Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.
http://www.tbotech.com/bearspray.htm
-tom

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Tom Nakashima wrote:
Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.

I sprayed a big black bear with a whole can I smuggled
into Canada. She shook her head, glanced at me, then
went right on to the food pack where she plucked Kipper's
dog food off the top and proceeded to chow down.

This was at a campsite in the Quetico near an entry point
so it's likely she'd been sprayed more than once before
and just considered it part of the pre-meal routine.

The Park Service recommends you carry bear spray in
Yellowstone grizzly country but I don't bother. Vigilance
and common sense are better than bear spray in my opinion.

--
Ken Fortenberry

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

"Tom Nakashima" wrote...
Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.
http://www.tbotech.com/bearspray.htm
-tom


There is an awful lot of discussion bear spray on the backpacker.com
forums. Some conversations more useful than others:

http://tinyurl.com/gfxjv

Less anecdotal, perhaps more accurate info:

http://www.absc.usgs.gov/research/br...epperspray.htm

The general consensus seems to be that it works (*). Dunno. Never owned any,
let alone used any.

Dan

(*) In perfect conditions, anyway. Wind is a major factor.

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

use bear spray because that is the way they like their meat flavored






On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 13:28:41 GMT, Ken Fortenberry
wrote:

Tom Nakashima wrote:
Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.

I sprayed a big black bear with a whole can I smuggled
into Canada. She shook her head, glanced at me, then
went right on to the food pack where she plucked Kipper's
dog food off the top and proceeded to chow down.

This was at a campsite in the Quetico near an entry point
so it's likely she'd been sprayed more than once before
and just considered it part of the pre-meal routine.

The Park Service recommends you carry bear spray in
Yellowstone grizzly country but I don't bother. Vigilance
and common sense are better than bear spray in my opinion.

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Tom Nakashima wrote:
Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.
http://www.tbotech.com/bearspray.htm
-tom

Our Alaska outfitter (Papa Bear out of Bethel) supplies bear spray. If
you don't use it you don't pay for it. You are not allowed to carry it
on an airplane, even in checked baggage. (You are allowed to carry up to
4oz. of pepper spray in checked baggage, but bear spray products are
larger than that.)

Last year I took a hand gun. This year I'm not going to bother. Check on
whether bears are hunted in the area you're visiting. If they are
they'll probably be afraid of people.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

I've talked to several folks who have either used it or know folks that
have. The consensus is that it does the job. One park ranger says he
carries two velcroed to his chest where he can get to them NOW, he has had
occasion to use both cans on a bear. He also said you'd pretty much have to
be an idiot not to have them in bear country.

john

"Tom Nakashima" wrote in message
...
Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.
http://www.tbotech.com/bearspray.htm
-tom

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

"rw" wrote in message
ink.net...
Tom Nakashima wrote:
Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.
http://www.tbotech.com/bearspray.htm
-tom

Our Alaska outfitter (Papa Bear out of Bethel) supplies bear spray. If you
don't use it you don't pay for it. You are not allowed to carry it on an
airplane, even in checked baggage. (You are allowed to carry up to 4oz. of
pepper spray in checked baggage, but bear spray products are larger than
that.)

Last year I took a hand gun. This year I'm not going to bother. Check on
whether bears are hunted in the area you're visiting. If they are they'll
probably be afraid of people.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

I'll be using the same outfitter, (Papa Bear Adventures out of
Bethel)...I'll talk to Steve about it.
thanks,
-tom

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 06:11:23 -0700, "Tom Nakashima"
wrote:

Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.
http://www.tbotech.com/bearspray.htm
-tom


ROFF has been this way before. Google it up, or simply know that "bear
spray" covers a lot of ground. You'll have to do some research and if
you decide to carry it without some real in-depth research, get as high
a percentage as you can find.

