Big Bear Protection

[tango2echo]

I guided for very large black bears in Northwestern Ontario Canada for years. I carried a Mossberg 835 with slugs and a +2 extended magazine tube. I also carried bear spray that was 20% OC. 90% of the time the spray will do the job. The other 10% you'll need the shotty. If it is a situation where the bear wants the fish you just caught, just drop the fish and back slowly away. They're just looking for an easy meal. Also, in areas of tight cover or limited visibility, one person should be on watch with the shotty unslung while the others fish. If you have to shoot a bear, it better be justified. Otherwise you will have some serious explaining to do. The same threat of imminent harm must exist as if it were a person attacking you with a gun.

Oh, the pistol grips usually don't hold up to many rounds of slugs before cracking. I prefer a "youth" synthetic stock.

t2e

 

[WTBguns10kOK]

Carry bear spray

 

[Mr. T]

A guy I know who lived in Alaska for 20 years, and shot a number of bears said the best gun for them was the shotgun with foster slugs. He said even a 20 gauge was effective although he preferred the 12 gauge for obvious reasons. He was the most knowledgeable "Bear" guy I knew (he's no longer with us...damn cancer), anyway if I were going into "Bear" country I would take a youth model 870 in 12 gauge. They're light, they're short, and most of all they're effective!