and found that none of the incidents involved any serious injuries.
Smith spent years working in Alaska as a bear biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey.
He is now a professor of wildlife science at Brigham Young University.
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Well that may be so, but it would suck to be one of the 2 percent! I think I'll still carry my shotgun - just to be safe!
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Eycom
Fl to NY
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Joined: 09/12/2004
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I prefer having the time and/or means to ward off problems before they become too serious. 15'-20' during that 2% failure rate doesn't leave much time for plan B.
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jlawless
north america
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Joined: 07/23/2007
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Of course it works. So does common sense and awareness of your surroundings. I doubt any study would claim guns are 98% effective. I've seen plenty of stories that involve armed people being maled. Often as they are running for their "protection."
"Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform."
Mark Twain
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junmy3
Warner Robins GA
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Joined: 02/03/2004
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I think I must be missing something. How can a person be armed if they are running for their "protection"?
* This post was
edited 04/21/08 09:43pm by an administrator/moderator *
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ak_traveler
Fairbanks, Alaska
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Well first off, my "protection" is never any further away than arm's length.
Secondly, I am VERY aware of my surroundings when I am out in the bush.
Thirdly, I do have a "buffer zone" between me and the critters. I will give the bear a warning shot just out of a sense of fair play, but before the shot quits ringing in my ears, the shotgun will be leveled at that bear - in case he doesn't understand the meaning.
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Orion
Pacific South West
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Joined: 10/21/2002
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I quite agree! However as I read somewhere that there is a 2% misfire rate on shotguns, you'd better carry TWO shotguns to make sure you're not in the 2% of the 2%!
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edited 04/21/08 09:42pm by an administrator/moderator *
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aksnowman
Eagle River Alaska
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I found the most effective way to avoid bears was to stay home...which didn't meet my need for adventure into the real Alaska. I deveolped and really should patent, an advanced hybrid of armed and unarmed bear deterent. I tied a bear bell to the front sling pivot point of my shotgun.
I think ADN runs a simular article every year at the begining of the tourist season.
For all those that want to carry Bear Spray, please read the instructions. It doesn't work well into the wind, and while it can stop a bear or turn it as we like to say, ya still have to get out of the area. The bears have been know to come back and lick the repelent off the ground. They are really curious critters and the new smell attracts them back afterwards.
I have seen armed folks running for their lives, it is called panic. Panic can be avoided by practicing your plan before it happens. The wife and I would discuss the game plan for bear and MOOSE encounters before we hiked most trails.
AK Snowman
Eagle River AK
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flylipsdaddy
Michigan
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From my VERY experienced sister..You'll rarely see more than the back-end of a black bear..Grizzlies on the other hand poop little bells that smell like pepper spray.Never turn your Back or Run Period!!!
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PA12DRVR
Katy, Texas
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Joined: 09/17/2003
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I've seen bear repellent turn a bear once (out of once, i.e. 100% success) I've seen 270 grains of lead deter a grizzly attack twice (also 100% success). Given a choice, I'll carry both; If I don't have the choice, I'd prefer the ol' .375.
CRL
Temporarily (5  years & counting)displaced Alaskan
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jlawless
north america
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Usually the story says something like "I set my gun against the tree" or "I took my pistol harness off and laid it on the rock as I cooked dinner."
something like that - then bear shows up. tough guy eyes bear - eyes his "protection" 10-30 feet away - makes a run for it - tough guy is blind for life and continues to think he is a tough guy because he has been mauled by a grizzly.
Is that what you missed?
* This post was
edited 04/21/08 09:42pm by an administrator/moderator *
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