TC,
R

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 07:05:27 -0700, "Tom Nakashima"
wrote:


"rw" wrote in message
link.net...
Tom Nakashima wrote:
Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.
http://www.tbotech.com/bearspray.htm
-tom

Our Alaska outfitter (Papa Bear out of Bethel) supplies bear spray. If you
don't use it you don't pay for it. You are not allowed to carry it on an
airplane, even in checked baggage. (You are allowed to carry up to 4oz. of
pepper spray in checked baggage, but bear spray products are larger than
that.)

Last year I took a hand gun. This year I'm not going to bother. Check on
whether bears are hunted in the area you're visiting. If they are they'll
probably be afraid of people.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

I'll be using the same outfitter, (Papa Bear Adventures out of
Bethel)...I'll talk to Steve about it.
thanks,
-tom

If this one particular trip is your sole reason for asking, and you
trust the outfitter, I'd say save yourself the time and do/get what they
advise. And based on Steve's info, it seems your question is answered.

TC,
R

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 06:11:23 -0700, "Tom Nakashima"
wrote:

Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.

If you show up with bear spray on your trip, the guides will chuckle.
The bears in Alaska are used to humans, at least the bears you will
encounter along the river. I've heard that more people are attacked
by wild dogs in Alaska than bears. Bears are NOT a problem.

The guides on one of my trips actually chased a sow and her cubs off
of a little island in the middle of Moraine Creek so we could have our
lunch spot. http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska14-Aug04.html

You will be there during salmon spawn and that means the bears are
well fed. They have no interest in you as a food. Perhaps later or
earlier in the year when they don't have the salmon to fill their
bellies, but while you are there, they will be gorging themselves on
salmon. On several occasions, we walked past bears feeding and got as
close as 15 feet.

Tom, I know you have many concerns about your up-coming trip, but
don't worry about these things (bugs, bears). Rather, concentrate on
your clothing (warm as well as cool, waterproof jacket, a warm hat,
fingerless gloves to help with the cold water *and* the bugs),
equipment (6 to 8 weight with floating and sinking lines). If you are
not being guided by an Orvis endorsed outfit, try to bring your rods
and reels on the plane with you. I invested in 5, 6, 7, and 8 weight
travel rods and bring them aboard with me. Every Orvis lodge/outfit I
have used over the years have their own rods/reels/waders to be used
by sports who don't have their own equipment because the airline lost
it.. You will be fishing beads (salmon spawn), so I doubt you will
use any flies. However, I always bring a 5 weight and some dries
(Adams, Wulfs, Henryville Specials) to amuse myself after dinner
catching nice size grayling who will take a dry even during the spawn.

Bugs? Bring fingerless gloves, turtleneck cotton jersies, watch cap
that you can spray and pull over your ears, and use the bug spray the
guides use on any exposed surfaces.

Bears? Forgetaboutem. They won't bother you if you don't bother
them. Take a camera and get some up-close shots.

And, above all, have fun.

Dave

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

wrote in message
...
On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 07:05:27 -0700, "Tom Nakashima"
wrote:


"rw" wrote in message
hlink.net...
Tom Nakashima wrote:
Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.
http://www.tbotech.com/bearspray.htm
-tom

Our Alaska outfitter (Papa Bear out of Bethel) supplies bear spray. If
you
don't use it you don't pay for it. You are not allowed to carry it on an
airplane, even in checked baggage. (You are allowed to carry up to 4oz.
of
pepper spray in checked baggage, but bear spray products are larger than
that.)

Last year I took a hand gun. This year I'm not going to bother. Check on
whether bears are hunted in the area you're visiting. If they are
they'll
probably be afraid of people.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

I'll be using the same outfitter, (Papa Bear Adventures out of
Bethel)...I'll talk to Steve about it.
thanks,
-tom

If this one particular trip is your sole reason for asking, and you
trust the outfitter, I'd say save yourself the time and do/get what they
advise. And based on Steve's info, it seems your question is answered.

TC,
R

Agree, I didn't know Papa Bear Adventures supplied Bear Pepper Spray, at
least
it didn't say in the conformation info pack we got.

