bear hunting dangerous?

[naturegirl]

Of course bears can be dangerous, but you are doing the right thing by researching it.

 

I've spent a lot of time outdoors and only have seen bears in person a couple times. Like someone else said the chances of actually seeing a bear are super slim.

 

My ex and our hunting buddy were chased BIG TIME by a mama bear with a cub one spring. It was very scarey for both of them and she didn't want to adhere to any warnings that were given either by voice or shotgun. Eventually they managed to get away, but only with one man walking forward and the other walking backwards keeping an eye behind them. She was very aggressive even when they were quickly retreating. It all started with them calling for turkey. It seemed the box call set her off.

 

I have faithfully carried bear mace (along with my normal sidearm) ever since their close encounter. Their experience was enough of a lesson for me.

[sidwynder505]

Just took a bear in 24-A on the AUG, 23 ...it was a spot and stalk hunt!..glassed up 8 bears in two days!! put an 1100 yard stalk on my bear got to with in 100 yards! Great hunt took my awhile to walk up to it!!..well after throwing rocks and sticks i managed claim my prize!! there is always danger when hunting anything!!...word of advise!.. always keep the wind in your face!!

[kidso]

Like AZLance suggested, anyone who has done any substantial calling for bears will tell you dangerous stories of bears charging them or slipping in behind them and scaring the daylights out of them at close quarters! I rarely feel safe while calling bear, but that risk is what keeps me coming back for more! Respect the speed, power, and stealth of this apex predator! ...and keep a powerful pistol at your side!

[.270]

I have literally been around hundreds of bears. A bunch of em in real close quarters. Treed em, trapped em, called em in, glassed em up. Killed em with rifle, pistol and bow. Ran em off with rocks, bb guns, snake loads, a frying pan. Only had to go Mano y pawo one time and it was a stupid black river welfare bear. One jumped in the back of my truck one night while i was sleeping in The bed. Another welfare bear. About a 60 pounder. Had one tear the screens off the house just awhile back. Seen a half dozen in the past few weeks. I'm less afraid of any bear than I am a doe muley or a javelina or rutted up bull or a stupid dog. These ain't grizzlies. Sometimes a old beat up old boar will woof at ya and maybe bounce around a little or a sow with cubs might pop her jaws, but I've never seen one I figured was gonna attack. Did see one crap on a guys head once. It had been eatin' prickly pears too. Ruined his silver belly Stetson. It was a rotten trick to play. But personally, I just ain't afraid of em. The guys that had the sow after em, I'd bet a lot that it wernt near as critical as it seemed. And if they had a shotgun and it was critical like they said, they shoulda put a load o' pellets in the middle of her. Story woulda been over. Unless you're around welfare bears in a campground or on black river, don't be spooked. A truly wild bear just wants to get away. Lark.

[roninflag]

more chance of getting bit and getting west nile, flooded out or a flat tire , lost or..............

[naturegirl]

Not everyone wants to put a shot gun load in the belly of a mama bear. Yelling did not work, warning shots didn't seem to do much to deter her. She followed them down one side of a canyon, up the other side, and then most of the way back to their vehicle. I suppose for people who get chased regularly by bears, then it may not be such a big deal

[Guest wdenike]

I have literally been around hundreds of bears. A bunch of em in real close quarters. Treed em, trapped em, called em in, glassed em up. Killed em with rifle, pistol and bow. Ran em off with rocks, bb guns, snake loads, a frying pan. Only had to go Mano y pawo one time and it was a stupid black river welfare bear. One jumped in the back of my truck one night while i was sleeping in The bed. Another welfare bear. About a 60 pounder. Had one tear the screens off the house just awhile back. Seen a half dozen in the past few weeks. I'm less afraid of any bear than I am a doe muley or a javelina or rutted up bull or a stupid dog. These ain't grizzlies. Sometimes a old beat up old boar will woof at ya and maybe bounce around a little or a sow with cubs might pop her jaws, but I've never seen one I figured was gonna attack. Did see one crap on a guys head once. It had been eatin' prickly pears too. Ruined his silver belly Stetson. It was a rotten trick to play. But personally, I just ain't afraid of em. The guys that had the sow after em, I'd bet a lot that it wernt near as critical as it seemed. And if they had a shotgun and it was critical like they said, they shoulda put a load o' pellets in the middle of her. Story woulda been over. Unless you're around welfare bears in a campground or on black river, don't be spooked. A truly wild bear just wants to get away. Lark.

