Bears !!

GunBlast

GunBlast

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I'm retiring in a year and moving to an isolated (wilderness) rural acreage in Northern Ontario.

I am wondering what would be a suitable and effective firearm for bear control if needed in an emergency? I read somewhere that, if you have time, aim for the shoulder or chest if you have the chance, and not the head? I also read that I'd be lucky even to be able to have enough time to bring a rifle to my shoulder!!!

I have heard that a 12 gauge shot gun with 2.75 inch rifled slugs would be sufficient, but I have no experience with this.

What do you think? . . .


... GunBlast
 
bollox said:
I don't think this topic has ever come up.

I too, am interested.
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(Sarcasm font on) Jeez Bollox, you're right! We've never had extensive back and forth discussions, disputes and arguments about which firearm is better or worse at killing (or wounding) bears. (Sarcasm font off)

Use the search tools for bear defence, and the collective wisdom will speak.
 
He joined this month, cut him some slack... there are always plenty willing to weigh-in... just skip over it, if you've "been there done that" one too many times...
 
A can of hornet spray in hand, as they shoot a steady stream about 20ft. every bit as effective as pepper spray when hit in the eyes. Or a Remington Versamax with bucksot or slugs.
 
My variation on this is this: In very dense brush, one and only one 0000 or 000 copper plated buffered buckshot of the most premium brand for the first shot if you are legally able to. The rest of the magazine filled with the best slugs you can afford. If you suddenly step into more open terrain with less undergrowth, as soon as it's safe to do so, immediately replace the single buckshot round with another slug.
 
Welcome to the site GunBlast.

Any reliable short barreled 12ga pump with 00 or slugs will do. When I feel the need, I carry my Maverick 88 full of 00, and I'm aiming for the face.
Or just yell, they'll run. :)
 
Throwing rocks and sticks have worked for me when they have been too close. All in all, I don't worry about them too much. Shooting one could get you in some trouble...unless they're in season and you got a tag.
 
Use any big game type rifle you have.
If you don't have any, get a 30-30 in your favourite style. The 30-30 is more than adequate for any bear you will encounter in Ontario.
 
We spent a lot of time in Anchorage on layovers and one of our crewmembers bought a remote acreage out in the sticks and was concerned by the bear problem. His biggest concern was his dog as it would like to roam the area and would sometimes discover a bear on its excursions. Well,the dog would startle the bear, get scared and run home to dad and quite often the bear would chase close behind the dog and end up at the cabin. He told me that his best bear defense was to keep the bloody dog tied up....... He used to carry around a Winchester 30-30 but ended up buying a Ruger Alaskan 44mag pistol. A lot of guys carry one in the back woods in Alaska. Its too bad that we can't do the same here.
He still insists that his best bear defense it to tie up the dog......
 
You say your moving there, you have a dog or considered getting one.
Don't ever leave it outside at night as wolfs or yotes could get it. Besides that if you have a dog with you, you'll never have to worry about black bears at all, so long as your dog is not a TACO BELL dog.
 
Sounds like you are making some big changes. When in doubt do what the locals do, just make sure you pick the right locals. Good luck with that. Head shots are not a good % shot as the bullet/shot might skip. If you are in a bad situation with a bear things will be happening very quickly is the usual scenario. My personal choice is a 12 ga pump with the plug removed and buckshot. There are many good choices but I lean towards the 12 because it is a very versatile gun.
 
Benington said:
Throwing rocks and sticks have worked for me when they have been too close. All in all, I don't worry about them too much. Shooting one could get you in some trouble...unless they're in season and you got a tag.
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You don't have to worry about getting in trouble or having a "bear tag", IF it is truly a defensive situation... Every citizen is allowed to protect themselves from an attacking bear...
 
Imo skip the buckshot and go with slugs and good sights Ghost ring on the back and a blade that glows on the front. Seeing as you are not hunting with the gun a good strong light would be a good idea as well.
 
hoytcanon said:
You don't have to worry about getting in trouble or having a "bear tag", IF it is truly a defensive situation... Every citizen is allowed to protect themselves from an attacking bear...
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Really how many true defence situations do we really get into with an attacking bear in Northern Ont. If you have experience with bears you'll know better. I think it's alittle far fetched to say the least. Twice I've had a bear run at my dog and I stepped in and that was the end of that, no guns envolved. Just be carefull you don't end up in court telling a Judge your story.
 
canadaman30 said:
A can of hornet spray in hand, as they shoot a steady stream about 20ft. every bit as effective as pepper spray when hit in the eyes. Or a Remington Versamax with bucksot or slugs.
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This summer I was forced to use a whole can of bear spray on a German Sheppard that attacked me while walking my dogs (had NO idea neighbors had a new "pet"). I gotta say I got him right in the eyes and it bearly worked well enough for us to escape. I would NOT want to come across a bear with "politically correct spray"!!!! Use a 30 caliber or slugs....We really need to be able to carry sidearm in the bush around here, you just never know what's going to come out of the bushes at you.
 
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