I've called Steve twice already, didn't want to wear out my allocated phone
calls, so
I'll speak with him when I arrive there. The last time I called him I
wanted to give him
my flight status so there would be someone to pick me up at the Bethel
Airport.
In conversation, he told me I had to walk to the lodge. Stunned, I got
quiet, then I asked how far is
the lodge? Steve replied: "It's only 3 miles." Then I started to think, I
have luggage with
rollers, but 3-miles??? Then Steve started laughing, it was a joke, but he
sure got me on that one.
-tom

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

wrote in message
...
On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 06:11:23 -0700, "Tom Nakashima"
wrote:

Anyone ever have to use it? Does it actually work?
Seems to me that would really ****-off a bear.

If you show up with bear spray on your trip, the guides will chuckle.
The bears in Alaska are used to humans, at least the bears you will
encounter along the river. I've heard that more people are attacked
by wild dogs in Alaska than bears. Bears are NOT a problem.

The guides on one of my trips actually chased a sow and her cubs off
of a little island in the middle of Moraine Creek so we could have our
lunch spot. http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska14-Aug04.html

You will be there during salmon spawn and that means the bears are
well fed. They have no interest in you as a food. Perhaps later or
earlier in the year when they don't have the salmon to fill their
bellies, but while you are there, they will be gorging themselves on
salmon. On several occasions, we walked past bears feeding and got as
close as 15 feet.

Tom, I know you have many concerns about your up-coming trip, but
don't worry about these things (bugs, bears). Rather, concentrate on
your clothing (warm as well as cool, waterproof jacket, a warm hat,
fingerless gloves to help with the cold water *and* the bugs),
equipment (6 to 8 weight with floating and sinking lines). If you are
not being guided by an Orvis endorsed outfit, try to bring your rods
and reels on the plane with you. I invested in 5, 6, 7, and 8 weight
travel rods and bring them aboard with me. Every Orvis lodge/outfit I
have used over the years have their own rods/reels/waders to be used
by sports who don't have their own equipment because the airline lost
it.. You will be fishing beads (salmon spawn), so I doubt you will
use any flies. However, I always bring a 5 weight and some dries
(Adams, Wulfs, Henryville Specials) to amuse myself after dinner
catching nice size grayling who will take a dry even during the spawn.

Bugs? Bring fingerless gloves, turtleneck cotton jersies, watch cap
that you can spray and pull over your ears, and use the bug spray the
guides use on any exposed surfaces.

Bears? Forgetaboutem. They won't bother you if you don't bother
them. Take a camera and get some up-close shots.

And, above all, have fun.

Dave


Thanks Dave,
yea you're probably right, I'm one of those who has to be prepared, my first
time in Alaska,
cover all the bases. I'm taking my 5, 8, 10wt 4pc rods, checking those in.
Carrying on the reels,
fly patterns and tackle. I figure if they lose my luggage, I can always rent
rods.

Yes, have the dry flies, king salmon flies and my mouse patterns.
I guess for some of you, Alaska is a "walk-in-the-park" for me it's pretty
exciting, something new.
-tom

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Tom Nakashima wrote:

I'll be using the same outfitter, (Papa Bear Adventures out of
Bethel)...I'll talk to Steve about it.
thanks,
-tom

Good choice. Steve did an excellent job last year, in the face of some
very difficult weather. His Dehavilland Beaver is a very cool airplane.

BTW, Steve carries a .50 caliber handgun when he's in the bush, and he
has some scary bear stories, so don't believe anything that LaCourse
says (like using a camera for closeup bear photos). You'll be on your
own -- not being baby-sat by guides.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

"rw" wrote in message
ink.net...
Tom Nakashima wrote:

I'll be using the same outfitter, (Papa Bear Adventures out of
Bethel)...I'll talk to Steve about it.
thanks,
-tom

Good choice. Steve did an excellent job last year, in the face of some
very difficult weather. His Dehavilland Beaver is a very cool airplane.

