[Bernardo]

On September 14, a grizzly and her cub killed hunting guide Mark Uptain and wounded his client while they were field dressing an elk in Teton Wilderness in WY according to various news reports. Reports indicate a discharged can of bear spray was found at the scene but it was not deployed before the attack started. Apply you own values, draw your own conclusions. I may chime in later when I've had a chance to read more. I do believe this is the season when most grizzly attacks occur for a variety of reasons.

[Schenk]

Saw this last week. For some reason they think the bear may NOT have been defending the elk/food source? RIP Mr. Uptain.

[over the hill]

More clarification in this article: http://trib.com/lifestyles/recreation/wyoming-officials-offer-details-of-grizzly-attack-that-killed-hunting/article_c5913d2a-4889-5fa9-89d8-e44562b06717.html DNA results confirmed the proper bears were put down. Just so happens this drainage was going to part of our fishing trip next week. My heart goes out to the guides young family.

[Mikey]

Apparently bear spray works - sometimes. Note the instructions are to spray into the bears eyes and nostrils. If a bear charges you and you have to wait until the bear gets near enough to spray into the bear's eyes, that seems to be asking a lot. “Hikers Charged by Brown Bear Sow on Ridge Trail” June 14, 2018 The hikers were ascending one of the peaks along Ridge Trail between Power Creek and Crater Lake trails on Saturday, June 9, 2018 when they heard something crashing through the scrubby spruce and hemlock trees through the vegetation toward them, said Alicia King, public affairs/partnership staff officer for Chugach National Forest. “It became quickly apparent that it was a brown bear. The bear was exhibiting stress behavior and vocalizations and immediately charged the group.” The Brown bear sow knocked one of the hikers to the ground and a second hiker suffered injuries while seeking cover, Alicia King said. None of them were bitten or scratched. Alicia King said “When using bear spray, to be most effective, the high-power pepper spray should hit the bear’s eyes and nostrils”. Alaska Wildlife Trooper Sgt. Robin Morrisett. said:“Bear spray was used and proved effective in deterring the bear and stopping the incident. It was because of that bear spray that they’re still around. That whole situation could have been a lot worse.”

[treeswarper]

Article about elk hunting in griz country. https://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/recreation/hunting-in-a-grizzly-world-prompts-bear-concerns/article_912935f8-82ac-57d5-8c4e-7ee558059ac3.html

[Bernardo]

Some thoughts about this incident: The bears came right at them. This seems consistent with trying to take away a kill. Grizzlies are very opportunistic and just because they had not already claimed the kill doesn't mean they wouldn't try to seize it once they discovered it. Dressing a dead elk is not the same thing as hiking. If you aren't carrying your gun, it's of no use. The guide had at least a hand gun and bear spray, but was not able to deploy either in the initial attack. The gun was not on his person and even though he survived the initial attack he never got to it. There is no honor in running then riding away and succeeding in making an unlikely cell connection. Also, throwing the gun toward the victim and running isn't noble. If you go into bear country, you should be able to respond to an attack with either a weapon or bear spray. Obviously, letting a kill lie over night increases the danger. Finally, my understanding is that grizzlies rarely attack men on horseback. If the client had the horsemanship to ride back to the guide, he might have been able to help. We don't know if this was even possible. Sounds like the guide acted like a hero and took his responibilities seriously. RIP. This is horrible for this large family. Interesting to note they could still smell the bear spray on the bear after it was killed. article about horses and bear attacks Gutsy horsewoman drives off grizzly

[BigBrunyon]

When those bears come they come real fast!! You gotta be holdin' that heat nearby

[Joseph]

[Pahoehoe]

[gb]

[wolffie]

my quick-draw bear mace holster This holster was made from a fingerless glove with an elastic cuff, which is at the top, cinching around the spray can. The shoulder strap passes thru the thumb hole near the bottom. It was necessary to tie-down the bottom. Simple, but the rig was a bit fussy and took some time to get it right. memory fragment (from Herrero?): if you hear the bear stomping, it's a bluff charge; if it's for keeps, you won't hear it.

[Bernardo]

Wolffie, the holster looks good the way it's rigged up in the video. Is there a safety you need to deactivate? What are the chances of accidental discharge if you fall, etc.?

[SwitchbackFisher]

[wolffie]

[Bernardo]

Thanks for the info. I am really looking for your report on how this works... Actually, just kidding, I hope you never need to use this rig in a live fire situation! Looks like you are about as ready as you can be.