Topic: Bear Bangers

[demon78]

Any one have experience with Bear Bangers, Screamers or Bear spray ?
 Bill the demon.

[Radam]

I've never used any of those, but I'd recommend a .45 cal pistol. We are talking about protection against bears, right? I've only had to deal with black bears here in AR, but they usually just run away when they see you.

[kirkn]

No, but here's some notes for consideration: 


Due to the frequency of human-bear encounters, the B C Fish and
Wildlife Branch is advising hikers, hunters, fishermen, and any persons
that use the out of doors in a recreational or work related function to
take extra precautions while in the field.

We advise the outdoorsman to wear little noisy bells on clothing so as
to give advance warning to any bears that might be close by so you don’t
take them by surprise.

We also advise anyone using the out-of doors to carry “Pepper Spray”
with him in case of an encounter with a bear.

Outdoorsmen should also be on the watch for fresh bear activity, and
be able to tell the difference between black bear feces and grizzly bear
feces.

Black bear feces is smaller and contains lots of berries and
squirrel fur. Grizzly Bear #$%* has bells in it and smells like pepper.

[Operator]

They are great if you do not have or want to carry a firearm. The only drawback is the accuracy. If you overshoot, you could potentially scare the animal in your direction. Probably not a positive situation.....you should practice if you decide on this method.

When I know bears are around, I normally carry a .22 rifle. Not really a "protection" level of rifle, it is more so that I know the sound is coming from my direction and will likely scare a bear away from me.

In a real pinch, a bullet does come out the end, even if it's little, and based on my online research, .22 lr is cheaper than bear banger ammo.  You live in Wiarton, not like anyone will notice if you wander the forest with a rifle. haha (I played hockey there as a kid)

[Duanob]

I've never used any of those, but I'd recommend a .45 cal pistol. We are talking about protection against bears, right?

If we're talking Grizzlies, all you will do is piss them off. I lived in Alaska for 2 years. you could always tell a greehorn because of the side arm they would carry into the bush thinking they had 'protection'.

[Operator]

Let me say it is Wiarton, Ontario

Unless Bill has moved, his biggest issue would be a black bear, or maybe the occasional pissed off moose.

[BeSeeingYou]

   Yeah, no griz in that part of Canada.  I have had many encounters with black bears, always on wilderness canoe trips.  They are more a nuisance than a physical danger.  We have either just ignored them or scared them off by making a loud noise.  There is the chance if cubs are around that they will be more aggressive.  Some type of pepper spray may be nice to have in that situation.  I don't see any reason to have  a gun.
   Are you having a nuisance bear hanging around the house? Around here the authorities will usually trap such bears and relocate them.  A while back there was a story of the bears on Stockton Island in Lake Superior.  One started hassling the boats tied to the dock and one time boarded a boat to go after the steaks on the grill.  He was sent into exile.
   If you are just looking for protection for some time in the woods I would think any of those options would be fine.  I have found loud noise will usually scare them off.  Maybe have the pepper spray just in case one gets aggressive, which would be unusual.

[Radam]

Well, as I said in my post, I've only ever had to deal with black bears. Some people just feel safer with a gun. I would try to just fire off a round or two to scare it away before I went shooting at the bear. I think if a grizzly wants to eat you it just will.

[BeSeeingYou]

Well, as I said in my post, I've only ever had to deal with black bears. Some people just feel safer with a gun. I would try to just fire off a round or two to scare it away before I went shooting at the bear. I think if a grizzly wants to eat you it just will.

I have a friend who lives in a "unabomber shack" in a remote part of Arkansas near Cozahome.  One night a bear came through the window and my friend had to shoot as he was trapped in a confined space at night with the bear.

[Radam]

My parents live in the middle of nowhere AR and when I lived with them we had one that would put it's paws up on the windows and look in. We called the game and fish people and had them bring out a trap. I think they've caught two on their property now. My dad builds long bows and he's taken a black bear with one of his bows, but he doesn't hunt on their property. He calls that cheating. Luckily none of the bears have broken through the windows yet. My mom would sh!t herself if one did. 