 

 

 

I would add, guys crawling in rock ledges after dogs tree them there. And shooting them with a pistol. I don't think it can get any more tight quarters than that. And the bear ended up dead, guy's are still huntin.

 

 

 

Take care, Willie

[100%DIYazCOUES]

I have a healthy fear of bears,I'm not afraid of them,but I do realize that they are very capable of taking me out if they want to,even if youre armed if you surprise one too close,advantage bear.I've been very close many times,I've been charged,I've found myself between a sow and cubs. In my opinion, you gotta have respect for them and be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine.I agree,hunting bears isn't any more dangerous then being in bear country, but these guys thatre saying they don't fear em at all are just acting macho,ask them again when a big boar is charging them.... Just use your head,have respect for the animals, like we always should,and its as safe as any other hunting.

[100%DIYazCOUES]

Just remember that the bear doesn't care that you don't fear it,its still very capable of turning you into a steamy bear poo.

Also,don't allow your ego to cloud your judgement and respect.

[.270]

Because bears dont scare me I'm just being macho? You need to just shut up. You have no clue what kinda jackpots I've been in. I ride horses more dangerous than any bear. If you wanna run around scared of something that will probably never happen go ahead. Hope I didn't offend you. If you lived where i do you'd be up cryin' all night, scared a bear was gonna get ya. Wild black bears are about the least dangerous animal there is. They just want to get away. Don't fear monger. Anyone that wants to hunt should never alter their plans one bit because of bears. More people get struck by lightning. You gonna stay home because it clouds up? Lark.

[100%DIYazCOUES]

Got it,you're as fearless as Clint Eastwood in hang em high. You'd look a charging boar in the eye and grin,right? I hunt in bear country, ive seen as many as 7 different bears in a day.i hike in and out in the dark.and it has NEVER altered my plans.I don't fear them,but I realize they can kill me,even if its unlikely they'd attack.but people get mauled by black bears every year

Don't worry,you can't offend me,I'm obviously not as macho as you. I bet you could take a 300 lb sow with cubs with a spork. People like you only crack me up. There's nothing wrong with having respect for bears.

Thanks for being friendly.

[.270]

A guy with little experience with bears asked about em. A few folks gave their opinion. Some with a lot of experience. Some with little. My opinion is that you don't have to be scared of wild bears. Guess I don't have a right to an opinion that comes from over 50 years of experience with bears because Your opinion is that my opinion doesnt count. Just like you've expressed elsewhere on here. "respect" for bears has nothing to do with it. You pull that word out to show your superior opinion. I haven't killed a bear in 20 years. I'd much rather watch em and laugh at their goofy antics. Still buy a tag every year in case the need arises. And I don't care if others wanna shoot one. In fact, i encourage it. Experience the opportunity. But I don't care to ever again. Just this summer I've seen enough bears I can't remember em all. And I was in Kansas for a month. None of em tried to eat me either. I've had some scary moments with bears but it's because I put myself in that position. The bear didn't hunt me down. If you dont want to get called out, don't say derogatory things about people. Lark.

[100%DIYazCOUES]

I never said your opinion doesn't count.it does to me. I just gave my opinion too,and mine counts as well,and you told me to shut up. My advice to the new hunter is to respect what nature and its animals can do,and not let pride and ego get in the way.its OK to have a healthy fear of bears,otherwise we would just decide its a good idea to sneak up to a sow and grab a cub. Its not about being scared of them,its about respecting what they have to ability to do.

[100%DIYazCOUES]

Plus,I'm not saying bears will hunt you down,but it dang sure can get dangerous if you surprise a mama or a wounded bear.it would be wise to keep that in mind.

[Hunterjohnny]

A guy with little experience with bears asked about em. A few folks gave their opinion. Some with a lot of experience. Some with little. My opinion is that you don't have to be scared of wild bears. Guess I don't have a right to an opinion that comes from over 50 years of experience with bears because Your opinion is that my opinion doesnt count. Just like you've expressed elsewhere on here. "respect" for bears has nothing to do with it. You pull that word out to show your superior opinion. I haven't killed a bear in 20 years. I'd much rather watch em and laugh at their goofy antics. Still buy a tag every year in case the need arises. And I don't care if others wanna shoot one. In fact, i encourage it. Experience the opportunity. But I don't care to ever again. Just this summer I've seen enough bears I can't remember em all. And I was in Kansas for a month. None of em tried to eat me either. I've had some scary moments with bears but it's because I put myself in that position. The bear didn't hunt me down. If you dont want to get called out, don't say derogatory things about people. Lark.

Your so grouchy the bears are afraid of you!