BTW, Steve carries a .50 caliber handgun when he's in the bush, and he has
some scary bear stories, so don't believe anything that LaCourse says
(like using a camera for closeup bear photos). You'll be on your own --
not being baby-sat by guides.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

Well in all, everyone has been a lot of help. I really do enjoy this
newsgroup, loaded with lots of experience.
Can't ask for a better advice,
-tom

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

rw wrote:

... so don't believe anything that LaCourse
says ...

But Louie gave the exact same advice you did. That is,
don't bother with guns or bear spray. Why is your advice
more believable than Louie's ?

--
Ken Fortenberry

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Ken Fortenberry wrote:
rw wrote:


... so don't believe anything that LaCourse says ...


But Louie gave the exact same advice you did. That is,
don't bother with guns or bear spray. Why is your advice
more believable than Louie's ?

Uh, I believe I recommended taking the free bear spray from Papa Bear.

The revolver I took was a 357 mag -- not really adequate for large
bears. If I had a 50 cal I'd take it.

Last year we saw bear sign (tracks, ****, partially consumed salmon
carcasses, mashed-down grass) virtually everywhere we stopped. There
were a lot of bears around. We only saw one, and he skedaddled when
Willi started yelling. I, for one, did not regret missing the
opportunity for a close-up photo.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 07:52:49 -0700, "Tom Nakashima"
wrote:

Yes, have the dry flies, king salmon flies and my mouse patterns.
I guess for some of you, Alaska is a "walk-in-the-park" for me it's pretty
exciting, something new.

It will never be a walk in the park, Tom. Just great fishing under
conditions most of us aren't accustomed to. Every time I go, it is a
new experience, exciting, and I learn more. Fishing from drift boats
(probably pontoonrafts in your case) is always exciting, and a great
way to see the country.

Take pictures, lots of pictures.

Dave

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 14:55:58 GMT, rw
wrote:

BTW, Steve carries a .50 caliber handgun when he's in the bush, and he
has some scary bear stories, so don't believe anything that LaCourse
says (like using a camera for closeup bear photos). You'll be on your
own -- not being baby-sat by guides.

Fortenberry is correct, you are a putz.

Do you have any "scary bear stories" to share? No? Gee, I wonder
why. Look at all the photos in magazines that folks have taken over
the years. No bear attacks. They are full of fish brains and skin.
I've been within fifteen feet of many bears without any worry. The
first year we spotted over 100 bears in one week. While most of them
were at a distance, many were close. I was alarmed at first, but
after a few days, they became the norm. I'm not trying to be cavalier
about the bears, only that they are not the concern that most people
think they are.

Now, if you get close enough to spray a bear, I'm betting that he/she
gets *really* ****ed off and has a big "change of attitude". And a
greenhorn shooting one with a pistol is only asking for trouble. Give
them their way - leave them alone and they will leave you alone.

Of course I *have* heard that they have a taste for putzs. d;o)

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 15:24:26 GMT, rw
wrote:

he skedaddled when
Willi started yelling.

Ta da! We have a winner in the balcony, Doctor.

Talk to them, shout at them, make noise when you are in the bush,
don't surprise them, make sure they hear and see you.

You spray, you pray. You shoot, you scoot. Simple, putz.

Wow, a faux cowboy with a .357! Now *THAT'S* something to be afraid
of. What a putz.

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:47:14 GMT, rw
wrote:

I'm sure that your babysitters (i.e., guides) had a large caliber
firearm handy. Probably a shotgun.

Uh, we are in a raft. No guns. No spray. I sure as hell wouldn't
get in a Beaver with someone carrying a shotgun. You make too much of
the bear thing, Barnard. They are not a problem as long as you give
them their way, let them know you are in the area, and don't startle
them. PERIOD

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:42:15 GMT, rw
wrote:

Considering the condition of your feet and your maximum ground speed,
I'd be delighted to have you around in camp in bear country, if only you
weren't such an obnoxious asshole.

