BC bush carry question

Shotguns and .45-70s are largely chosen because traditionally folks view them as "big", even though terminally they're inferior to more modern (even ones introduced in 1903) options. But I think the biggest reason they're chosen is the handy, trim, and relatively snagless guns they're offered in which lend themselves well to bush use. I don't like the .45-70 but I do like a good, non-Remington screwed with stainless Marlin as a platform.
 
Carverk I assume is working on Haida Gwaii which doesn't have grizzly, just black bear and buckshot will certainly change a black bears intentions quick - a grizzly not so much, a different animal all together when it comes to defensive carry.

I wouldn't want to have to defend myself from a black bear with buck either. It would most likely kill the bear, but if it's aggressive and heading right for you all hopped up on adrenaline, it probably won't kill it fast enough.

There is a report on here of a guy shooting one with a 458 lott and it still went like 60 yards. Black bears can be pretty damn tough at times.
 
With a shotgun I go slug, buckshot then the rest slugs. While probably not as lethal on bears. Buckshots pattern is more useful against a moving wolf or cougar.
 
You guys are missing the pont of using a shotgun or 45-70 are used because of the Rainbow trajectory
I think you guys ar mixing up hunting rifle with a working rifle
hunting you want a flat shooting rifle but wen ther is a chance of other working in the same Area a rainbow trajectory has a safety advantage
There is no way you would have a Company issuing 375 ruger as a Defence rifle do to the longer raing the 375 is superior for hunting but not necessarily better wen your working
 
You guys are missing the pont of using a shotgun or 45-70 are used because of the Rainbow trajectory
I think you guys ar mixing up hunting rifle with a working rifle
hunting you want a flat shooting rifle but wen ther is a chance of other working in the same Area a rainbow trajectory has a safety advantage
There is no way you would have a Company issuing 375 ruger as a Defence rifle do to the longer raing the 375 is superior for hunting but not necessarily better wen your working

But, but , then they couldn't argue a moot point of flat shooting or best bear defence gun or what way the wind is blowing or what the Regs are .
How many take the word of the internet as solid advice without reading up on the topic of choice first?
It is better to have a gun and be able to use it than not having one and need to use it.
Rob
 
But, but , then they couldn't argue a moot point of flat shooting or best bear defence gun or what way the wind is blowing or what the Regs are .
How many take the word of the internet as solid advice without reading up on the topic of choice first?
It is better to have a gun and be able to use it than not having one and need to use it.
Rob


Soon the only pump action shotguns will be allowed for wildlife defence on the job sites in BC and Alberta it is Industry pushing this fore safety reasons
I prefer a rifle but soon it won't matter and will have to use a shotgun
I don't make the rules just have to live with them
at least industry is recognizing that thay are responsible and liable for worker safety in the bush and are taking steps in that Direction that is why we see training for hunting guide ,trappers extra as wild life monitor in BC and Alberta

Don't take my Word for ti check out the links
http://www.bearmonitoring.com/services-and-training/

http://www.unbc.ca/continuing-studies/courses/wildlife-monitoring-certificate

http://www.bearmonitoring.com/wp-co...ildlifeMonitorBasicTrainingCourseJune2014.pdf
 
Last edited:
With a shotgun I go slug, buckshot then the rest slugs. While probably not as lethal on bears. Buckshots pattern is more useful against a moving wolf or cougar.

Yeah everyone assumes you're talking about bear when we discuss wilderness protection. Most folks forget that we have big F'n cats here in BC and I'm far more leery of them than I am of Mr Blackie (don't go in Griz country much). That's why my 500 is loaded with 00-buck then a slug then 00-buck....
 
Yeah everyone assumes you're talking about bear when we discuss wilderness protection. Most folks forget that we have big F'n cats here in BC and I'm far more leery of them than I am of Mr Blackie (don't go in Griz country much). That's why my 500 is loaded with 00-buck then a slug then 00-buck....

Let's not forget moose and wolverines
Seen wolverines go after ATV and skidoo's
Thers is a couple rivers between Prince Rupert and Terrace wear wolverines have attacks snowmobiles have you ever had a wolverine move in to your camp and take over it brings a whole new meaning to the word bear Defence
I seen it happen on a nova gold galore creek project in northern BC I had never seen a bunch of miners that scared in my life Haahaaa I know the miners will never forget it lol
 
Last edited:
I wouldn't want to have to defend myself from a black bear with buck either. It would most likely kill the bear, but if it's aggressive and heading right for you all hopped up on adrenaline, it probably won't kill it fast enough.

