My trip to Alaska ...What would you carry
I am planning a trip to kodiak island in the heart of the Monster brown bears.
Would you guys recommend a revolver or a semi automatic?
Would you guys recommend a revolver or a semi automatic?
0
-
Long underwear and a heavy coat. [:D] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Doug Wilson
RunForest's OTHER name - lunch.
D.
never carried a gun in alaska and i am still alive. there are many cases of people with guns in alaska who have been killed by bears. knowledge of bears is more important than fire power0 -
quote:Originally posted by RunForest
never carried a gun in alaska and i am still alive.
Hey there Mr Cool!!!
Have you found someone yet to "do you" the favor?
[:o)][:o)][:o)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by JamesRK
Long underwear and a heavy coat. [:D]
In addition to that I would suggest beads and buttons to trade with the natives. Maybe not, too nineteenth century.0 -
quote:Originally posted by RunForest
personally i would carry my nikon camera and no gun. i have spent years in bear country in alaska and although i am no timothy treadwell i do NOT believe that bears are as dangerous as many people think. if you use sound and reasonable tactics around bears you have nothing to worry about. if you are an idiot city slicker who knows nothing about bear behavior then take the largest gun you can find.
Bet you could get some nice close ups of an idiot photographer, without a gun, an arm .....etc.0 -
sounds like you little girls get scared of big fury animals, lol 0 -
Just funnin' you. No offense really intended.
D.0 -
quote:Originally posted by RunForest
quote:Originally posted by Doug Wilson
RunForest's OTHER name - lunch.
D.
never carried a gun in alaska and i am still alive. there are many cases of people with guns in alaska who have been killed by bears. knowledge of bears is more important than fire power
... cruise ship doesn't count [}:)]!0 -
It all boils down to what you are doing, what you have available and can fire accurately, bottom line what do you feel comfortable carrying? Different situations warrant different combinations. Yes I carry my 45-70 when it is feasible, more often than not I cannot carry it, such as....
1. Ever try to fish the Kenai river with a long gun
2. Either not legal or not possible to carry a rifle/shotgun(bowhunting in certain GMU's)
My first bowhunt we were after caribou in velvet on the northen slope. The only sidearm I had available was my Kimber. Not a good feeling after doubling back and finding fresh griz tracks on top of mine.
I have seen quite a bit of odd stuff on the river, especially when the salmon are running. I once saw a tourist with a goalie stick strapped to his back!
Being aware of your surroundings is your first line of defense. If you can make noise, bring a dog, wear bells on your pack, whatever (I have done them all). Secondly, they are curious animals. If you are fishing and you are approached, just keep moving the same speed the bear is. They come from this from cherries leaving packs on the shore and the bears forage through their stuff after they chase the people off. It is learned behavior.
Pepper spray works, I have seen it. It is also easier to employ by those who may be unable to use a firearm with enough accuracy. On top of that many encounters are merely bluff charges, and shooting is not warranted. You see in the Anchorage paper all too often about how another section of such and such river is closed off, due to somebody getting nervous and blasting away at a curious animal.
Revolver or semi is up to you. You will find more revolvers of suitable caliber for one. Next you have no safeties to contend with. Revolvers hold up better in Alaskan conditions. And, God forbid, should you actually be forced to shoot and a bear is on you, your auto will not fire if pressed into the bear. You are not pushing my 454 out of battery. Granted the chances of that last bit happening are extremely remote, it may be a factor.
All said this is what I would carry if at all possible in bear country0 -
quote: They come from this by dumb-a$$es leaving packs on the shore and the bears eat their food after they chase the people off. It is learned behavior.
Thats funny you say that. Admiralty Island is a popular deer hunting spot. It's also covered with brown bears. They have actually learned to run towards a gun shot because they get a free meal as most hunters won't fight over the deer they just downed. [:D]0 -
quote:Originally posted by gearheaddad
Remember to grind the front sight off your handgun in bear country. VERY important... The end of the barrel MUST be smooth or it WILL hurt like the dickens when that bear shoves that puny little handgun up your azz...................
I love that one!! I read it right here on Gunbroker so it must be GREAT advice!!!!!!!!!!!!
In that case also keep it well oiled too.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Kodiakk
quote: They come from this by dumb-a$$es leaving packs on the shore and the bears eat their food after they chase the people off. It is learned behavior.
Thats funny you say that. Admiralty Island is a popular deer hunting spot. It's also covered with brown bears. They have actually learned to run towards a gun shot because they get a free meal as most hunters won't fight over the deer they just downed. [:D]
I've seen that on Naked Island too. Gunshots and waiting for someone to hook up. Instead of cutting line or forcing the fish under with the rod these guys actually try and fight the fish, expecting the bear to leave them alone! People need to realize that we are not at the top of the food chain when we are in Yogi's house.
That is unless I am at full draw![:p]0 -
He went out tiger hunting with his elephant and gun
In case of accidents he always took his mom
He's the all American bullet-headed Saxon mother's son
All the children sing
Hey, Bungalow Bill
What did you kill, Bungalow Bill0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
44 comments