[demon78]

It wasn't so much for protection as it was to make the bear aware that is not a good neighbor hood to set up residence in, the problem is I didn't realize that bird feeders were a source of food for bears and we feed quite a variety of birds, anyhow the bear trashed the bird feeder (it was not quite strong enough for me to chin myself on but close) and if we want to keep the 4-5 different varieties of Wood peckers, Finches, Nut hatches Chickadee's, Grosbeak's, etc we have to figure a way to dissuade the bear. I never had used a bear banger before and was curious about it as far as shooting the bear, not unless we are threatened physically ( it helps too suppress city people and tourists ) I think possibly some large " Cannon Crackers " and a lot of noise should hustle Blackie along. Operator you would be supprised how civilized this area has gotten, they built a new OPP shack about 5 miles away last year, that covers all the way up to Tobermory, I'm not sure of course, whether it cover's us, they may still want to send someone from Mt Forest or Kincardine ( for the uninitiated many miles away ) As far as MNR being helpful their web site says it all, if you are being threatened by a bear, call you nearest OPP detachment, I can see it now  "please hold, your call is important to us"
and the greatest insult would be the cheesy elevator music that would play while you are waiting.
Bill the demon.

[Bob Wessner]

If it helps any, we only feed birds during the winter. They are able to find food during the warmer months. If the feeding is restricted to the winter months, bears are sleeping anyway... er, they should be. 

[demon78]

Yeah so did we Bob until we started to bring in relatively rare ones and then we kept on feeding them, I'm pretty sure it's back to the earlier regime now, but bears are opportunists and will check back often.
Bill the demon.

[Bob Wessner]

If it helps rationalize winter only feeding, some 'experts' suggest feeding encourages the spread of disease because the birds congregate unnaturally. Same argument for putting out feed prior to the deer hunting season.. which I never thought was really hunting anyway. 

[tramp]

in the states it is illegal to carry firearms in a national forest unless your hunting and you better have a licence
that being said
if you come up on a bear and he wants a piece of you i suggest
a good pair of nike's or new balance

[Operator]

they built a new OPP shack about 5 miles away last year, that covers all the way up to Tobermory, I'm not sure of course, whether it cover's us, they may still want to send someone from Mt Forest or Kincardine ( for the uninitiated many miles away ) As far as MNR being helpful their web site says it all, if you are being threatened by a bear, call you nearest OPP detachment, I can see it now  "please hold, your call is important to us"
and the greatest insult would be the cheesy elevator music that would play while you are waiting.
Bill the demon.

Your last two lines almost made tea come out my nose!!
I am sure the bear would wait for the OPP.........

Maybe pick up an extra box of fireworks next Canada Day. That's what my old man used to do to keep the raccoons out of the garbage bins.

[Duanob]

in the states it is illegal to carry firearms in a national forest unless your hunting and you better have a licence
that being said
if you come up on a bear and he wants a piece of you i suggest
a good pair of nike's or new balance

I don't think states have any say so over naitonal forest land. And I don't know of any national forest where you can't carry a firearm. National Parks are another story.

[TwoTired]

I've never used any of those, but I'd recommend a .45 cal pistol. We are talking about protection against bears, right?

If we're talking Grizzlies, all you will do is piss them off. I lived in Alaska for 2 years. you could always tell a greehorn because of the side arm they would carry into the bush thinking they had 'protection'.

Even if it was a .454?  Or, 50AE?

[Retro Rocket]

I wonder how well a tazer would work.?

[dave500]

if you come up on a bear and he wants a piece of you i suggest
a good pair of nike's or new balance

two guys barefoot being chased by a grizzly,one stops to put on running shoes,hes buddy says that wont help you out run the bear,,he replies i only have to out run you!

[mark]

Any one have experience with Bear Bangers...?
 Bill the demon.

Is that like Sheep Shaggers?

maybe try some of this stuff......


(bear grease)

 

[Radam]

It's real bad quality but...
Super Troopers Funny Bear F***er Clip!

[BobbyR]

in the states it is illegal to carry firearms in a national forest unless your hunting and you better have a licence
that being said
if you come up on a bear and he wants a piece of you i suggest
a good pair of nike's or new balance

I don't think states have any say so over naitonal forest land. And I don't know of any national forest where you can't carry a firearm. National Parks are another story.

National Parks are OK now. Just amended the Law last year.