Blog RSS

Research on the effectiveness of Bear Spray vs. a Firearm in a Bear Encounter A study on the efficacy of bear deterrent spray was conducted in Alaska. 83 cases involving the use of bear spray in Alaska between 1985 and 2006 were analyzed. Results showed that in over 90% of close-range encounters with black and brown bears, spray stopped the bear’s undesirable behavior. Bear Spray Research on Effectiveness of Bear Spray Efficacy of Firearms in a Bear Encounter For self defense against grizzly bears, the answer isn't as obvious.  Many are surprised when they find that, despite using their firearm against a charging...

What do you do if you encounter a bear in the winter?  It's rare but encounters with bears in the winter can happen.  It's difficult to see a winter den, dens can vary and they're often buried in the snow.  Just be prepared and aware that it could happen.   Defensive Encounter May occur when a bear is defending something such as cubs, its food source or if the bear is surprised by your presence.  Do not run Ready your bear spray Try to appear non-threatening, avoiding eye contact Talk in a calm voice Slowly move away without turning your back to...

As we head into mid September, it's important that we take extra wildlife cautions. Bears are busy putting on the extra winter calories and Elk are typically heading to lower elevations and will start their rut within the next couple of weeks.  Bull Elks are particularly more aggressive at this time of the season.     Here's some more information on Elk safety:  Elk Safety article 1 Elk Safety article 2 Be Outdoors.  Be Prepared.

  From WildSmart on the Trail (click here to go to their website) Carry Bear Spray and Know How To Use It When recreating in bear country, your best strategy to avoid an encounter with a bear is to make lots of noise, stay in groupsand be alert for signs of bears in the area. Diggings, scat, visible tracks and overturned logs and rocks, are all early warning signs that bears are around. In most cases, bears will do their best to avoid people. Most encounters happen because bears are surprised by people, or they are defending their cubs or a kill. In...