How much do you worry about black bears in the backcountry?

[JG358]

After last year, I think I'm a bear magnet!

I'm counting on you atracking them this year too... I'm gonna have a tag

 

[JSonn]

I don't worry, but they always end up surprising me when I least expect it. I turn around and one is looking right at me- it's kind of a shock followed by familiarity.

 

[Standing Bear]

Don't Worry, Just be aware. Keep a tidy camp and its unlikely you will have any trouble. My first encounter was a little unnerving but now I look forward to seeing black bear in the wild.

C

I believe Curtis hit it on the money, keep the camp tidy and what we do and tell people here is " Don't keep your tooth brush / tooth paste where your sleeping " because bears can sniff that stuff out pretty quick, believe me !!!! Be aware and be safe

 

[Rick Seymour]

Only worry is that I WON'T see one with that tag in my pocket. ;^)

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I don't ever worry about them. Keep the camp clean, and what happens happens.

 

[Havok]

Here is an encounter I had with a black bear last year.

http://utahwildlife.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=36516&p=379910&hilit=gsl+bear#p379907

 

[alecvg]

Not at all. I have been charged before with shanevg. Definatly was scary, but can is a rare occurance. They are generally much more scared of you than than most think, just keep a clean camp as said.

 

[dotman]

Last year was the first time I heard a bear popping her jaws, that snapping sound as the teeth come together can put you on edge.
Didn't have one charge yet though, that is a good thing.

Here is an encounter I had with a black bear last year.

http://utahwildlife.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=36516&p=379910&hilit=gsl+bear#p379907

I don't care what anyone says i always have bear spray with me. Why take a chance even if it is very slim that you would need it?

 

[Havok]

I don't care what anyone says i always have bear spray with me. Why take a chance even if it is very slim that you would need it?

I will have it with me this year. Lesson learned

 

[a3dhunter]

I don't care what anyone says i always have bear spray with me. Why take a chance even if it is very slim that you would need it?

Live life on the edge...
it's just a black bear....poor little thing, wouldn't hurt a fly.

 

[icefishers]

Only when I see them.

 

[luke johnson]

I've only had them run towards me once; and that was two cubs that I didn't realize were there when I went after their mom, which was a large sow. They must have been confused...maybe couldn't see me well. I had to hit one with a stick from 15 yards before they put the breaks on! I wish I would have had video of it! The rest of my black bear encounters; they have always high tailed at top speed.

 

[BuckSnort]

Fred ain't scared!...lol

[video=youtube;-XM-Gbj2dPw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XM-Gbj2dPw&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[luke johnson]

That was awesome! Gotta love ol' Fred! LOL.

 

[a3dhunter]

Wow, that video is just plain funny!

 

[Lawnboi]

Anyone else notice all the toliets in that video?

Black bears are just big raccoons in my eyes. And theres not much im too scared of with my glock loaded with 13 230g jacketed hollow points strapped to my side.

Do you guys still carry spray, even if you have a side arm?

 

[chiefhoyt]

Just ask south cox if he ever leaves for the wilderness without a can of bear spray.......

 

[Robert Hanneman]

Here in Montana I am more worried about Mother moose and Grizzly bears. I have never had any issues with black bears.

 

[dotman]

Anyone else notice all the toliets in that video?

Black bears are just big raccoons in my eyes. And theres not much im too scared of with my glock loaded with 13 230g jacketed hollow points strapped to my side.

Do you guys still carry spray, even if you have a side arm?

I do but that isn't for animal protection. I carry a 10oz 380.

 

[bearguide]

the big bears can be trouble sometimes / i have a friend from evanston who got munched on pretty good , on a bow hunt here in wyo / grizzly moms do not like to share space