Bear sense

[6.5-284]

So I had a really good discussion with Dr.Tom Smith of BYU. He's a bear biologist and very well respected in those circles. He had some very good advice for dealing with bears. He has some good videos on youtube as well. He is a big advocate for bear spray and fences. He did share some interesting info. Such as bears are actually attracted to pepper spray. The one that shocked me the most was he said that they are also attracted to human urine. He's seen lots of evidence to support this and does not recommend using it around your campsite. Anyway, here is the link to video if you guys want to watch it. Enjoy.

 

[Daveinthebush]

My stand is next to a small creek. I pee into it from the stand all the time. No issues. Hard to see where they would know what it is. I have even peed on a bear out of the stand. He never even acknowledged it.

 

[4merguide]

Yeah, I guess this goes against what a lot of us feel about a piss fence.

 

[The German]

Well,,,,, Timmy Treadwell said he was a Bear Biologist as well, now he's just/was Bear S~hit, I will continue to do what I've done since my Granddad showed me how to set my camp up about 60 yrs ago now,,,,, I Piss around my camp area accordingly, I also use Moth-Balls, and I fold my Tent Door Back, and tie it open, Moth-Balls scattered in the entrance,,,,, I also have a small sling-shot I pack with me, with a few lead fishing-weights with the attached steel-loop, I pick the limb I want, and send that weight with a small cotton rope attached, up and over said limb, attach the bag with my Food items, hoist it up 20-30' +/- and I'm good to go,,,,,
TG 😎

 

[rickyw]

I wonder how many startled or angry charging bears he has sprayed with bear spray…vs curious bears or nonchalant bears that are being sprayed in a study

Regarding bear spray, my personal belief is the mental state of the bear matters…as well as the direction of the wind.

 

[The German]

Yea, I agree, my Bear Spray is called S&W, or Ruger, and I don't have to worry about the Wind either,,,,,, thats my story, and I'm sticking to it....
TG 😎

 

[4merguide]

I wonder how many startled or angry charging bears he has sprayed with bear spray…vs curious bears or nonchalant bears that are being sprayed in a study

Regarding bear spray, my personal belief is the mental state of the bear matters…as well as the direction of the wind.

I’ve seen pictures of bears rolling around in pepper spray they were digging it so much, and then I saw a video of someone shooting bear spray at a bear and missing it but just the sound of it going off turned the bear away. It all depends on the particular bear on a particular day.

 

[Doug in Alaska]

Yea, I agree, my Bear Spray is called S&W, or Ruger, and I don't have to worry about the Wind either,,,,,, thats my story, and I'm sticking to it....
TG 😎

I agree 100%.

 

[6.5-284]

I think he has some good points but I don't agree that pepper spray is as good against an attack as a gun...Not trying to stir the pot....just thought it would make for some interesting discussion.

 

[SmokeRoss]

Yeah, I guess this goes against what a lot of us feel about a piss fence.

Yeah, who made him an expert? I have been around LOTS of bears all my life. My family has worked around them logging, killed them, eaten them, ran them off. We didn't read about it in a book. Actually helped an NDN catch a cub that he kept for a pet. Captured 3 cubs in the 80's that ended up in a behavior study and were shown twice on Good Morning America.

 

[Daveinthebush]

Yea, I agree, my Bear Spray is called S&W, or Ruger, and I don't have to worry about the Wind either,,,,,, thats my story, and I'm sticking to it....
TG 😎

S&W 629 for the most part. In 20 years of baiting bears and walking right into a possible situation I have only twice had to pull the hog leg. Curious cub, 30 yards from momma with two other cubs. Curious sow, walking towards my direction to see my partner better. Neither time did I feel like lunch. Just bears being bears.

 

[SmokeRoss]

I think he has some good points but I don't agree that pepper spray is as good against an attack as a gun...Not trying to stir the pot....just thought it would make for some interesting discussion.

I have used bear spray on aggressive dogs several times. And while it does work (if the wind isn't blowing) it sure isn't as effective or as fast as a .357 magnum. That I can guarantee that from my own personal observations and experiences. Never used spray on a bear, but I've whacked a bunch of them (dozens) with all manner of firearms and even with archery equipment. I prefer the deadlier results.

 

[6.5-284]

I agree. If I had my choice, I would use a weapon over spray. I think biologists' main concern is not killing the bear. That seems to be a common theme.

 

[SmokeRoss]

I agree. If I had my choice, I would use a weapon over spray. I think biologists' main concern is not killing the bear. That seems to be a common theme.

Spray for the town bears.......and dogs. 300 grain slug for the wild ones.

 

[MacGyver]

I agree. If I had my choice, I would use a weapon over spray. I think biologists' main concern is not killing the bear. That seems to be a common theme.

I don’t think it because there worried about the safety of the bear but the idiot with the gun.

I agree with a biologist, main concern is not killing the bear”. IF the person does not kill the bear. There a bigger problems a wounded bear looking for a easy meal. Like a family at a cabin or walking down a trail.

 

[The German]

I don’t think it because there worried about the safety of the bear but the idiot with the gun.

I agree with a biologist, main concern is not killing the bear”. IF the person does not kill the bear. There a bigger problems a wounded bear looking for a easy meal. Like a family at a cabin or walking down a trail.

Ok,,,,, but the main concern of the Bear, is killing you, so I'll stick with my methods,,,,, thank you VERY much....
TG

 

[kenaibow fan]

Spray for the town bears.......and dogs. 300 grain slug for the wild ones.

I think it would be the other way around…… town bears are habituated to people, wild bears typically not so much. Best bear repellent I have ever had next to a .454 casul is an outboard boat motor, no clue why to this day. Any way some one said they were trying not kill bears, I think that’s the mistake. If you are spending time in their world and they think you’re the threat it easily becomes survival of the fittest and if you’re not packing then I guess you value their life over yours. By the way I have seen more than one bear both wild and town bear sprayed with mixed results and I wouldn’t bet my life on it working.

 

[MacGyver]

Ok,,,,, but the main concern of the Bear, is killing you, so I'll stick with my methods,,,,, thank you VERY much....
TG

That just not true.........If it was true, sows would have kills every person threatening there cubs. I’ve has bears walk through my camp at night and had met bears face to face on a trail and nothing happen.

 

[SmokeRoss]

That just not true.........If it was true, sows would have kills every person threatening there cubs. I’ve has bears walk through my camp at night and had met bears face to face on a trail and nothing happen.

Yeah, and I have had them charge me when I was minding my own business. Lots of interactions with bears when I was logging on the coast. If I tried to convince you how many bears I dealt with on a regular basis you would likely scoff. I have hosed a charging black bear boar with a .44 magnum. It died at my feet.

 

[4merguide]

Yeah, and I have had them charge me when I was minding my own business. Lots of interactions with bears when I was logging on the coast. If I tried to convince you how many bears I dealt with on a regular basis you would likely scoff. I have hosed a charging black bear boar with a .44 magnum. It died at my feet.

I'm hoping a lot of those were berry bears and at least you ate good!