Yeah, it's tough walking. It's even tougher to grow old. But, I've
spent many days on the banks of Alaskan rivers, within sight of brown
bears, and, whatyaknow, here I am! d;o) I have never heard of a fly
fisherman having a bad encounter with bears. I have seen about 100
bears each week I have spent in Alaska, and there was never even a
"close encounter." They are too busy feeding on the salmon to care
about humans.

In Kamchatka, where they are heavily hunted, the mere smell of a human
has them scurrying into the bush.

If I was in camp with you, I'd sleep with both hands protecting my
cock. Putz. d;o)

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:27:31 GMT, rw
wrote:

Make sure you get some real tight closeups of brown bears. :-)

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska25-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska26-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska27-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska27-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska14-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska9-Aug04.html

You were saying, putz?

d;o)

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

In article ,
says...
On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:27:31 GMT, rw
wrote:

Make sure you get some real tight closeups of brown bears. :-)

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska25-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska26-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska27-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska27-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska14-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska9-Aug04.html

You were saying, putz?

d;o)

:-) Well said. Nice pictures.
- Ken

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

wrote in message
...
In article ,
says...
On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:27:31 GMT, rw
wrote:

Make sure you get some real tight closeups of brown bears. :-)

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska25-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska26-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska27-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska27-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska14-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska9-Aug04.html

You were saying, putz?

d;o)

:-) Well said. Nice pictures.
- Ken

Very nice photos indeed.
-tom

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 17:18:58 GMT, rw
wrote:

Guides don't like the sports to see that stuff. It makes them nervous.

You really are a piece of work, Barnard. How the hell is a guide
going to hide a shotgun? The guides had nothing more than
warm/waterproof clothes, and a landyard containing tippet material,
tools, etc. They had NO guns, believe me. Oh, wait a minute......
they could have been hiding the "stuff" under their hats.

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska18-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska19-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska8-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska21-Aug04.html

to name a few.....

d;o)

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

wrote:
On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:42:15 GMT, rw
wrote:


Considering the condition of your feet and your maximum ground speed,
I'd be delighted to have you around in camp in bear country, if only you
weren't such an obnoxious asshole.


Yeah, it's tough walking. It's even tougher to grow old. But, I've
spent many days on the banks of Alaskan rivers, within sight of brown
bears, and, whatyaknow, here I am! d;o) I have never heard of a fly
fisherman having a bad encounter with bears.

http://www.sportfishingkenai.com/con...D=37&CAT_ID=72

Now you have heard of one.

I have seen about 100
bears each week I have spent in Alaska, and there was never even a
"close encounter." They are too busy feeding on the salmon to care
about humans.

Here's an apropos quote from the link above:

Larry Lewis, a Wildlife Technician, who among other duties teaches bear
safety for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, would agree. He
maintains that too often people get in trouble because they lose contact
with their surroundings, becoming totally engrossed in their fishing,
for instance. The other problem, he says, is complacency or a cavalier
attitude, believing that “it couldn’t happen to me,” or that because I
know all the “rules” for being in bear country I’ll be alright.


--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

wrote:
On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 17:18:58 GMT, rw
wrote:


Guides don't like the sports to see that stuff. It makes them nervous.


You really are a piece of work, Barnard. How the hell is a guide
going to hide a shotgun? The guides had nothing more than
warm/waterproof clothes, and a landyard containing tippet material,
tools, etc. They had NO guns, believe me. Oh, wait a minute......
they could have been hiding the "stuff" under their hats.

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska18-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska19-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska8-Aug04.html

http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska21-Aug04.html

to name a few.....

You were staying in a lodge, right? You weren't camping out on gravel
bars, pitching your tent and storing and cooking your food virtually
right on top of bear sign, right?

Tom, one of the first things Steve at Papa Bear will tell you is not to
store your food in the rafts. If a bear gets into the food you sure
don't want it to wreck the raft. Then you would be really screwed.

