Seems to me that a guy can read through bunch of these bear mailings and get a clear plan of action;
1) Don't leave elk, Deer lay over night if at all possible
2) Have your protection where you can access it fast
3) Practice with that bear protection be it a handgun or Spray. In these fight or flight scenarios- training takes over....
4) Maintain a clean camp...meat hung a distance away in a visual spot.
5) when you have an animal down....maintain a clear visual perimeter [ to the point of clearing brush or moving the animal as best you can] and have someone responsible for lookout. Solo, keep your eyes on a swivel. Things like moving the meat to another open location ASAP is a good idea.
I'm sure I'm forgetting something...please chime it.
Regarding the Guide that was killed;
Terrible situation...but they got complacent. When they came back the guide should have trained the client on firearm operation....let alone had it loaded and accessible quickly. Most folks that don't shoot a handgun much aren't worth a darn with them- makes sense, they haven't practiced.
We bow hunt, but have 2 shotguns at the truck for just an eventuality like this where we potentially make a bad shot on an animal late and don't want to push it. We have packed multiple animals out at night in bear country without a problem.
The issues I've had and with buddies is when there is an animal down...or meat in camp.
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