waco
Springfield, Oregon
I'm pretty sure I would have been in need of new shorts at this time!
OK, I have a confession to make.....
- Thread starter Glen
- Start date
RicinYakima
High Steppes of Eastern Washington
I don't know who was more surprised. My eyes were probably as big as saucers. Like "Whoa Dude!". But he walked off very gentlemanly. This was up at Wapatus Lake, above Salmon La Sac.
smokeywolf
Well-Known Member
Amazing! I think it and you write it and post it.
Pistolero
Well-Known Member
Yikes. I never go in the woods unarmed, but that would have possibly required a change of
underwear, even without an attack. Again, black bears normally do not attack humans, they are
neutral to fearful. Bears are under huge pressure to pack on enough fat to survive the winter and
many attacks are underweight bears desperate for calories, knowing they will die over the winter if
they don't get enough in fall - and take the unusual and risky move to attack a person.
Cougar attacks are on the rise, too, although the total number is still pretty low. Generally, we are
not in a lot of danger in the woods in the USA. IME, feral dogs are a credible threat, a friend was
attacked by six, fortunately had a 10mm 1911 in her hand and was a skilled IPSC shooter, got off
several quick shots, at least one hit and broke up the attack. That one put me over the edge - current
rule is NEVER into the woods unarmed. I was hunting nearby, saw one of the dogs leaving, wounded, and
spoke with her a couple minutes later. She was VERY shaken, said she would likely have
lost out if she had her more common bolt action rifle.
Bill
underwear, even without an attack. Again, black bears normally do not attack humans, they are
neutral to fearful. Bears are under huge pressure to pack on enough fat to survive the winter and
many attacks are underweight bears desperate for calories, knowing they will die over the winter if
they don't get enough in fall - and take the unusual and risky move to attack a person.
Cougar attacks are on the rise, too, although the total number is still pretty low. Generally, we are
not in a lot of danger in the woods in the USA. IME, feral dogs are a credible threat, a friend was
attacked by six, fortunately had a 10mm 1911 in her hand and was a skilled IPSC shooter, got off
several quick shots, at least one hit and broke up the attack. That one put me over the edge - current
rule is NEVER into the woods unarmed. I was hunting nearby, saw one of the dogs leaving, wounded, and
spoke with her a couple minutes later. She was VERY shaken, said she would likely have
lost out if she had her more common bolt action rifle.
Bill
When I'm out on my property checking cameras and such, I usually carry a 20" 12ga with slugs and/or buck. There has been enough bear sign for me to be cautious, but I've been lucky to not have a sketchy encounter. Some of the neighbors have reported bears charging and damaging property.
Chris
Well-Known Member
Here's a link to fatal black bear attacks... no way to know if this is the total record. Also does not take into account failed and non-fatal attacks.
http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/wildlife/mammals/black-bear-attacks-fatal.html
http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/wildlife/mammals/black-bear-attacks-fatal.html
Bret4207
At the casting bench in the sky. RIP Bret.
Chris and I lived in Bear Town USA. I never had to shoot one, but I've had them within inches of me and never knew they were there until t started snuffling, trying to get a clear picture of what that was on the other side of the screen window. How they managed to walk up a set of creaky steps without making a sound I don't know, but they can start. I've driven off several with gun fire. My grandmothers preferred weapon was broom. She'd shoo them off the porch. Even the bears knew not to cross that lady!
As far as RN designs, it depends on the round nose. Something like the 358311 or that 323378 (going by memory, might have the wrong number) is a lot different than something like the 358009 or my B+M 45 RN, which is a very blunt RN. For hunting I want a FN or SWC in most cases. I do have a 311359, which s more of a spitzer that I panned on trying in the 32-20 rifle for small game. My favorite 45ACP design in the BD45, which I've had people call a RN even though it's a FN to me. For paper, RN, spitzer, SWC, FN, whatever shoots best. That's why I own a 358311, it does shoot good in one of my 38's.
Back to bears, largest black bear skull I ever saw was at the Hamilton County NY jail. I forget the weight, something over 500 lbs IIRC, but it was written right in the skull that it was killed with a 38 Special back in the 60's or 70's. Almost assured it was a plain, lead RN. It's going to work better than a sharp stick in any case.
As far as RN designs, it depends on the round nose. Something like the 358311 or that 323378 (going by memory, might have the wrong number) is a lot different than something like the 358009 or my B+M 45 RN, which is a very blunt RN. For hunting I want a FN or SWC in most cases. I do have a 311359, which s more of a spitzer that I panned on trying in the 32-20 rifle for small game. My favorite 45ACP design in the BD45, which I've had people call a RN even though it's a FN to me. For paper, RN, spitzer, SWC, FN, whatever shoots best. That's why I own a 358311, it does shoot good in one of my 38's.
Back to bears, largest black bear skull I ever saw was at the Hamilton County NY jail. I forget the weight, something over 500 lbs IIRC, but it was written right in the skull that it was killed with a 38 Special back in the 60's or 70's. Almost assured it was a plain, lead RN. It's going to work better than a sharp stick in any case.
9
9.3X62AL
Guest
An uncomfortably close encounter with a black bear in Summer 2002 is the reason I now own a CZ-550 in 9.3 x 62. I have not yet had to shoot or to shoot at a bear or cougar, but Marie and I spend a lot of time in back-country that contains a lot of either or both. As time progresses, I am less fond of the 9.3mm bolter for this task and more enamored of a good lever rifle--30/30 or 38/55 goes along now, sometimes 44 Magnum revolver and levergun for ammo commonality. For bears and cougars, a handgun is better than throwing rocks--and a rifle is FAR better than a handgun.
Chris
Well-Known Member
Speaking of black bear attacks and changing underwear:
Bowhunter Stops Charging Black Bear with a Single Arrow
http://sportingclassicsdaily.com/bowhunter-stops-charging-bear/
Bowhunter Stops Charging Black Bear with a Single Arrow
http://sportingclassicsdaily.com/bowhunter-stops-charging-bear/
yodogsandman
Well-Known Member
That guy has some serious skills with the bow and ice water in his veins to pull that off!
smokeywolf
Well-Known Member
His number wasn't up.
Pistolero
Well-Known Member
Staying mentally focused in a situation like that and making it work is pretty impressive.
Many cannot hold down the fear and continue to function. Impressive.
Of course, it was probably a 10-15 foot shot......and a skilled archer should be able to
hit inside a 3 inch circle or better at that range..... given a bit of time, which he didn't
have.
Skill makes a lot of luck.
Bill
Many cannot hold down the fear and continue to function. Impressive.
Of course, it was probably a 10-15 foot shot......and a skilled archer should be able to
hit inside a 3 inch circle or better at that range..... given a bit of time, which he didn't
have.
Skill makes a lot of luck.
Bill