Minimum Caliber for bears?

RedEdge77 said:
This summer I hope to head to the adirondacks for some camping and fishing for a few days. One of my concerns is the possibility of running into some unfriendly bears. I have heard encounters with bears up there are rather common, although I have not seen too many reports of bear attacks.

So I was wondering what is the lowest caliber in a rifle you would feel comfortable carrying out in the woods? Chances are I will be bringing my .410 shotgun but I have no clue as to whether or not that is big enough for a bear. :confused:. The gun will not be used for hunting, mainly as a deep in the woods self defense gun. Handguns are not a possibility at the moment.
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Dragging up an old thread but I'm currious .
I'm not sure if I passed this thread up or missed it. But a bump anyway.
The few black bears I've seen in the adirondacks have all been pretty shy. ;) I supose that would depend on the area though.
Have you gone yet , still planning to ?? I have not seen pics .


Phil
 
Had to post this sign, ( no grizzleys in NYS except zoos ;) )

Carefull if you head out west though :D



bearwarning.jpg




Phil
 
20 gauge is underrated, it's easier to carry around and won't blow small game to bits.If it's pump that should give you enough to scare off a bear at a distance. If it's on top of you and angry you've had it whatever the weapon:eek:
 
1894 said:
Dragging up an old thread but I'm currious .
I'm not sure if I passed this thread up or missed it. But a bump anyway.
The few black bears I've seen in the adirondacks have all been pretty shy. ;) I supose that would depend on the area though.
Have you gone yet , still planning to ?? I have not seen pics .


Phil
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No, I have not gone yet.:(

Hopefully the middle of summer I will be heading up and yes i will take many pictures. :D
 
I would carry my sks para if I was in bear country. I own rifles, handguns, and shotguns in all different makes and calibers but. I would carry the sks and a glock 20 10MM. The sks almost equals 30-30 ballistics but mine is the paratrooper model (shorter barrel) and it has a folding stock. Stuff a 30 round mag into it and you have a compact but lethal bear medicine. If you don't think so search the internet. Somewhere I saw some wildlife management people in Africa killing elephants with AK-47's and most were killed with 3 rounds or less.
 
12ga: buckshot/slug/buckshot/slug

There are far more reports of encounters than actual attacks. Prevention measures like bear bagging food (or cannisters), cooking away from camp and noise makers are cheap and easy. In other words, don't get into encounters in the first place. The rangers here use firecrackers to scare bears away from campgrounds. Reports of using bear spray in the Sierra range have noticed bears who have been sprayed recognize the spray cans and take off when the cans are displayed. Just because you see a bear doesn't mean you need to kill it.

Kodiaks and grizzlies are more of a problem. If I was kayaking SE Alaska, I would want a waterproofed 12 gauge in my kit.
 
DaleW said:
12ga: buckshot/slug/buckshot/slug

There are far more reports of encounters than actual attacks. Prevention measures like bear bagging food (or cannisters), cooking away from camp and noise makers are cheap and easy. In other words, don't get into encounters in the first place. The rangers here use firecrackers to scare bears away from campgrounds. Reports of using bear spray in the Sierra range have noticed bears who have been sprayed recognize the spray cans and take off when the cans are displayed. Just because you see a bear doesn't mean you need to kill it.

Kodiaks and grizzlies are more of a problem. If I was kayaking SE Alaska, I would want a waterproofed 12 gauge in my kit.
Click to expand...

Very true indeed, live and let live should be used more often.
 
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