Another thing to be careful about is securing your raft when you beach
it. That may seem obvious, and the raft might seem securely beached, but
if the wind comes up or the water rises overnight you could lose it.
Last year one of Steve's parties called in on the sat phone that they'd
lost both of their rafts. Steve's response was, "You mean that you lost
both of MY rafts."

In the meantime they were stranded in the wilderness. I don't know how
it played out. I'm going to ask Steve in August.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

rw wrote:

... You weren't camping out on gravel
bars, pitching your tent and storing and cooking your food virtually
right on top of bear sign, right? ...

That's a very important distinction. I said I don't bother
to carry bear spray in Yellowstone grizzly country but that
is in reference to fishing day trips.

When I had to camp underneath the food supply, (it was in a
tower), in an Absaroka-Beartooth outfitter camp I had both
bear spray and a 12 gauge close to hand. No handguns for me,
if I have to shoot something I want it to be good and shot.

--
Ken Fortenberry

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Ken Fortenberry wrote:
rw wrote:


... You weren't camping out on gravel bars, pitching your tent and
storing and cooking your food virtually right on top of bear sign,
right? ...


That's a very important distinction. I said I don't bother
to carry bear spray in Yellowstone grizzly country but that
is in reference to fishing day trips.

When I had to camp underneath the food supply, (it was in a
tower), in an Absaroka-Beartooth outfitter camp I had both
bear spray and a 12 gauge close to hand. No handguns for me,
if I have to shoot something I want it to be good and shot.

One problem with the Bristol Bay area, or at least on the Kanektok (and
I suspect on all the other rivers in the area), is that it's impossible
to secure your food. There aren't any substantial trees to speak of. All
you can do is keep the food well away from the rafts and the tents, and
if you get hit hope that you can catch a lot of fish, which should be no
problem.

Also, when you clean and fillet fish, cut the carcasses into small
pieces before tossing them into the river. In all likelihood there will
be plenty of other fish for the bears, but don't take unnecessary chances.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 18:03:44 GMT, rw
wrote:

wrote:
On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 16:42:15 GMT, rw
wrote:


Considering the condition of your feet and your maximum ground speed,
I'd be delighted to have you around in camp in bear country, if only you
weren't such an obnoxious asshole.


Yeah, it's tough walking. It's even tougher to grow old. But, I've
spent many days on the banks of Alaskan rivers, within sight of brown
bears, and, whatyaknow, here I am! d;o) I have never heard of a fly
fisherman having a bad encounter with bears.

http://www.sportfishingkenai.com/con...D=37&CAT_ID=72

Now you have heard of one.


He seems to have been fishing at night. Bears are most active in the
evening and early morning. It doesn't say, however, if he took the
necessary precautions - making noise, allowing the bear to not be
surprised by his presence. My guess is that he startled a bear. That
ain't whatcha wanna do. Also, the encounter was in the Russian River
area, which is in the center of bear attack country, the Kenai
Peninsula.

I have seen about 100
bears each week I have spent in Alaska, and there was never even a
"close encounter." They are too busy feeding on the salmon to care
about humans.

Here's an apropos quote from the link above:

Larry Lewis, a Wildlife Technician, who among other duties teaches bear
safety for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, would agree. He
maintains that too often people get in trouble because they lose contact
with their surroundings, becoming totally engrossed in their fishing,
for instance. The other problem, he says, is complacency or a cavalier
attitude, believing that “it couldn’t happen to me,” or that because I
know all the “rules” for being in bear country I’ll be alright.

Golly. It's deja vu all over again. I have said I am not being
cavalier about it. Simply be aware of your surroundings and act
accordingly. Talk to any bear you may see. Never startle one. Never
run - you become prey if you run. Make noise, lotsa noise and make
yourself big by waving your arms if one comes too close. All of this
info is given to the sports before they ever see a fly rod. If you go
to Woods River, you have to take a "bear class" before they let you in
the park. Again, they give the same advice. If you think I was being
cavalier or compacent, you are dead wrong. Witness my remarks with:
http://hometown.aol.com/davplac/Alaska9-Aug04.html

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 18:32:28 GMT, rw
wrote:

You were staying in a lodge, right? You weren't camping out on gravel
bars, pitching your tent and storing and cooking your food virtually
right on top of bear sign, right?