There is a report on here of a guy shooting one with a 458 lott and it still went like 60 yards. Black bears can be pretty damn tough at times.

As Ardent has indicated and I agree it is the handy sized platforms in the shotgun and Marlin levers that lend them to easier carry while doing other tasks. Everyone isn't going to go getting African rifles for bear carry anytime soon. I have shot many black bear that travel some yardage as well when mortally shot. But their attention is on themselves after mortal wound. Not saying they can't be tough but their attention to kill you at all costs after being mortally wounded isn't there like a grizzly will. But then again if a .450 Lott is useless against them we might as well not bother carrying anything then. I mean why bother with the hassle and extra weight while mushrooming or fishing if they are so ineffective then?
 
I grew up in Stuwart BC Grizly bear encounters was the norm
I also work expiration and put up remote fly camps in northern BC and do wildlife monter work for mining companies up north bin doing it for 25 sum years in northern BC
Last 5 years bin pipelining in Alberta don't see a lot of Grizly but I have seen sum
the helicopter rigging is my specialty so I'm off on my own a lot in sum of the most remotest places in BC

Okay didn't know that. I too believe that buck is marginal for Griz but I guess you have to use what you are allowed to have and use by WorkSafe. Better than nothing I guess.
 
Talked to a retired RCMP member who worked mostly the western provinces.
His opinion regarding 00 buckshot in 12 gauge and on a grizzly.
It will work with a head shot. But you have to be damn damn close.
Such as 15 yards or less close. You gotta have big brass ones to stand and deliver though!! (because you will only have time for one shot)
 
Last edited:
Talked to a retired RCMP member who worked mostly the western provinces.
His opinion regarding 00 buckshot in 12 gauge and on a grizzly.
It will work with a head shot. But you have to be damn damn close.
Such as 15 yards or less close. You gotta have big brass ones to stand and deliver though!! (because you will only have time for one shot)


I tried buckshot on are small deer at about 15 yards it was still poor results haven't tried it at 10 yards yet
 
my mossberg cruiser loaded with slug/buck alternate is my standard camp gun.i've yet to have anyone question me about it,and i'm out in the bush fishing every weekend as soon as the ice melts.
 
I've used buckshot on bears with great and poor results. The key is range (which can be extended with a choke tube) and shot placement. (Head is good, body works at close range but is not an instant KO)

Good slugs are better, but in places where over travel or over penetration could be an issue, you use what you gotta use.
 
Talked to a retired RCMP member who worked mostly the western provinces.
His opinion regarding 00 buckshot in 12 gauge and on a grizzly.
It will work with a head shot. But you have to be damn damn close.
Such as 15 yards or less close. You gotta have big brass ones to stand and deliver though!! (because you will only have time for one shot)

I'd check carefully to see if he's actually done it, rather than in theory, that's not a common RCMP duty in the west. This is a grizzly skull on a standard Rubbermaid, at the very back of it is an orange sized brain behind a serious wall of muscle and slanted bone in the way. You can comfortably put a large black bear skull in his jaws without over extending him. Forgive the black and white, was to reduce the gore factor, not necessary on a hunting forum.

I carry buck from time to time too, mainly because I don't feel you always need to carry a gun and it beats nothing, so I suppose I put very little stock in it.. I wouldn't try and use buck on a grizzly except at smell their breath distance for fear of a Revenant level mauling, would want to be 2-3 yards and hopefully the column of lead hasn't separated from the wad and you're using it as a multi piece slug.

This all said I don't like slugs either particularly, but carry those too from time to time because the guns are cheap and tough. Staring to ramble but it's all .375 now that the titanium ultralight Mauser is done.

 
This is a god setup you can also apply for a free miner permit and make your trip text deductible
With free miner permit if a CO stop you which is highly unlikely just pull out you Permit and shake the mans hand and wish him a good day

If your working for a exploration company ask about the Company policy on fire arms first
Thy may have hire wildlife monitors already in wich case you may not be allowed a fire arm at work
if your prospecting on your own or partnership don't worry about it as your the boss

I thought that the Free Miner Permit was the way to go until I read this from the BC Govt website;

An FMC does not authorize you:

to use a FMC for purposes other than activities directly related to mineral or placer exploration and mining;
to use your title for residential or recreational purposes;
to place any structure (cabin, greenhouse, garbage) on your title;
to conduct any mining activity (exploration, road building) without approval from a Regional Mines Office;
to hunt, fish or acquire or carry a firearm.

Perhaps there's more to it ??
 
Back
Top Bottom