Bear spray and black bears

[bowkill]

Probably do whatever makes you feel most at ease. If you're nervous about it, carry something.

 

[LCguy]

I've never worried about black bears. I have killed many animals in areas that were covered in black bear sign and have never once had an issue.

 

[Coveyleader]

I never have except in big bear country, but as stupid as ranchers can be out there, it may be worth a consideration. I'm not shooting anyone, but I'd spray the hell out of them and would have some years back if I had it.

 

[mtnbiker208]

Bear spray means no investigation.

I was putting in on a river the next day for a 3 day raft trip in a state i did not live in.
This black bear kept coming into camp. All i had was a pistol and i wished i had bear spray.
Bear spray the incident would have been over and i am rafting the next day. I was able to get the bear out of camp and did not have to shoot it. I just wished i had bear spray. I bring it on all rafting trips now.
yes it is cool to say you carry a pistol, but what about afterwards? Some of us are in the mountains year round and bear season is only open part of the year. This was a juvenile bear.

 

[Todd10]

No bear spray or pistol while archery hunting in just black bear country. I carry a pistol in grizzly country though.

 

[AM_Hunter]

bear tag is the best deterrent I've used

 

[WoodlandCritter]

bear tag is the best deterrent I've used

Number one reason to get grizzlies delisted is for the safety of bowhunters and hikers everywhere. If we all had tags, attacks would be near zero.