Yep. Sportsmens Lodge on the Kvichak. However, we did lots of
bushwacking, going through brush and tundra to the rivers. Trips to
Moraine Creek, Margot Creek, and the Kamashak required walking, some
of it through the bush. In fact ALL of the fishing on Margot Creek
required going through woods/brush. I did not go on the Little Ku
trip because the walk was 3 miles from the aircraft landing. Those
that did go encountered lots of bears without any troubles. They made
noise, especially when they got near the river and there was woods and
bushes they had to walk through.

We did have several meals within sight of bears, and, in fact, kicked
a sow and her three cubs off of a small island so that we could have a
hot lunch cooked over a smal wood fire. Ref my pix already posted.

On my last trip, the guides were warned by a park ranger about not
having a bear proof food container when we fished the Kamashak which
empties into Cook Inlet and has lots of bear. That same trip we
cooked a delicious 16 pound silver salmon that I caught, pan fried
with potatoes and onions over hot coals on a gravel bar within sight
of a couple of immature bears, washed down, I might add, with lots off
Budweiser.

If Tom and his party know the rules, act accordingly, I doubt they
will have any problems. I would be surprised if they do. I would
worry more about my equipment getting to Bethel.

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 19:41:24 GMT, rw
wrote:

Gosh. I could have swore that you just wrote, "They are too busy feeding
on the salmon to care about humans."

What about this don't you understand, Barnard. I am not cavalier
about bears. Period. And, they *are* too busy feeding on salmon
skin/brains. Next time you go to Alaska, catch a couple of big fish,
hang them around your neck and approach a bear. Get real close. Trust
me, don't be afraid. When you get close enough, throw the salmon.
Betcha the bear goes for the salmon and not you. You like experiments
(ha!). This would be a neat one, ey? Hey, ya always got that great
big gun to protect you. d;o)

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

"rw" wrote in message
ink.net...

You were staying in a lodge, right? You weren't camping out on gravel
bars, pitching your tent and storing and cooking your food virtually right
on top of bear sign, right?

Tom, one of the first things Steve at Papa Bear will tell you is not to
store your food in the rafts. If a bear gets into the food you sure don't
want it to wreck the raft. Then you would be really screwed.

Another thing to be careful about is securing your raft when you beach it.
That may seem obvious, and the raft might seem securely beached, but if
the wind comes up or the water rises overnight you could lose it. Last
year one of Steve's parties called in on the sat phone that they'd lost
both of their rafts. Steve's response was, "You mean that you lost both of
MY rafts."

In the meantime they were stranded in the wilderness. I don't know how it
played out. I'm going to ask Steve in August.

--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

I'll fly up on July 1st from San Jose, CA, and stay at Steve's lodge, then
fly out to the Arolik River on the 2nd.
I'm going with a person who's been there last year at this time. We'll be
on the river till the 10th.
There are many thing I'll be learning, as I plan to get educated in the
aquatics department as well
as part of the Alaska territory. I was told there are many species to fish
for. We'll try to make smart decisions and not abuse or trash the
surroundings. I'm also looking forward to just getting away from the city
life.

I guess for me I don't like to get into arguments with people, I try to
avoid it. I also like to
feel good about using this newsgroup because the people here are well
educated in fly-fishing and
have a lot of experience. I'm always game for learning, one of the few good
traits I have.
-tom

Bear Pepper Spray Repellent?
 

Thank you for keeping me busy and amused this afternoon. I am fasting
for a medical procedure (we all know what) in the a.m., and getting my
mind off of food by having a ****ing contest with you has helped.
However, talk of fillet of salmon and fried potatoes and beer has not
helped.

I hope the doc tells me I am a "perfect" asshole in the morning.

d;o)