Elk hunting in Grizzly country, which pistol?

[Snapshot]

There is a place I fished early season in Montana called Duck creek. It is a Willow jungle similar to Alaska. Can't see 10 feet in front of you in some spots. There are Grizzly that will prowl that area looking for thawed out winter kill, and not to mention a calving area for excitable momma moose, who don't want these Grizz, or humans, around.

 

.44 mag, and bear spray strapped to my chest. All senses at DEFCON 1.

[metau]

Was in the same boat as you a few weeks ago when we went to Yellowstone. Ended up carrying the bear spray. Had a 12ga with patterned slugs if needed, but the spray was on the hip anytime we got out of the truck. You're more than welcome to borrow them if you'd like.

[trphyhntr]

I just have a little 22 pistol, you think if a black bear attacks me in my blind I could at least scare it away before it devours me?

[Cell4soul]

Was in the same boat as you a few weeks ago when we went to Yellowstone. Ended up carrying the bear spray. Had a 12ga with patterned slugs if needed, but the spray was on the hip anytime we got out of the truck. You're more than welcome to borrow them if you'd like.

I appreciate the offer. I have a 12 gauge, but don't want to carry that and my rifle. I will take my chances with bear spray and the pistols.

[billrquimby]

 

Both bears were shot with S&W revolvers with a 6-inch barrels. I don't know what load my friend used, but my ammo was hand-loaded by Jensen's in Tucson with hard cast bullets. They were flat-nosed, not hollow points.

 

My friend's bear was a healthy 2-3 year old. Mine was a very large, old animal. Both had very thick layers of fat.

 

Bill Quimby

Ahhh good ol Jensen's

 

Bill, where you been? Don't wait so long between posts.

 

Edge:

 

I've been working on two books simultaneously. One is for a Californian, the other is for a guy in West Virginia.

 

Glad to know I've been missed.

 

Bill Quimby

[Trapdoor]

Having lived in Wyoming grizzly country for 12 years, never once while hunting did I carry a sidearm or feel the need for one. Common sense is much more important than a handgun, especially a marginally effective one (for grizzly), even when covered in blood.

 

Only time I got a little spooked was quartering an elk after dark and the wolves were howling nearby.

 

That being said, the .357 with hard cast would be the better choice.

 

Sooner or later, being in the way of everything, it can be moved to inside your pack and then left at camp the next morning.

 

And the one on guard duty will be much better served to help with the dead animal than looking for a threat that has little chance of materializing.

 

Contrary to popular belief, the sound of a shot in the forest is not a dinner bell for grizzly bears.

 

Hope this helps.

[Snapshot]

I just have a little 22 pistol, you think if a black bear attacks me in my blind I could at least scare it away before it devours me?

The Bear will use your .22 as an after dinner toothpick